You should constantly be on the lookout for these gems when shopping at thrift stores.
Thrift shopping often proves daunting for numerous individuals—given the vast assortment of items available, it can be challenging to discern which pieces truly deserve a spot in one’s home and which should remain on the store racks. To gain insight, we consulted various experts.
secondhand
Shopping specialists located across the South can help you discover eight categories of valuable items that you shouldn’t overlook when shopping.
thrifting
We’re also providing three useful tips to remember when shopping, ensuring you only take home items that are genuinely worth it.
Related:
10 Items You Should Definitely Scavenge for Your Space, As Recommended by Interior Experts
Must-Have Items To Consider
Silver
Silver or silver-plated items are always worth checking out at thrift stores, according to Ellie Christopher. The Birmingham-based founder of…
Ellie Christopher Interior Design
noting that numerous items will bear inscriptions underneath indicating where they were made. “It’s at this point that having connections with experienced sellers proves beneficial,” she says. “Feel free to inquire, as most should be glad to share information regarding the creator and background of these pieces.”
Well Made Chairs
Chairs with excellent craftsmanship are definitely worth purchasing, according to Christopher. “I am particularly fond of Biedermeier furniture, typically crafted from materials like cherry, ash, and oak,” he states. “These items usually feature a minimalist geometric design along with a light-colored finish.” He adds that many such chairs often include embellishments such as burl wood or book-matched veneers. It’s also important to remember that chair upholstery can be updated over time as necessary.
Products Crafted from Premium Materials
Stephanie Wells suggests avoiding the temptation to search exclusively for a specific type of item when thrift shopping. Instead, she advises being attentive to various high-quality materials. Among her top picks are items made from brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, among others. “By broadening your focus to encompass different types of materials,” explains the founder, “you’ll likely discover much more.”
The Bonnie & Blithe Line
, located in Baltimore, Maryland. “You might even hit the jackpot.”
Original Art
Hailey Covington, who founded the company based in Seabrook, Texas,
Gulf Coast Grandmillennial
recommends holding onto authentic artworks found at thrift stores. “In contrast to reproductions, these singular pieces infuse a space with a distinctive ambiance, rendering it entirely exclusive,” she explains. “To spot worthwhile finds, search for superior construction, premium components, and innovative patterns that catch your eye.” Additionally, you can be assured of not feeling remorse over this kind of buy. She further notes, “Such acquisitions often retain their worth and inject an unmistakable flair into any living area.”
Looking for a number or signature is another method to ascertain if an artwork is authentic, and the materials used can also offer clues, according to Emi Deilus, who co-founded the initiative based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Lainey James Collective
“Canvases and linen paper carry weight as they signify an original piece compared to something like poster board,” she explains. However, “Artwork remains highly subjective, and if I perceive its beauty, that can often be the only value it requires,” Deilus notes.
Books
Deilus discovered that numerous customers enjoy displaying vintage books on their shelves or coffee tables and often seeks out intriguing titles during thrift shopping. “Highlighting that a book is a first edition or discovering an autographed copy by the author can significantly increase its value,” she explains. “I’m constantly searching for books with distinctive bindings, unusual materials, or highly decorative covers.”
China
According to Deilus, brands such as Wedgwood, Limoges, Herend, Waterford, Meissen, and Fenton are renowned for their superior quality and attract many collectors. However, she notes that the reputation of a brand doesn’t tell the whole story. “Currently,” she explains, “displaying plates on walls has become quite fashionable in interior design; therefore, we see more worth in vibrant, intricate, and visually appealing pieces.”
Timeless Pieces
If you come across an enduring decorative item at the thrift shop, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on it. Covington would gladly bring home blue and white ceramics along with brass pieces. “These items possess a cozy, old-fashioned charm and can readily be restored to appear magnificent,” she explains.
Things That Delight You
Despite an object’s true monetary worth, it’s valuable to bring home if it genuinely excites you, according to Allison Bannister, the founder of Salem, Virginia-based company.
Antiques with Allison
“Exploring thrift stores is always enjoyable, but keep in mind that if something brings you happiness, it becomes special and precious irrespective of how much it costs,” she states.
Wells expresses comparable views. She states, “It’s incredibly exciting to find treasure at a thrift shop, yet the crucial question to ponder is whether the item truly appeals to you and enhances the warmth of your living space.” Additionally, she notes, “One can never predict which pieces might become cherished treasures over time.”
Advice to Remember When You’re Out Shopping:
Look for Maker’s Marks
When you’re at the thrift store, feel free to flip an item over to examine it closely. You could discover some interesting details! Stamps or makers’ marks are frequently found on the bottom side of objects. “These notations usually signify a higher value or significant discovery, plus they can be very helpful for determining the age,” explains Nicole Gard, who owns the shop.
Atlas + Forage Vintage
In Owensboro, Kentucky. “You never know when you might stumble upon a distinctive antique from the mid-1800s or that rare collectible stamp from the 1940s.”
Utilize Google Image Search
When thrift shopping, reverse Google image searches can be incredibly useful. “It allows you to swiftly determine whether you’ve found something truly valuable,” notes Wells. However, he cautions, “Be wary because counterfeit versions of genuine pieces do exist.” This means every detail counts! Keep in mind though; the prices appearing from such searches might not always reflect the true worth of an object. According to Kristyn McCray, who co-founded Lainey James Collective, “While online auctions may list some items for several hundred dollars each, it doesn’t necessarily mean they were successfully sold at those rates. The valuation often depends on both sellers’ expectations and buyers’ willingness to pay.”
Do Not Purchase an Item Exclusively Based on Its Worth
As mentioned earlier, objects that bring joy hold the greatest value. “Should you find yourself unsure about how to utilize an item or incorporate it into your living space, let it go,” advises McCray from Vienna, Virginia. “You wouldn’t want a collection of decor pieces that lack cohesion and make you feel less accomplished.” Remember, she emphasizes, “Nobody who visits your house will be aware of what anything cost—unless you choose to share that information!”
Related:
The Least Expected Gems You Can Discover at the Thrift Shop
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