I'm a Professional Thrift Shopper—These Are the Items I Always Add to My Cart

As a vintage goods reseller, prop stylist, and interior décor content creator, I’ve spent countless hours wandering the aisles of thrift stores. I can be found there at least three to four times a week. For me, thrifting isn’t just a pastime; it’s a creative pursuit and cornerstone of my work. While many delight in the simple thrill of discovery, I’m on a mission—sourcing unique pieces to resell, style in photoshoots, or draw inspiration from for my design projects. 

Over the 25-plus years I’ve spent thrifting, I’ve noticed a shift in what fills the shelves. Modern, mass-produced items are made quickly and cheaply, with little intention of becoming heirlooms. It’s not uncommon to find chipped mugs, broken décor, or once-trendy pieces already past their prime. This is precisely why I seek out vintage pieces crafted using quality materials. Even if they’re found in less than perfect shape, they can often be repaired, restored, and cherished for generations to come. 

Here’s what I always look for when I’m treasure hunting.

Art 

Hand-painted portraits are always an immediate "Yes!" There’s something endlessly romantic about bringing someone’s likeness—or artistic interpretation of it—into a space. A friend once found an entire student portfolio from a 1960s life-drawing class. The sketches were playful and vibrant and look gorgeous newly framed and hanging in her home.

I also gravitate toward still lifes, especially if they feature food of any kind. Buyers are always looking for art to hang in kitchens and dining rooms, making them quick and easy to resell. Oil paintings of flowers, cats, and dogs are always crowd favorites and are immediately added to my cart. 

Furniture 

Much of today's mass-produced furniture is designed for short-term use, made with inexpensive materials that can not compare to the craftsmanship of pieces made 30 to 40 years ago. That's why I’m always scanning thrift stores for well-made pieces—solid wood furniture that can be refinished or a beautifully shaped sofa or chair ready to be reupholstered in a modern fabric.

Timeless brands, such as Baker, Lane, Drexel, Heywood-Wakefield, and Herman Miller, consistently offer high-quality pieces with strong resale value. For example, a Lane Acclaim coffee table can be sanded, stained, and resold in a single day for several hundred dollars, and it works with most design styles. I also keep my eyes peeled for bar carts and rattan or wicker furniture, which tend to sell quickly. 

Home Décor 

My favorite aisles to wander are where the knick-knacks and home décor fill the shelves—that’s where I always seem to find the real treasures. Tiny lamps, interesting candlesticks, marble accents, and intriguing objects, such as busts or obelisks, are always excellent for resale and look gorgeous stored on my bookshelves while they’re waiting to find a new home. I also keep an eye out for vintage barware, Cathrineholm nesting bowls, Pyrex dishes, and Dansk Købenstyle pots for collectors. 

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Vintage Linens 

Much like vintage furniture, vintage linens offer a level of craftsmanship that’s rarely found in today’s market unless you’re shopping for higher-end goods. I love finding Irish linens, handmade quilts, and wool plaid blankets—pieces that are not only beautiful but built to last. A vintage quilt, with its soft hand and cheerful patterns, can add instant charm and warmth to a space while maintaining excellent resale value. That said, I always skip linens that can't be thoroughly washed or deep cleaned. 

Rare and Special Finds 

Some treasures are more elusive, but that’s part of the thrill. I’m always on the lookout for vintage blow molds, Victorian Kugels, Shiny Brites, Christopher Radko ornaments, ceramic Christmas trees, hand-tufted rugs, and tramp art. These rare pieces feel like winning the lottery when you do stumble upon them; they're little reminders of why the hunt is worth it.