What To Look For In Thrift Stores This Year

What I’m thrifting for…

What to look for in Thrift Stores this year is a look at what’s trending in Farmhouse, Cottagecore, and Country Chic style, as well as items that, in my opinion, you should be looking for at all times. 

Y’all, I’m obsessed with thrifted finds because you can get the best deals. But what’s a good deal, and what’s just someone else’s trash?

What’s always trending, and what’s new on the scene this year?

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Are you on trend, and do you really care?

There is a lot of talk about farmhouse style no longer being on trend. In my opinion, if you are choosing authentic farmhouse decor for a curated look, it never goes out of style. The mass-produced farmhouse pieces will fade away with time, but the farmhouse style has been around long before I was born, and it will always be a classic.

Some new terms that you will see are country chic and cottagecore aesthetics. However, both have their roots in country farmhouse-style decor. If you want to create a warm, cozy, curated, unique home aesthetic, come along on my thrifting journey.

Don’t worry about the trends because they will come and go. Naturally, retailers and designers want you to jump on the “latest trends” because you have to spend money.

My final word – If you love it and it makes you happy, then go for it. What’s on trend is what (you feel) makes a house a home. I saw this quote, and I think it sums it up perfectly!

“JUDGMENT! NOTHING’S OUT! IF YOU LOVE IT, THEN ENJOY IT. IT ALWAYS COMES BACK AROUND ANYWAY!”
~ Leanne Ford Interiors

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See how to build a DIY Copper Spice Rack and DIY Copper Pot Hanging Rack.

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What to look for in Thrift Stores – Vintage and Antique Decor

My number one most exciting find in a thrift store is always something vintage or antique. Whether it’s a piece of furniture or tableware, getting a great deal is always fun.

This summer, I finally found the antique farm table I had been searching for. This solid walnut table was found at a Picker’s Festival, and the price was right.

This chippy vintage cabinet was by far my best deal from a couple of years ago. Finding a piece like this for only $35.00 is very rare, and I was thrilled. Even though I didn’t know what I was going to do with it, I quickly loaded it into my vehicle.

Don’t you love to stumble across a great deal? When shopping at thrift stores, you need to be open-minded to the possibilities. You may need to look beyond the paint color, dirt, or even damage to see a diamond in the ruff.

Read 10 Thrifting Tips For The Savvy Shopper if you’d like more tips.

When looking for specific items, you may spend more but will have better luck at Antique Shops, Barn Sales, and other authentic vintage shopping venues.

How Do You Identify Real Antiques and Vintage Decor?

One issue that I see when shopping at thrift stores and antique venues is reproduction pieces. They have some that can really fool you if you are not careful.

Look for trademarks on dinnerware such as ironstone, transferware, milk glass, etc. If you see made in China you are usually looking at a reproduction piece. However, if it is made in Japan, you probably are looking at a vintage piece.

The best finds are those that you immediately know are old. This antique platter was researched by the seller, and a detailed description is attached to the back.

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What Is The Difference Between Thrift Store Shopping and Antique Shopping

Simply put, if I find a deal at a thrift store and it’s on my list of “I’m always looking for”, I’ll buy it even if I don’t have a clue where I’ll use it right now.

However, when shopping at Antique Malls, Barn Sales, etc. I only purchase items that I’m in love with and can’t resist. Usually, the shop owners know the value of their items and the price will not be a steal.

With that being said, I have so many wonderful pieces that, although they were not a steal, I’m so happy to have found them.

In the photo above, you can see at least 4 purchases that I have no regrets about.

If you love decorating with thrifted finds, you might like “How to Display Thrift Store Items“.

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Solid Wood at Thrift Stores

I love the mix of woods and whites in both furniture and small items. I’m always looking for these wood items.

• Wood Candlesticks
• Trays
• Risers
• Dough Bowls
• Bread Boards
• Butter Molds
• Rolling Pins
• Wooden Smashers and wooden spoons.

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Vintage Baskets

A great way to add texture to your decor is by using baskets and woven pieces. I’m also looking for unique baskets, handwoven baskets, and trays.

Larger baskets are also great for additional storage. Store out-of-season decor, blankets, tablecloths, etc.

These gathering baskets make great wall planters and also work well for storing.

When tucked above the antique hutch, the gathering basket is perfect for hiding unused tableware until the holidays are over.

