Whether you're trying to decorate on a budget, want to be a little more conscious about your spending, or just love the thrill of finding great, unique finds, thrift store shopping can be fun and smart. How to create a distinctive aesthetic in your home. Not only will you save money by being thrifty, but you'll also have the satisfaction of preventing items from ending up in a landfill by giving them a second life as part of your decor. But how do you get the best prices, what kinds of items to look for, and how to style them without your home looking like a thrift store? conducted some research.
Difference between thrift shop and consignment shop
Consignment stores and antique shops are great, but prices tend to be higher because the collections are more carefully selected. These stores do all the searching and repair for you, but their services are offset by a higher price tag. While consignment stores are more likely to stock popular antiques from time-honored brands, you're sure to find hidden gems at almost any thrift store. It may take more effort to find what you're looking for. When deciding where to shop, consider the balance between the probability of finding what you want there and the price range you are willing to pay.
Get what you need while contributing to your community
Many of your favorite organizations operate thrift stores to help fund their programs and services. Prime Thrift near Fair Park benefits American Veterans of America (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other local and national charities, and Out of the Closet in Oak Lawn benefits AIDS Healthcare Benefits the Foundation. Genesis Women's Shelter is a nonprofit organization that provides safety, shelter, and support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence, and operates two thrift stores in Oak Lawn and South Oak Cliff. Souls Harbor has four of her stores across the metroplex, and proceeds go to programs that help men break the cycle of homelessness and addiction. Some of these shops have exclusive relationships with estate liquidators, increasing your chances of finding treasure among their merchandise.
If you're looking for more than just decorations, check out your local ReStore that benefits Habitat for Humanity. There you can find real building materials such as tiles, cabinets, wood floors, windows, doors, and even vintage bricks. In addition to these, we also carry a wide selection of new and vintage furniture, large home appliances, and more. With 10 locations from D to FW, we offer a convenient alternative to big box stores when shopping for your next home design project.
Choose your shopping days wisely
For donation-based thrift stores, Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the best days to shop since most people tend to drop off items at the beginning of the week after spending the weekend cleaning. Signing up for emails is a great way to stay informed of the latest bargains and deals, but there's no substitute for regular visits. Online searches like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace work as well. “I'm a big fan of Facebook Marketplace,” says Whitney Marsh, an interior designer and business owner who stocked the bargains at his Cliff's Coffee shop B-Side. “I also love Soul's Harbor in Waxahachie,” Marsh said.
Plan your strategy before you start shopping
There are two ways to find vintage items. Either you have a piece or project in mind and know how much you want to pay for it, or you can find a great deal. This may include researching brands, items, and eras to find the ideal combination of quality items that are not in demand. Marsh says that's her strategy. “I know what I like and I know which brands are known for quality products,” she explains. “I definitely have a style. I'm drawn to leather furniture, solid wood, wool rugs, and unique art.”
For example, you may love Mid-Century Modern (MCM) items, but the popularity of that era's decor means there's more demand, and unscrupulous sellers are trying to get them to sell. There is a possibility to assign that label to a random item. You may be more successful if you research your favorite brands and designers from the MCM era and look for them, especially to avoid fake listings and high prices. Be aware that some people list products online using well-known brand name keywords to get more hits, such as “Pottery Barn style” rugs or “MCM style lamps.” please. If you're shopping in person, don't be afraid to ask store staff about what you're looking for. There may be something similar that hasn't been released yet. Or, especially if you're a regular customer, they might be willing to remove your name and keep an eye on the items on your list.
Simple design rules to consider
Once you've found the unique item you've been looking for, how do you style it? Thrifted items can bring personality to a space, but you can have too much of a good thing, says Marsh. “I like to combine recycled items with more high-end textiles. I love a worn-in old leather sofa with very bold, high-end wallpaper.” If you want to express a modern aesthetic, try surrounding yourself with clean, modern pieces. Being too naive can make you look lazy. The same applies to small items such as pots, picture frames, and books. Rather than clustering them all together, place them in designed vignettes throughout your home. Also, keep in mind that recycled furniture is easier to mix and match if they share some similar elements. For example, mismatched nightstands will look more cohesive if they are roughly the same size and color.
Depending on when and where you shop and what you're looking for, thrifting can be a way to save big. “I always shop with a specific corner or space in mind, and I really only pull the trigger on what I think is good quality and priced appropriately,” says Marsh. Masu. But if you're patient and persistent and know what you want and how much you're willing to pay for it, it's only a matter of time before you find it.
