10 Winter Décor Items to Always Buy at Thrift Stores

neutral family room with velvet chair and antlers hanging above fireplace — Credit: Jesse Chehak

Winter is a season filled with change, from colder weather to shorter days. With this shift comes a desire to spend more time at home, which is often accompanied by the urge to make your space as cozy and inviting as possible. To help you do so on a budget, we spoke to vintage experts and interior designers who shared the winter décor items you should always buy at thrift stores. These pieces will encourage you to indulge in a winter spent cozied up indoors.

Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux Vintage & Antiques
Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors
Hannah Oravec, interior designer and owner of Lawless Design
Jennifer Prince, owner of it’s FOUND Vintage

01 of 10

Candle Holders

Candlelight is key when curating an inviting space. Take your tapers a step further by displaying them in vintage candle holders. Like many other metal antiques, vintage candlesticks have a beautiful patina that can’t be easily mass-produced by modern retailers. “They look great mixed with a variety of styles and heights; just be sure to look for candlesticks in a similar finish, such as aged brass, for a more cohesive look,” says Jennifer Jones, principal interior designer at Niche Interiors.

02 of 10

Wool Blankets and Rugs

vintage rug modern farmhouse entryway hall — Credit: Joe Schmelzer

Winter is all about being cozy, and warm textiles are as cozy as it gets. When thrifting, look for thick wool blankets and rugs to make your home feel like a safe haven from the cold winter weather. “These items are often far superior in quality to new machine-made rugs and synthetic blankets,” says Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux Vintage & Antiques.

03 of 10

Leather Chairs

Nothing quite compares to the natural wear and rich patina of a vintage leather chair, which instantly makes your space feel warmer and more inviting. For interior designer Hannah Oravec, they’re a go-to pick to infuse your home with depth, personality, and individuality. “They also offer one-of-a-kind designs and details that can’t be replicated,” she says.

04 of 10

Baskets

Keeping blankets around your home is a must during winter, and you’ll definitely need some baskets to store them in. According to Prince, the thrift store is the perfect place to find baskets for your blankets. “You can easily soak or dry brush dusty baskets or spray paint them to match your décor,” she says.

05 of 10

Fireplace Accessories

wood burning fireplace designs — A wood burning fireplace is traditional. Credit: Getty Images

If your fireplace is in constant use during winter, consider thrifting some accessories to complete your mantel's aesthetic. “Vintage fireplace tools were often made of solid brass, wrought or cast iron, and are meant to last for the ages,” says Wright. Try as you might, you likely won’t find comparable styles or patina if you buy them brand new. Wright also recommends keeping an eye out for vintage andirons, firewood racks, and screens to round out the look.

06 of 10

Quilts and Tapestries

It’s hard to imagine a single piece of décor that gives off a cozier feel during winter than a patchwork quilt or wall tapestry. Layer a quilt at the foot of your bed to add a handmade touch that you can’t find in stores, says Jones. Hang a tapestry to add texture to a large, empty wall on a budget, or even try hanging a quilt for a ski lodge or snowy cabin vibe.

07 of 10

Lighting

Often overlooked but infinitely essential to the overall mood of a space is lighting. “Vintage lighting offers unmatched character and craftsmanship, bringing a sense of history and uniqueness,” says Oravec. While lamps and sconces can be expensive when purchased new, you’ll be able to find great deals on one-of-a-kind pieces by shopping secondhand. Try adding warm-colored bulbs for an around-the-fire winter vibe.

08 of 10

Wall Art

Gallery wall in kitchen — Credit:
Andreas von Einsiedel / GETTY IMAGES

Winter is the perfect time to thrift beautiful wall art. “Many folks experience cabin fever and change décor during the winter, so you may find the wall art section of your thrift store well-stocked,” says Prince. Choose pieces that you love and add the most to your space rather than trying to search exclusively for ones that are the most valuable.

09 of 10

Vases and Decorative Vessels

Small vintage pieces, like vases and decorative vessels, can elevate your cold-weather décor. “Old vessels have so much character and unique charm you just can’t find in new ones,” says Oravec. “Plus, they’re a more sustainable choice and bring a cool, storied vibe to your space.” Use them to style your bathroom, powder room, living room, and more.

10 of 10

Mirrors

Winter is an inherently dark season, with shorter days and much longer nights, but mirrors can help brighten your space. “The darkness of winter can be dull, but mirrors can reflect daylight and candlelight throughout your home,” says Prince. Mirrors purchased brand new can be incredibly expensive, while secondhand mirrors can be a much better value. What's more, thrifted mirrors tend to have more interesting frames, adding visual value, Prince says.