8 Thrift Store Finds That Add Unique Style to Your Home, According to Designers

Ceramics and Pottery

Handmade pottery and ceramic pieces bring a one-of-a-kind softness that mass-produced items can't replicate. Finding them at a thrift store or receiving them as a passed-down piece makes them even more of a conversation starter, too.

"A hand-thrown bowl, interesting glazed cups, or a chunky vase brings texture and warmth that no mass-produced version can replicate," Fathers says. "I love to use them as unique organizers and containers that are functional and beautiful and add so much more personality."

Vintage Frames and Artwork

Scoping out vintage picture frames and art doesn't have to go hand in hand. If the artwork isn't the final story, look past it; the frame can still be salvaged and reused to elevate a room, Chappetto and Fathers say.

"And on the other hand, great artwork is often overlooked because it’s paired with a heavy or dated frame," Chappetto adds. "Take the art out, reframe it in something more modern, or even hang the canvas as-is to completely transform the look."

The key to styling vintage, ornate frames is to mix them with more modern artwork or prints. "That contrast feels a little unexpected, and that’s where the magic is," Chappetto says.

Small-Scale Wood Furniture

Artisan, small wood furniture pieces add character to living spaces and bring a sense of heritage that can anchor a room, Fathers says.

Look for items like stools, side tables, and benches at the thrift store. In many cases, you don't even need to refinish them, Chappetto says. "That aged patina is often exactly what the room needs."

Books

Books are an often-overlooked décor element that adds personality to interior spaces, beyond bookshelves and home libraries. Chappetto says to keep an eye out for volumes with worn spines and soft color variation, since they create depth that styled shelves often lack.

The key to a great find is to choose topics that genuinely interest you, such as travel, birds, fashion, or cars. You can also build a collection of classics, if that feels more like your style. "Just don’t get books to get books," she adds. "The connection matters."

Brass and Aged Metal Items

Brass accent pieces and other aged metals, like candlesticks and trays, make excellent thrift store finds. "These pieces catch light differently and add warmth that feels layered, not like everything was purchased all at once," Chappetto says. "I love a collection of mismatched brass candlesticks grouped on a dining table with fresh florals. It creates such an easy but elevated centerpiece."

Vintage Mirrors

Nothing adds depth and light to a space quite like a vintage mirror. "An ornate gilt frame or a simple wood one reads as intentional and can bring personality to a wall as well as function," Fathers says.

Mirrors make a smart addition to living spaces because they reflect light and act almost like an extra window, she adds. When placed thoughtfully, a vintage mirror can also frame a beautiful view, creating a striking visual moment within the room.

Woven Baskets and Trays

Woven baskets and trays bring organic texture to a space, and help corral everyday items in a way that feels lived-in, rather than overly styled. Fathers says she uses them constantly during the staging project because they're both functional and beautiful.

Table Lamps

"A lamp with a great silhouette, even with a dated shade, is worth grabbing," Fathers says. "Swap the shade for something linen or neutral, and you've got a custom-looking piece for a great price."