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13 Thrifted Finds You NEED for Genius Budget Home Decorating Ideas!

By Rachel

published 07/24/2025

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Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Rachel

Be a savvy decorator! You don’t need to spend a fortune on home decor. I’ll show you how with these 13 thrifted finds you need for genius budget home decorating ideas.

“I want a beautiful home that tells my story and makes people feel something…but I have a limited budget and can only spend X amount.” Does that sentiment sound familiar?! I think we’ve all been there, or maybe are there now. But, friends, I have great news… thrifting is the ultimate solution to your decorating woes! This post will reveal 13 thrifted finds you need for genius budget home decorating ideas. I’ll show you how, with the help of thrifting, to transform your space affordably in simple and tangible ways.

Table of Contents

Savvy Budget Home Decor Tips

With a keen eye and these 13 specific thrifted items, you can totally achieve the look you are going for…and for half the price! Whether it’s specific decor, kitchen items, or textiles, thrifting for those things helps to add one-of-a-kind character and timeless charm to any space.

In this post, I’ll share my ideas on why to thrift, the essential 13 finds, and smart thrift shopping strategies.

So, grab your shopping list, a re-useable bag, and let’s go thrifting!

Shop the Budget Home Decor Look

Why Thrifting is Your Secret Weapon for Home Decor

I remember, years ago, when going to the mall or Target were my favorite pastimes. Buying all the new things was, at the time, super exciting. But then, one day, a friend asked if I wanted to go to the thrift store with her. Having never been thrifting before, I was intrigued and said ‘sure’!

Just that one random thrifting trip got me hooked for life and now I’ve been thrifting for 10 years! Why, you ask? Well, for many reasons. For starters, it’s thrilling, you never know what you are going to find, it’s super affordable, and it’s fun.

Below are a few more specific ideals as to why I thrift and am constantly on a ‘thrifters high’:

Affordability: The cost savings of purchasing used goods over new just can’t be beat. Also, being budget-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing style, either. Most of the time, thrifted finds are much prettier and character-rich than any mass-produced thing.
Uniqueness & Character: Thrifted items add personality, story, and a one-of-a-kind feel to a home. These characteristics cannot be found in items bought at big box stores.
Sustainability: There are many eco-friendly benefits of choosing secondhand, including reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
The Thrill of the Hunt: The reason I feel like I’m constantly on a ‘thrifters high’ is because of the thrill! It doesn’t matter if I go thrifting twice a week or once a month….I get giddy each and every time because you just never know what is going to be at a thrift store on any given day! It’s the excitement and satisfaction that keeps me going back again and again.

Smart Thrifting Tips for Budget Decorating Success

I’ve written many blog posts over the years on how to be successful at thrifting. There are many tips and tricks that I still utilize to help me find the good stuff!

Here is a quick overview of a few handy thrift shopping strategies:

1. Patience is Key.

As much as we all want to find the thing right away, sometimes, from experience, it can take weeks or months to find the correct one. Finding the ‘perfect’ piece takes time, attention, and mindful sourcing. If it’s not just right, don’t buy it. Keep looking! You’ll find it eventually…that’s the journey of thrifting!

2. Think Beyond the Obvious.

When you find something that speaks to you, try and see the potential beyond its original use. Can you re-do it in some way? Use it for a creative function? Turn it into something else? The sky is the limit with many thrifted items!

3. Go with a Plan (but be flexible).

When going thrifting, it’s helpful to have an idea, or list, of what you need, but also be open to unexpected treasures. I do this all the time! Typically, I am looking for something specific when thrift shopping but still always check the entire store for the surprise items that tend to pop up, such as pieces to add to my vintage collections.

4. Inspect Before You Buy.

Always give the item(s) a once over. Do quick checks for damage, stability, and cleanliness. If it’s stinky, broken beyond repair, or just looks super dirty, I will pass on the thing. Remember, you are bringing these used items into your home so be sure it’s in a condition that meets your standards.

5. Shop During Off-Peak Hours.

To find the best selection of items, I recommend shopping during the week (Monday-Thursday), go early in the morning, and know when there are sales going on.

For more in-depth thrifting tips, here are a few posts to check out:

Your Ultimate Guide to Thrifting

Top 10 Thrift Shopping Tips

A Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting

BUY MY THRIFTING T-SHIRT HERE!

13 Thrifted Finds You NEED for Genius Budget Home Decorating Ideas!

Now, armed with that knowledge, let’s get into thirteen home decor items that I always buy from thrift stores. I purchase these goods secondhand because I can always find them readily available and on a budget. And, most times, these thrifted things are of a higher quality than buying them new.

From kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between, your home can be styled so beautifully through only using secondhand items. It’s such a mindful way of living and helps your home to tell a story.

1. Decor

I realize that this category is huge and can encompass many things. But, truly, every piece of decor in my home has been thrifted for just a few dollars a piece.

Included in this category are items such as figurines, lamps, decorative bowls/trays, vintage vases, seasonal items, etc…Figure out where you need decor, take a minute to think about what that might be, and then go thrifting!

2. Blankets

Some may think this is gross, but blankets, especially of the vintage variety, are so much fun to find at thrift shops. I’ve found patterns from plaid blankets to fleece throws, in almost brand new condition, for just a few dollars! Most blankets can be easily laundered and cleaned before use, so that’s why I don’t mind buying them used.

