Tips to Thrift Shopping the Perfect Decorations

Hope Center Aides Rural Community Struggling With Addiction And Homelessness — (Photo : Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) A thrift store is operated by the Hope Center on June 21, 2022 in Hagerstown, Maryland. The Hope Center, which has been assisting homeless and addicted men and women in the Hagerstown community since 1955, continues to see a steady stream of people in need. Hagerstown, like many rural communities in America, has witnessed a surge in addiction caused by economic hardship and a rise in the use of opioids and fentanyl. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Overdose Prevention Strategy recently announced the availability of $10 million in substance grant funding for rural communities. The Hope Center serves over 3000 meals a month three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

Furnishing and decorating your home with unique, one-of-a-kind pieces can get expensive quickly when purchasing brand-new items. Thrift shopping allows you to find amazing vintage and secondhand decor at a fraction of the original price. With some strategy and patience, you can curate an incredibly stylish space filled with treasures - without breaking the bank. Follow these savvy tips to thrift shop like a pro.

Make a Plan

Before hitting the thrift stores, make a loose decorating plan by deciding on an overall style vibe you want to create. Having a general interior design direction in mind, such as mid-century modern or farmhouse chic, will help you identify complementary thrifted pieces rather than ending up with a disjointed, mismatched look.

List the Items You're Looking For

Make a list of specific furniture and decor items you need or want to keep an eye out for. This prevents getting distracted and impulsively buying things you don't actually need. Prioritize bigger-ticket furniture pieces if sticking to a limited budget.

Bring a Measuring Tape

Always have a portable measuring tape on hand when out thrifting. You'll need to measure larger furniture pieces and decor to ensure they'll physically fit in your intended spaces back home. A few quick measurements can spare you from hassles like pieces not fitting through doorways.

Start With Smaller Decor

When first dabbling in thrift shopping for home decor, begin by looking for smaller accessory pieces before larger furniture investments. Inexpensive vases, lamps, wall art, and accent pieces are an easy way to get comfortable with thrifting while making a smaller commitment.

Shop in Person

While online thrift stores make hunting convenient, make a point of visiting local secondhand stores in person whenever possible, especially for furniture shopping. Being able to thoroughly inspect an item's condition is important before buying used pieces.

Go to the Local Flea Market First

Consider scoping out your town's flea markets and antique shows before standard thrift stores. These venues are goldmines for finding truly unique vintage gems. Vendors often carry higher quality antiques and statement pieces not typically found at regular donation-based thrift shops.