7 Valuable Décor Items That You Can Find at the Thrift Store, According to Experts

You don't always have to break the bank to find a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. In fact, there are often home décor gems just waiting on thrift store shelves, tossed haphazardly among chipped mugs and glass candlesticks. However, sorting out the everyday items from the valuable ones does require a bit of know-how.

Fortunately, we've got you covered. We spoke to several vintage and design experts about how to recognize truly valuable décor items at the thrift store. Be sure to snap these up if you see them!

Silver-Plated Serving Utensils

Most vintage lovers know that sterling silver is always worth picking at the thrift store. But there's also good reason to pick up silver-plated serving utensils—particularly if you're looking for pretty and quirky pieces to add to your china cabinet.

John Jones, vice president of estates and valuations at New Orleans Auction Galleries, explains that you'll often find silver-plated utensils at reasonable prices. This is especially true if you're open to more specific items, like pieces designed for asparagus, pickles, olives, tomatoes, and strawberries.

"On a recent Saturday morning of estate sale hunting, I stumbled upon a pair of plated tongs with elaborated, claw-foot details," he says. "After a little research, I was delighted to learn that this specific piece was for serving fried chicken! This is most likely a regional piece, given the popularity of fried chicken in most Southern kitchens."

Creamware

Creamware is a specific type of earthenware that is, fittingly, a cream color. It's often accented with details that resemble latticework or lace. Due to its unsuspecting color, it can easily find its way to thrift store shelves.

Jones explains that creamware was initially popular from the 1700s to the 1800s—collectors later developed an interest in it due to its affordability and prevalence.

"Large creamware pieces, such as covered tureens, can be highly sought-after and valuable," he says. "I remember my grandmother, who was of English origin, setting her 'do not touch' Easter table with her prized creamware collection."

Staffordshire Dogs

Staffordshire dogs are well-known in certain design circles, but they're not an unusual sight in thrift stores.

Virginia Chamlee, author of Big Thrift Energy, notes that she's found a number of these porcelain canines at thrift stores over the years. "All are quite collectible, and it's so rare to find a pair," she says. "I sourced a black pair at a Goodwill in Florida; I think I paid $20 for both."

And if you don't mind picking up one rather than two, you might be able to find an unbeatable deal. Chamlee recalls finding a circa 1930s Staffordshire greyhound at a thrift store for just $5.

Wedgwood

The charming, blue-and-white Wedgwood pieces are a perennial favorite of secondhand collectors— but it's not unusual to find smaller pieces at a thrift store. "[It's] easy to find secondhand, and [it] won’t break the bank," says Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design.

Look for the soft, muted shades of periwinkle blue, sage green, and blush pink, along with the signature white relief designs. "You could hang the plates on the walls," she adds.

Mint Julep Cups

You'll almost certainly recognize this classic silver cup. While the style was initially designed to hold mint juleps, now they can be easily found secondhand—and are often used as decorative items.

“Julep cups add a spot of silver to any room and a punch of sleek style to any corner," says Laura Lee Gilbert, owner of L. Gilbert Design. "They’re also incredibly versatile—perfect for holding flowers or corralling pens."

Victorian Crazy Quilts

The term crazy quilts refers to a specific type of quilt that was popular in the Victorian era.

"These were less about utility and more about artistry," says Marlise Kast, owner of Brick n'Barn. "They were lavish showpieces stitched from silks, satins, velvets, and brocades, and adorned with fanciful embroidery."

They were prized during their time, but their quirky style didn't always resonate with younger family members. Eventually, many ended up in the donation pile.

"For those who appreciate their history and craftsmanship, crazy quilts remain beautiful reminders of creativity, care, and the stories women stitched into every seam," Kast adds.

Mid-Century Studio Pottery

Studio pottery dating back to the midcentury design era often ends up in thrift stores, says Kast. Their earthy colors and nature-driven styles resemble pieces that could cost a fortune in a high-end home boutique.