Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Rachel
Learn easy ways of navigating the aisles with a beginner’s guide to thrifting for unique vintage decor!
In a beginner’s guide to thrifting for unique vintage decor, I’ll share a plethora of expert tips on how to shop for and spot old pieces of home decor at thrift stores.
Many people have houses full of old things 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!
Vintage Decor on a Budget from Thrift Stores
The thrift store is my happy place. It’s where I go to decompress and clear my head when life feels stressful. I’ve been thrifting for many years and, through it all, feel that I have gained enough knowledge to share some of my tips and tricks.
Join me as I walk you through how to thrift shop for vintage items and simple ways of navigating a thrift store to find the good stuff!
Shop Favorite Vintage Decor
A Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting for Unique Vintage Decor
Here, I’ll share, from years of experience, tips for finding vintage decor at thrift stores as well as ideas for using these found treasures in your home. Let’s get into it!
6 Practical Tips for Shopping at Thrift Stores
1. Always Get a Cart at the Thrift Store.
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 at the Thrift Store.
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.
This is one of the things that took me the longest to learn. I get so excited and want to get through all the things. So, use a beginner’s guide to thrifting for unique vintage decor help you!
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. At the Thrift Store, Always Look for Maker’s Markings.
True vintage and 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 at Thrift Stores.
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. Keep an Open Mind to See Beyond when Thrift Shopping.
Sometimes you will spot an antique or vintage item 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 old items is part of their charm.
6. While Thrifting, 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!
Closing Tidbits for A Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting for Unique Vintage Decor
There are so many 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. In turn, you are taking care of the Earth and saving these precious items from going into a landfill.
I hope a beginner’s guide to thrifting for unique vintage decor encourages you to get out there and dig! That, my friends, is what it’s all about.
Comment below on what your favorite antique and vintage items are to look for at thrift stores. I love hearing from you!
Also, the website Porch.com has a great article on Protecting Your Collectibles. If you have large collections of more expensive items, this is a super helpful post to check out!
Just click the red button in the left corner!
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!
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The Antiqued Journey’s suggested antique and vintage items to look for at thrift stores includes:
*antique dishes such as transferware or ironstone*vintage jars*old baskets or crates*vintage tin kitchen canisters*antique glassware*vintage linens*antique furniture*architectural pieces*antique oil or watercolor paintings*vintage frames*copper pots*wicker and/or cane furniture*vintage lamps*antique silverware*old tools*antique cake stands*vintage wool blankets*
65 Comments. Leave new
Let’s hear your thrifting techniques!
Your tips are always so helpful!
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Thanks for the tips! I need to take more time when I go to the thrift store! I usually speed through because I’m in a hurry. Maybe that’s why I don’t find as many amazing treasures as you do! I’m going to take the time to look deeper at those shelves and inside boxes!! Happy Day, Donna
Hey Donna!
Sometimes I’m in a hurry too and do a speed shop but that’s not as relaxing 🙂 Thanks for coming by today!! Hope you have a great day..it’s going to be 83 here today!! Wahoo!!
These are great tips! I’ll be featuring this at Thursday Favorite Things today, starting at 10:00 a.m., Central Time. 🙂
Pam – anartfulmom.com
Thanks so much, Pam! I appreciate it!
[…] Rachel at The Antique Journey is sharing a simple guide to finding antiques at thrift stores. Thrifting and antiquing are top of mind in this weeks posts and we are here for it! […]
[…] Rachel at The Antique Journey shares a simple guide to finding antiques at thrift stores. Thrifting and antiquing are top of mind in this week’s posts, and we are here for it! […]
YES to all these things, Rachel! I am always shocked at the pieces that are on the floor or in random corners and in dusty boxes. You definitely have to be able to dig around and not mind getting dirty to find the good stuff at good prices. So excited to follow along on all your adventures! Hugs, CoCo
Thanks so much, sweet friend!! I appreciate you taking the time to read my pages each week. Wishing you a happy weekend!
[…] Rachel at The Antique Journey is sharing a simple guide to finding antiques at thrift stores. Thrifting and antiquing are top of mind in this weeks posts and we are here for it! […]
Excellent tips Rachel – I love a good thrift shopping trip, and now maybe I’ll remember to take some time and do some deep dives for treasures! 😊 Thanks and Happy Friday!
Hi Barbara!
Thanks so much!! I appreciate the lovely comment!! Wishing you luck on your next thrifting adventure!
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