Designers Are Thrifting These Outdoor Pieces for Indoors

A decorative iron bench with cushions and a candelabra stand in a home interior setting — Credit:
Getty Images / Vostok

Outdoor furniture always feels a little more fun—it spends its days in the sun, and its designs often lean a bit more toward retro or bold with nature-inspired motifs. There's often a casual, whimsical air to that wrought-iron table set that sits on your patio, or the vintage-inspired rattan chair on the porch.

When these items find their way to the thrift store, they're relegated to the outdoor section. However, they don't have to be placed solely in the backyard—these pieces can also be styled to fit in a living room, entryway, or dining room.

Here are seven outdoor furnishings to keep an eye out for next time you're thrifting—and how to make them work in any indoor space.

Kristina Phillips, owner of Kristina Phillips Interior Design
Amber Michelle, founder of The Magic Of Round Top

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Wicker Furniture

Rattan furniture used in an indoor living room — Getty Images / Pieter Estersohn

The warm look of wicker is just as lovely indoors as it is out, and you can often find sofas, chairs, and coffee tables made from this durable outdoor material. With a set of cushions, they're comfortable enough for a living room.

Mixing wicker with softer, indoor elements—think pillows, throws, and a rug to ground it. Pair it with materials like wood, metal, or upholstery in neutral or coastal tones so it blends naturally into your interior.

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Plant Racks

Plant stand in front of a window — Getty Images / Linda Raymond

An iron plant rack is both pretty and functional, and the vintage versions are some of the most charming. Look for one with multiple levels and ornate, swirling details. You can use it inside for your houseplants, fill it with flower arrangements, or display it as a sculptural piece.

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Garden Stools

Garden stool in a bathroom — Victoria Holly Interiors

A ceramic garden stool is one of the easiest outdoor furniture items to find when thrifting or antiquing. From painted chinoiserie to retro styles, there's always an abundance of these pieces available secondhand.

You can bring them inside to use as extra seating, a plant stand, or a small table for anywhere from next to the sofa to beside the bath.

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Wrought-Iron Furniture

Wrought iron bench indoors — Getty Images / Vostok

"As a designer, I love to find a vintage piece and either refinish, lacquer, or re-upholster it to bring it back to life," says Kristina Phillips, owner of Kristina Phillips Interior Design.

She looks for beautiful outdoor furniture, like wrought-iron pieces that have seen better days but could be brought back to life with a bit of elbow grease.

With sanding, a high-gloss spray paint, and a new set of cushions, wrought iron is beautiful both outside and in sunrooms.

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Peacock Chairs

A decorated bedroom with a wicker armchair a green chest of drawers and wallmounted decorations — KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Vintage peacock chairs have been a hot item on the secondhand market for a few years. They're statement-making pieces that are actually better suited to indoor life than to the outdoors—particularly if you want yours to stay in pristine condition. "I love these boho chairs for outdoors in a covered space. This style also looks great indoors," says Amber Michelle, founder of The Magic Of Round Top.

Lean into the Bohemian feel with natural fibers and plants, or shift the narrative and make one the star of a show in a minimalist narrative. They are also great in kids room, providing a nook and seating in one.

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Bistro Tables

A small table set with chairs in a cozy room with large windows and greenery outside — Mumemories / Getty Images

Is there anything more charming than a bistro table sitting on a patio? Whether wrought iron or marble-topped, it practically begs you to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

If you find one of these vintage tables in a thrift store, you can bring it inside. A bistro table in a kitchen or tucked in a corner in your living room creates that al fresco vibe even without the fresh air—and you can always open a window to hear the birds singing.