When you get to a thrift store as soon as it opens, you can’t deny the adrenaline rush you feel as fellow shoppers grab their carts and start browsing alongside you. Fresh finds have just been stocked, and you want to snag those goodies before fellow intrepid thrifting enthusiasts grab them first.
Thrifting can indeed be a bit like survival of the fittest, and it can matter which section you head to first in order to score the best treasures. It can help to shop like an interior designer, many of which adore thrifting.
“I love going to thrift stores because of the sheer amount of items you can find that span across all design styles,” says interior designer Edden Dreiman. “As opposed to shopping in a store that typically has one specific aesthetic it follows, you can find anything at a thrift store.”
Interior designer Dorothy Parker says that there are “so many” reasons that she loves thrift stores. “First, I can find something completely unique that won’t be found elsewhere,” she says. “Second, it aligns with my sustainability values.”
To track down the gems that interior designers are getting to first, find out which section is the one they rush to as soon as they walk in the door.
The Thrift Store Section Designers ALWAYS Head to First
It makes total sense that the thrift store section designers head to first is home accessories, but what is surprising is that for them, it surpasses the art and furniture sections. Parker says that in the home accessories section, she looks for vases first.
“I’m always scouring for vintage ceramics, something that is highly collectible right now and seen a lot on Instagram,” she shares. “One of my favorite thrifted pieces is a vintage handmade ceramic vase probably from the 40s or 50s.”
Dreiman says that the home accessories section can also be referred to as the “bric-à-brac” section, the one that’s packed with miscellaneous objects, tchotchkes, and decorative items meant for displaying on shelves and tables.
“For me this is the most satisfying section to fill my clients' homes with beautiful objects at a fraction of the price,” Dreiman says. “And honestly, there is nothing more therapeutic and exciting for me than looking through the shelves of funky glassware, one-of-a-kind kitchen items, unique picture frames, and vintage figurines just to name a few.”
Other Thrift Store Sections Designers Love
After hitting up the home accessories department, you’ll find Dreiman hoofing it to the furniture section.
“I tend to know which stores in my area carry a good amount of furniture and try to visit often so I don't miss out on any great deals,” she says. “Finding a great piece of furniture at the thrift store can often feel like winning the lottery. The prices on furniture at thrift stores tends to be way lower than the item is actually worth, and it is the absolute best feeling when you score a one-of-a-kind piece and it doesn't break the bank.”
After gathering some home accessories, Parker meanders on over to the books section. “I’m looking for vintage collections because they add great character when I’m styling a space,” she says. “Nothing refines a space like a good stack of books, and I don’t ever want to be caught using fake books.”
Parker also loves the art section of the thrift store. She says, “I always want to find some unsung original art or artist whose work inadvertently ended up at a thrift store. I particularly look for original paintings, and have found quite a few landscapes that reflect the regional landscape. I also want to find vintage or antique frames made of solid wood so I can repurpose them with new art or prints.”
Bonus Thrifting Tips
✔️ Visit a variety of stores. “The key to success in thrifting is to go often and visit different stores,” Dreiman says. “I truly don't believe in certain thrift stores being better than others. It's all about the luck you have on the day that you go. It's a patience game for sure, so you can't give up after a few trips leaving the store empty handed.”
✔️ Get ready to dig. Dreiman says you have to be willing to dig and scan as much of the store as possible. “Some of the best items I've found were hiding, and I never would have found them without truly taking the time to look through everything,” she says.
✔️ Overlook labels. “A lot of people get hung up on finding items with important stamps, labels, and worth money,” Parker says. “To me, finding a piece that is weird and a conversation starter is just as good, and adds a beautiful patina and extra dimension to a well-designed room.”
✔️ Manifest your thrift finds. “I definitely believe in manifesting your thrift finds,” Dreiman says. “Create a Pinterest board and go in with an overall idea of your style and what you're looking for.”
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
