9 Furnishings You Should Never Buy at the Thrift Store, According to Pros

Anything Upholstered

One category that experts agree to be wary of purchasing secondhand is upholstered furniture—especially old sofas, armchairs, and chaise lounges.

"These pieces are difficult to clean thoroughly and can harbor issues like lingering odors, deep-set stains, allergens, and pests, such as bed bugs or clothes moths," says Nicolas Martin, founder of Flea Market Insiders and Fleamapket. "Even if something looks clean on the surface, you never know what’s lurking inside the fabric or stuffing."

Of course, you can always have a piece professionally reupholstered if it has a solid frame, but it can get pricey, so consider if it's actually worth the cost.

Lighting That Needs Rewiring

Thrift stores can be treasure troves for stunning lamp shades and antique lamps. However, you'll want to be extra scrupulous and make sure they're actually ready to use.

"Often, these pieces need to be rewired—and can be a fire hazard if you don't," says Kate Pearce, interior designer and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage. "Again, not that rewiring is impossible, but it's an extra cost that you should calculate before buying the piece."

Children's Furniture

Children's furniture, such as cribs and highchairs, can be a gamble to buy primarily due to ever-changing child safety laws.

"The most obvious item is the slats on cribs," says Bene Raia, auctioneer, appraiser, and founder of Raia Auctioneers. "The width recommendations on crib slats have changed over the years to avoid strangulation, and the mechanisms on highchairs are so heavily regulated that if you purchase one from a thrift store, there’s a big chance that the item doesn't meet current safety standards."

Veneered Furniture

Veneered furniture can be deceptively attractive since it has the appearance of solid wood.

"A thin sheet of decorative wood veneer can make a piece look polished, but if it’s chipped, peeling, or lifting, it's usually best to walk away," says Martin. "Veneer damage is difficult to fix properly, and patchy repairs rarely look seamless."

Damaged Wicker or Rattan

When thrifting or buying vintage, it can be helpful to look at the potential of an item, rather than immediately writing it off. However, when it comes to damaged rattan or wicker furniture, the potential to bring it back to life can be slim.

"Beautiful vintage pieces—like those by [designers] Thonet, Gatti, or Drucker—can be collectible, but they’re notoriously difficult to repair if they break or rip," says Martin. "Restoration is expensive and time-consuming, so unless you have the necessary skills or a specialist on hand, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth."

Pieces Made With Natural Fibers

Natural fibers like silk, wool, and linen can feel luxurious on furniture. However, they also hold onto moisture, which can harbor unwanted issues down the road. 

"Old moisture traps mildew, mold, mites, and other pests. The one material that I absolutely avoid purchasing from the thrift store is wool," Rene adds. "Tiny moths and their eggs are always invariably embedded in the wool, and one might not notice until several weeks after you brought the piece home."

Rugs

Rugs are another tricky item to buy secondhand because they require so much upkeep.

"While a vintage, hand-knotted rug can be a fantastic investment, many rugs at thrift stores are machine-made and cost more to clean than they’re worth," Martin says. "Unless you're certain that it's a genuine vintage or antique piece, it's often better to pass—especially if it shows signs of wear or has odors."

Ivory or Tortoiseshell Items

Ivory, tortoiseshell, or coral pieces can feel like unique finds, but they're best avoided—unless you're absolutely sure of their provenance.

"Without proper documentation, owning or transporting them—especially across international borders—can put you at legal risk," Martin notes. "In the UK, for example, antiques with carved ivory from before 1947 may be legal under certain conditions. However, the rules vary widely by country, and enforcement is becoming stricter."

Mattresses

Mattresses are best left at the store rather than in your bedroom, for the same reasons you wouldn't want to buy upholstered furniture. "I would not want to sleep on someone's old mattress and, again, you risk bringing bed bugs into your home," says Pearce.