8 Things You're Doing Wrong When Shopping at Thrift Stores

It doesn't take much to get hooked. You walk into a thrift store, find something remarkable, attempt to stifle your gleeful gasp when you notice the price, and leave with something that will bring you joy for years. Whether it's a blouse of luxury linen or the purple cabbageware plate of your dreams, finding unique, quality-made, sustainable items is an infinite win-win. That said, even for secondhand pros it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and make some rookie mistakes. Ahead, we spoke to design insiders about what not to do when hitting the thrift store.

Buying Too Much Stuff

"The number one mistake is buying way too many things," says Anaïs Chaumien, interior designer and owner of Design by Anaïs. "You see something that looks good, that is a great deal, so you think you have to bring it home." It's hard when you come across a host of beautiful objects—but too much stuff can easily become too much of a good thing. Keep a list of items you want or need and try to stick to it, lest you end up with a house full of clutter that you'll need to ... take to the thrift store.

Skipping the Sniff Test

"It might sound gross, but foregoing the sniff test at the store could make for an even grosser experience once you bring your item home," says Ashley Poskin, an interior stylist and DIY expert. "I recently forgot to do this and brought home an adorable set of vintage hand-embroidered pillowcases, only to discover they smelled like cigarette smoke once I got home. Unfortunately, this smell is one of the most difficult to remove, so back to the donation bin they went."

Veering Too Far From Your Aesthetic

Using thrift store décor is a fabulous way to embrace a unique and eclectic style, but be careful not to go too eclectic. Chaumien uses the example of an ornate vintage frame to explain this easy-to-make mistake. Even if you love this vintage frame, if you have a super minimalist aesthetic, it won’t fit," she says. You don’t want to buy it, come home, and discover you have no way to make it work."

Trying to Haggle

While you may have luck at a flea market, trying to get a price reduction at a thrift store is less likely to happen. (And it's actually uncomely when it's a charity thrift store.) "Cashiers are rarely responsible for pricing, so asking them to lower a price for you is just a waste of time and puts them in an awkward place," says Poskin. "My take on overpriced goods: I don’t need them, so I just walk away."

Not Bringing Along Measurements

Another tip from Chaumien is to always have measurements with you—this can be for full rooms or spaces you want to fill. Keep a list on your phone of measurements for furniture pieces, art, rugs, and other items for which size and space are relevant. "I would also advise having a way to take measurements inside the store," she says. Having a measuring tape in your bag will do the trick.

Glossing Over the Details

Don't let a great price keep you from inspecting a piece and considering what it will need to be home-ready; it could cost you way more than the attractive price tag. "I’ve found some amazing deals on really cool furniture at thrift stores, but some were in need of new upholstery," says Poskin. "Don’t forget to consider the total cost of the chair you might have your eye on, including new upholstery. Your $24.99 deal could end up costing closer to $499."

Neglecting to Inspect Framed Artwork

You probably can't wait to hang a new piece of thrifted artwork, but you’ll want to inspect it thoroughly before bringing it inside. "Once home, open the frame and inspect the layers," advises Poskin. "You might find bugs behind the glass, you might even find some cash stashed away, or you could find nothing. Either way, this is a good practice to get into and can help avoid bringing bed bugs into your home."

Not Asking About Coupons and Sales

While we already admonished you for trying to haggle, that's not to say secondhand stores don't offer official discounts. "Most stores offer a 20 percent off coupon if you have a donation or if you’re on their mailing list," says Poskin. "So don’t forget to toss your donation bag in the car with you before you head out, and hop online beforehand to sign up for their mailing list!" Many stores also have sale days or will mark down inventory that's been on the floor for a certain amount of time, so be sure to ask.