9 Patio Décor Pieces to Thrift Now Before Summer Arrives

Planters

"One thing I definitely keep my eye out for is planters, specifically those made of terracotta, cast iron, or concrete," says Kate Pearce, an interior stylist and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage. She advises skipping planters made from cheaper materials, as they tend to wear down quickly outdoors and are often just as affordable to purchase new.

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Teak outdoor furniture is an especially valuable thrift store find. Known for its durability, these pieces can last for years and still look beautiful, says Pearce, even when purchased secondhand.

If you only find one or two pieces, consider it a win. You can always build your collection over time—keep checking your local shop, as new teak items may appear that you can add to your setup for the warmer months.

Garden Statuaries

Garden statuaries are a whimsical way to bring seasonal charm to your outdoor space. These pieces are often made from durable materials like concrete or iron, says Pearce, making them well-suited to withstand the elements while adding character to your garden or patio.

Tablecloths and Linens

Some outdoor essentials are easy to find secondhand, and tablecloths and linens are no exception. "Table cloths are great to thrift. It’s ok if they get dirty, and you can get quite a few uses out of them," says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, founder of secondhand home décor shop Portland Revibe. "If they do happen to stain permanently, you could get crafty and even dye or bleach them a certain way to create a new look."

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Beverage Buckets

Hosting essentials, such as beverage buckets, are a great secondhand find. Jochim-Smoot recommends thinking beyond traditional options and getting creative with what you discover. "There are a plethora of larger crystal and ceramic bowls at the thrift shop that are the perfect shape to turn into a table top ice bucket for your beverages of choice," she says.

Flower Vases

It's best to keep your more delicate flower vases indoors, which leaves thrifted options as a practical choice for outdoor styling. Look for sturdy, well-made pieces that can serve as table centerpieces or accent a coffee table in a seating area.

Hanging Lanterns

Jochim-Smoot recommends searching for hanging lanterns to add to your outdoor patio setup. Adding unique light fixtures can instantly create a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Hanging lanterns, in particular, offer both function and charm, which makes the outdoor space feel more intimate.

Vintage styles made of metal, glass, or woven materials look the best. You can hang them from pergolas, tree branches, or hooks to layer the lighting at different heights.

Outdoor Serveware

Using cutting boards as serving trays is a smart choice for outdoor spaces because they're not easily breakable. They add warmth, texture, and depth to your food display, too, says Jochim-Smoot.

They can double as a convenient prep surface for slicing garnishes or drink ingredients while you're outside. "I love using old cutting boards to present serving tools, food, and snacks for outdoor gatherings," she adds.

Enamel Cast-Iron Patio Furniture

Heavy, enamel-coated cast-iron patio furniture is a timeless thrift store find that can last for decades. "They are easy to restore and tend to have a lot of life in them because they’re very hardy material," says Jochim-Smoot. She adds that thicker plastic pieces can still be worth considering, but you should check that they have not become brittle with age or sun exposure.

When shopping for outdoor furniture, prioritize quality above all else. Pieces need to withstand spring and summer weather, so sturdy materials and solid construction are key to ensuring they hold up over time.