Thrifting Tips for Tableware

Y’all know I love to set a pretty table, and having unique dishes to mix and match makes my heart beat a little faster.

Items to look for:

• Unique and vintage dishes (transferware, mix-and-match pieces)
• Ironstone dishes, pitchers, serving pieces, platters, etc.
• Milk Glass (cake stands, compotes, dishes and more)
• Butter pats
• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Old Silverware
• Table Runners
• Vintage Quilts

See two of my most popular posts:

• 15 Stunning Ways To Use Milk Glass in Your Home.
• Creative Vintage Milk Glass for Christmas Ideas

You don’t have to look for perfection in your table choices if you like to mix and match.

A vintage tablecloth may not be in perfect condition, but creative tableware placement may allow you to use it.

I prefer to mix and match my tableware, so finding a complete set of the same dishes isn’t always necessary.

You can see how I used thrifted finds on this Galentines Brunch Table and the deal on the vintage dishes used on an Easter Tablescape.

When I find individual plates or bowls that have a pattern I like and can be mixed easily, I will purchase them.

I’m currently looking for quilts to use on my table. I love using a quilt for a tablecloth, especially for outdoor events.

In addition, here is another blog post you might like – Best Thrift Store Decor Ideas

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Metal Pieces – Thrifted Copper, Brass and Silver

I believe copper and brass never go out of style. Silver is very on trend this year, and you may see more focus on silver, but you can always make any of these work in your decor.

• Copper Pots
• Unique Copper Pieces
• Brass Candlesticks
• Brass Containers for florals, etc.

I recently saw these brass candlesticks and was tempted to purchase them on a recent antique mall shopping trip.

They also reminded me of my thrifting friend, Robyn, and I may need to go back and see if they are still there. What do you think?

Thrifted Furniture

Solid wood furniture is always a good purchase if the price is right. Anything solid pine is very popular right now.

• Vintage Farm Style Dining Table (I finally found mine last summer)
• Benches and Pews
• Upholstered Dining Chairs
• Card Catalog or Apothecary Cabinets

I’ve had this chippy church pew for over 25 years, and it never goes out of style, in my opinion.

In addition, old primitive benches and stools are items that will always make their way into my car.

Solid pine pieces are classic and work well with farmhouse and country chic styles.

Don’t you just love little drawers? This card catalog is now a wine bar; the small drawers are perfect for individual wine bottles.

I love to make simple pieces look like apothecary cabinets, so I’m always looking for good quality solid wood pieces that can be transformed. You can see these transformations below.

• My #1 Industrial Farmhouse Transformation
• Amazing Furniture Transformation Before and After
• DIY FauxApothecary Cabinet

Check out this post about Decorating with Antique Furniture.

• Decorating with Antique Furniture in a Modern Farmhouse

Trending Cottagecore Decor – Handcrafted

With simple cottagecore decorating on the rise, you can infuse your home with this popular aesthetic by looking for handcrafted decor.

What is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is a term used for creating a cozy, simple lifestyle and decorating style. It’s simple cooking, handcrafted, and vintage decorations, all reminiscent of country living of days gone by.

Consider looking to nature to develop a cottagecore aesthetic. Fresh flowers, herbs, and natural materials from nature instantly create the warm and cozy feeling that is cottagecore.

Add your own personal DIY projects and search thrift stores for handcrafted art and vintage decor.

Thrift For Cottagecore

• Old needlepoint pieces
• Framed cross stitch
• Folk Art Wooden Decor (hand carved and hand painted)
• Handmade quilts
• Crochet and knitted table runners, doilies, etc.
• Hand-embroidered tablecloths, napkins, etc.

Bits and Pieces

Here are a few more items that I’m looking for and hope to find on my thrift store adventures.

• Old Clocks
• Vintage Books
• Vintage Garden Statuary
• Galvanized Gardening Tools, buckets, tubs, etc.

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What did I forget?

What are you thrifting for this year? I’d love to hear from you.

Don’t leave yet, because us next is Ann from Dabbling and Decorating, sharing 4 Top Thrifting Goals.

Be sure to follow along on the hop by clicking on each of the links below.

Dabbling and Decorating – 4 Top Thrifting Goals 2022 / White Arrows Home – Top Thrifting Finds This Month

Robyn’s French Nest – 5 Trending Vintage Items to Decorate with Now / Lora Bloomquist – Ways to Decorate with Milk Glass

Thanks much for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

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