How to Thrift Shop Like an Interior Designer

In a time when you can decorate your home with a few swipes or clicks, thrift shopping can seem like an antiquated endeavor. (The amount of time and research is at odds with today's emphasis on instant gratification.) But if you're looking for beautiful, budget-friendly items that speak to your unique sense of style, slow and steady wins the race.

Unlike antiquing—which is similar in theory but different in practice—thrift shopping celebrates the art of buying secondhand. "When you go thrift shopping, you may come across an amazing French antique that's 100 years old, a vintage piece from the '80s, or a recently manufactured item from West Elm at a major discount," says Paige Kontrafouris, an interior designer and stylist. "It's an open book of what you can find, whereas you know that an antique store has very old pieces and collectibles from the start."

Anyone can go thrift shopping, but separating your new treasure from another person's trash can be easier said than done. To help, we asked designers to share their top tips for thrift shopping like a pro.