3. Baskets

Omg. If you are looking for a basket, for any need, of any color, or any shape, I promise you that thrift stores will have it. It doesn’t matter the season or day of the week…each time I go to a thrift store, there are literally fifty baskets on the shelf! Baskets can be used for so many things…decor, storage, or seasonally

4. Furniture

Wanna know something neat? The only furniture items in my home that I have purchased new are the couch, my mattress and bed frame, and two nightstands. That’s it. Every other piece of furniture I’ve thrifted, either on FB marketplace or from thrift shops. It’s just so much cheaper to buy needed furniture secondhand!

Obviously, I always make sure that it’s quality furniture, in good condition. To make sure the upholstered pieces are clean to my liking, I buy upholstery cleaner just from Target and away we go.

5. Faux Stems/ Florals

For affordable faux florals and stems, check the thrift store first! I’ve found many a stem for a dollar or two to use for seasonal decorating.

Here’s an insider tip: when you see a floral or stem that’s like, already part of a vase floral arrangement, you can always buy it, unstick the glue from the bottom of the vessel, and pull off the stems. That way, you can use them how you like and, usually, make them look much prettier!

6. Craft Supplies/ Ribbon

You guys. I rarely need to purchase craft supplies and/or ribbon new anymore because I can find it all thrifted! I’ve found supplies such as foam forms, yarn, a whole variety of ribbon, wreath forms, fabric scraps, and rubber stamps for so cheap. Try it…you won’t be disappointed!

7. Kitchen Items

This is one of my favorite categories because they are items that I actually use everyday! Things like glass jars, storage containers, utensils, bakeware, etc…

Many kitchen items can be easily sourced at any thrift store for a dollar or two. Need jars for sugar? Thrift them. Spatulas need replacing? Thrift them. Did your casserole dish break? Thrift a new one. Catch my drift?

8. Textiles

Textiles are yet another favorite thrift category. Included here are hand towels, dish towels, pillow cases, vintage handkerchiefs, table runners, and table cloths. I have found the prettiest table linens from thrift shops and antique stores over the years…nothing compares to the thick linen fabric found in these old textiles!

So, before heading to Target to purchase brand new hand or kitchen towels, check your local thrift store first. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

9. Patio and Garden Decor

One area of the home that many people neglect to thrift for is the outside!

Patio, deck, or porch spaces are some of the perfect areas to decorate with thrifted finds because well, they are outside in the elements. And, when you use thrifted decor instead of high-end pieces, it doesn’t matter if it gets dirty, dusty or wet because you paid a few dollars for the piece instead of thousands!

I thrifted a lovely wicker chair for just $5.00 a few years ago as well as a small wood table for $3. These inexpensive outdoor decor items can be easily painted to refresh them, too.

10. Tableware

Encompassed under this category are items such as placemats, chargers, napkin rings, and fabric napkins. Basically, anything needed to build a table setting besides dishes. Because, truly, I’ve thrifted sets of napkin rings for $3.00, like-new placemats for .99 cents, and vintage napkins for $1.00. I’m tellin’ ya…you just can’t beat these prices!

If you are hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, start looking at thrift stores now for your tableware. So, in a few months time, you might have a tableware setting for 6-12 people, all thrifted! Do you know how much money that will save you?!

11. Storage Containers

Another versatile home item that can be easily thrifted are storage containers. Thrift stores yield a plethora of options such as tins, jars, crates, baskets, and even plastic totes!

For unique and eye-catching room storage solutions, thrift stores are your best friend. Again, think outside the box on these…an old tin can hold remotes in the living room and wooden crates are handy storage for shoes or pet supplies!

12. Books

Books are yet another amazing decor find to thrift! Thrifting for books enables you to find them in a range of colors, sizes, eras, and themes.

Now, when I’m talking about books, I mean vintage books or decorative, coffee table style books. I personally thrift for vintage books in colors such as green, blue, cream, dark brown, and harvest hues to use for seasonal decorating.

Thrift stores, at least in my area, price them for between $3-6 a book, which I still think is fair for what they are.

13. Dinnerware and Glassware

The final items on the list are dinnerware and glassware…things like dishes, plates, cups, drinking glasses, silverware, and such.

The set of scalloped white dishes that hubby and I use everyday were thrifted for $1.00 per plate. It’s a set of six dinner plates and six salad plates so, the whole set was just $12.00!

I’ve also thrifted ornate wine glasses, milk glass goblets, and various other dinnerware such as a gravy boat, glass beverage pitchers, and serving bowls. So, if you are in the market for any kind of dinnerware or drinking glasses, go thrifting! You’ll find so much more than you think.

Closing Tidbits on 13 Thrifted Finds You NEED for Genius Budget Home Decorating Ideas!

With that, this concludes the thrifty home decorating post. I hope you can see how these 13 thrifted finds can gift you with endless budget home decorating ideas, leading to a unique and personalized space.

The real joy comes in choosing to embrace the thrifting journey while, at the same time, feeling the satisfaction that comes with creating a beautiful home on a budget.

Be encouraged to decorate smart, and live beautifully, on your own terms.

Leave me a comment! What’s your favorite thrifted find that transformed your home? Share your tips. I love hearing from you!

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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!