Let’s talk about something fun… how to go about finding antiques at thrift stores!

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This is one of my favorite things to do because it is so fun to find actual antique or vintage pieces for under $20.00! Many people have houses full of antiques yet don’t know the value of the items they have. They donate them to thrift stores as an easy way to get rid of things. This is the fun part and where you get to swoop in and find all the pretty things on the cheap! Below you will find some helpful tips on how to shop for and spot antiques at thrift stores, so read on for a simple guide to finding antiques at thrift stores.

A Simple Guide

1. Get a cart!

   You don’t know how many times I’ve not grabbed a cart upon entering because I always think I’m never going to find much. But alas, 10 minutes later, my hands are full of dish ware and glassware that’s clanking around everywhere, desperately needing a cart! Just get a cart and save yourself the hassle of running to get one after you have found too many treasures to hang on to!

   

2. Take your time.

   You never know what is going to be sitting on a shelf at a thrift store on any given day so allow plenty of time to go up and down every aisle. Make sure to look on the very top shelves as well as the very bottom shelves, not just the middle ones, because there could be antiques hiding! Turn things over and around and look behind things. Sometimes there are boxes that haven’t even been unpacked yet. Check those as well because you never know what treasures could be in there!

   

3. Always look for maker’s markings.

   True antiques will often have a maker’s mark somewhere on them. In my experience, the price tag stickers will be covering them up on the bottom, so peel the tag back to see if there is a mark. 9 times out of 10 there is a marking or stamp on the bottom. Now you can get excited!

   

4. Look in unusual places.

   Sometimes, the aisle that you least expect an antique to be in there will be one! One time I walked down an aisle with baskets and office supplies on my way to clothing, only to spot a vintage tin kitchen canister hiding amongst the stationary!

   

5. See beyond.

   Sometimes you will spot an antique that is very worn down or is damaged. Try to see beyond the surface of that piece. If there is a crack in it, you can turn that part around towards the wall where it can’t be seen. The wear and tear on these antique items is part of their charm.

   

6. Be prepared to get a little dirty.

   Sometimes I talk to people that don’t understand thrift stores, because in their eyes, they are dirty and gross. They do have a point because they usually are dirty. But, just wear some older clothes and bring along hand sanitizer. It’s the thrill of the hunt, people!

Thrifty Vintage Finds In Your Home

There are so many antique treasures with your name on them waiting to be found at thrift stores. In doing so, you are creating a home that is unique and special to you. You are also saving these precious items from going in the landfill. I hope this simple guide to finding antiques at thrift stores encourages you to get out there and dig! That, my friends, is what it’s all about.

Comment below on what your favorite antiques are to look for at thrift stores! I would love to know.

Check out more ideas on inspiration for your home!