7 Thrift Store Finds Interior Designers Love for Transforming a Home

Vintage Chandeliers

Lighting can make or break the ambience of your space. While the magic is in the layering, having a statement fixture—like a vintage chandelier—with which to layer is a spectacular way to bring some drama. These pieces can instantly take a space from dull to dynamic, says Jennifer Jones, the principal designer at Niche Interiors.

Look for ones with patina, texture, movement, or a finish that feels more antique than modern. Consider swapping out bulbs and adding or replacing crystals to fit your style. Jones recommends testing the fixture in-store to ensure it works and has no loose sockets.

Art

Adding art to your walls is a surefire way to make your mark—and shopping for it secondhand is the perfect bridge between mass-produced décor and auction house treasures. Interior designer Carolyn Thomas agrees. “Art doesn’t need to be expensive or important; it only needs to move you personally,” she says.

Go for a theme or create an eclectic look that mixes and matches pieces from all genres and eras. Jones recommends choosing larger works with bold colors and strong compositions. “A good rule of thumb is that the piece should span two-thirds the width of the sofa or console table that it hangs above," she says.

Hutches and China Cabinets

Secondhand hutches and China cabinets are a fabulous way to bring new life to a room. "Mixing old-world pieces with new, custom-designed furniture is a fantastic way to create a unique and inviting space,” says interior designer Bridget Cooper.

Case items like these do double duty for storage and display, allowing you to stash that collection of vases or turn them into décor by putting them where they can be admired.

When shopping, pay attention to the piece's "bones"—its shape, size, construction, and ornamental details. Beyond that, a hutch or cabinet can be stripped, stained, or painted; its hardware can be replaced, and you can embellish it further by wallpapering the back.

Rugs

Rugs are one of the easiest ways to transform a space, delivering color, pattern, texture, and warmth. They also generally come with a hefty price tag—but beautiful ones can be found secondhand, with a caveat. You will want to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

"Of course, you should take them straight to the cleaner, but I’ve found wall hangings, great throw rugs, and random pieces of fabric that can quickly breathe new life into a space,” says Thomas.

Bar Carts

Bring on the swank! Whether you are a consummate entertainer or just love the idea of functional furniture, adding a vintage bar cart injects a quick dose of personality into a space. “From art deco to neoclassical to streamlined modern, find a piece that speaks to you, and you'll have an instant conversation starter,” says Cooper. When styling your cart, think outside the box; vintage glassware and pretty spirits are a must, but decanters, vases with flowers, a table lamp, and other décor items will pull it all together.

Lamps

Whether a large lamp for essential light or a smaller one for layering, lamps can change the look and feel of a room in no time. Thrift stores provide a parade of unique offerings that will bring so much character to your home. It may be difficult to track down pairs, says Thomas, but one-off lamps are a great way to build vignettes and make a statement in any room. And if you do find a pair, get them both—even if you are just looking for a single. You never know when you will suddenly need a pair of matching lamps.

Vintage Textiles

Tapestries, woven coverlets, quilts, tablecloths, curtains ... there's nothing like vintage fiber pieces to bring a sense of softness to your home. Items like these can break up a neutral bedroom or living room and add visual interest, explains Jones. Use a quilt for wall art or to craft a headboard, drape textiles over a couch or chair, or use remnants to make pillow shams—the sky's the limit. (Just make sure you have textiles cleaned before snuggling up with them.)