10 Things You Should Always Thrift For Your Home, According To Designers

Source like a Southern designer by looking for these ten items, revealed by the pros themselves.

Design inspiration is everywhere—from magazines to Pinterest, However, some of the best inspiration comes from treasure hunting. Heading to charity shops and estate sales to purchase things secondhand saves money and helps you discover one-of-a-kind items that will have your savviest friends asking where you found your pieces. From small accent items to full-scale major purchases, here are ten things you should thrift instead of buying from a chain store, according to the experts.

Meet the Experts

• Maggie Griffin is the owner and principal designer of Maggie Griffin Design in Gainesville, Georgia.

• Jen Bienvenu is an antique dealer and the interior decorator behind J. Bienvenu Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Audra Samnotra is the owner of Social Swan Decor in Tampa, Florida.

• Stephanie Calderon is the principal designer and CEO Stephanie Calderon Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Glassware

A selection of clear glass could be an assortment of items like vases, drinking glasses, and candle holders. But, according to designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in Gainesville, Georgia, you can score big in the glassware sections at antique malls and thrift stores. "Bold colors, pretty details, and unusual designs always add interest and personality to a tabletop," she says. Because many pass over the sea of glass, you may even find high-end brands. That way, you can stock your bar with crystal stems by Waterford or pick up one-of-a-kind blown drinkware.

Original Art

It’s a simple fix to head to a retail store and grab wall art to fill an empty wall, but buying paintings secondhand can make your home feel more luxurious. Plus, you'd be surprised at how economical thrifting original art can be. "I love thrifting an unknown or naive still life, landscape, or portrait painting," says Jen Bienvenu of J. Bienvenu Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky. "This ensures you won't have the same big box store, printed-and-framed art as your neighbor." Plus, if you have original artwork, the resale value will be higher than a mass-produced piece.

Chairs

Vintage chairs are another unsung hero lurking in most charity shops. Whether you need a sturdy office chair, a cushiony accent piece, or a pair of wingbacks, seeing a plethora of chairs may seem overwhelming. However, gems await if you're willing to search. "Chairs quickly bring vibrant and rich histories into your home," reveals Audra Samnotra, the owner of Social Swan Decor in Tampa, Florida. She also says not to overlook upholstered seating because you don't like the fabric. "You can reupholster them, which is a fantastic way to get a unique custom piece that's really special."

Conversely, Bienvenu draws design inspiration from fabric chairs. "My favorite way to build a room is around a chair with original upholstery," she says. If seating has vintage fabric in good condition, consider it a bonus, as recovering sometimes bears a high price tag, depending on the piece. "Most of the time, I'll spend as much on the chair as I would have to spend on the fabric or labor alone," adds Bienvenu.

Decorative Accents

Walking into a resale shop and seeing a mass of decor items can be frustrating. Not only are there a lot of pieces, but depending on the level of organization at the shop, it can seem like junk at first glance. But with a willing spirit and the ability to envision items in your space, you can find interesting pieces for your home.

Designer Stephanie Calderon of Stephanie Calderon Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoys scouring resale stores for items to style bookshelves and coffee tables. "Among our cherished finds are decorative accents like exquisite candlesticks, elegant vases, and charming bowls sourced from thrift stores," she says. Calderon also looks for hardcover books and pays attention to the spines, not the fragile jackets. If you remove the paper covers, decorative books instantly become a cost-effective way to add color and interest to a space.

Mirrors

Bienvenu has one big money-saving secret: thrift mirrors for your home. From accenting an entryway to becoming a bathroom staple, these reflective pieces come in all shapes and sizes at secondhand stores. "I spend at least 50% less on beautifully carved wood and gilded mirrors than I would if I had to purchase the mirror new," reveals Bienvenu. In addition to costing less, there are the added benefits of mirrors being higher quality and having naturally antiqued finishes on the glass and framing—all of which new mirrors are trying to mimic.

Vintage Linens

If you're looking for linens, become familiar with your local stores, as each displays them differently. Some lay them flat, others hang them up, and the last set tosses them into a bin. No matter how they're merchandised, take notice of these home staples. "Flip through vintage linens to see if there are any old monograms that resemble your own, a pretty embroidery on the hem, or unique patterns that will elevate your next dinner party," recommends Griffin. Imagine finding a beautifully monogrammed pillowcase for yourself or, better yet, a gift for a loved one.

Tiles

Although they're more scarce, you can score big if you find vintage tiles. Not only can you use them as coasters or small art pieces, but if you find enough, you can incorporate them into bathrooms, backsplashes, and outdoor focal points. "Vintage tiles are showstoppers," says Samnotra. "Once they are laid, they bring instant character and richness to any space." Either try a small DIY project or ask your contractor to pepper these antique beauties throughout a tiling project in your home.

Lamps

Oh, the lamps you will find waiting at the thrift store. Lighting is readily available and often economical, from glass and brass to wood and ceramic. "Classical lamp bodies like urn, gourd, and jar shapes are hiding all over thrift shops," reveals Bienvenu. Although these gems are sometimes paired with outdated or dirty lampshades, replacing a shade is an easy fix. When heading out to look for lamps, take a lightbulb along to test them in-store, but also consider rewiring nonfunctional pieces. Another secret is to be on the lookout for specific makers. Bienvenu keeps her eye out for brands she calls "the greats," like Frederick Cooper, Chapman, or Marbro.

Related: 9 Brands You Should Always Look For When Thrifting And Antiquing

Kitchenware

When adding personality to kitchen and dining spaces, Calderon seeks out unique kitchenware—think plates, cups, bowls, and utensils—to inject charm. "Thrift stores offer a vast array of options accumulated over generations, presenting unmatched selections not found in retail stores today," she adds. Collecting plates and silverware at secondhand shops can add an heirloom element to your gatherings, even if the pieces are new to your collection. Plus, if you love an eclectic vibe, you can thrift pieces one at a time for a more artful look.

Related: 40 Plate Walls That Serve Up Inspiration

Furniture

Of course, any thrifting list would be remiss if furniture was absent, as it was the most common item mentioned by our Southern experts. Side and accent tables, chests of drawers, buffets, desks, and dining tables are all pieces that stand the test of time and are readily available secondhand. Plus, if you head to an auction or look on Facebook Marketplace, you'll often find folks offloading large pieces at a steal. "We frequently uncover incredible deals on well-crafted, solid wood pieces that would otherwise have steep prices," says Calderon. Getting more for your money—in quality or quantity—is a fabulous way to stock your home.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.