Never sure what to take home when you are out second-hand shopping? Or even what to leave behind since there are SOOO many things there. I agree it can be daunting to make the best buying decision. While everyone’s décor needs are different, I have discovered in many years of second-hand shopping that preparation is the key to success. So here are my tips.
Tip #1
Look for Potential
In general, when you are looking to buy furniture from a thrift store, second-hand store, you want to look for potential. The perfect piece rarely comes across your path. But with a little inspiration and time, you can often transform a piece of outdated furniture into something new and unique.
Tip #2
Early Start
Go early and often. I have set days where I head to the local thrift stores, and usually have a route that I travel, so I can efficiently get the most shopping done in one day.
Tip #3
Lists and Measurements
Before you start looking for a piece of furniture, take measurements of the spaces around your home and bring them with you. Whether you are looking for a desk, a chair, a table, or a drawer—know what size the furniture needs to be to fit the room. I always write notes with pieces needed and measurements in my phone and take a picture of the empty space. That way I always have the information handy.
Tip #4:
Selection
Be selective, but don’t overthink things! We often say, “If in doubt, don’t.” But I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve taken to the thrift store where I have found something I loved, only to talk myself out of it. I always return for it the next day, and, of course, it is never there. So my rule of thumb is that if I am really tickled with an item, I will buy it.
Tip #5:
Search for Solid Items
Keep your eye out for furniture with what I call “solid base.” A piece of furniture with “solid base” has a solid structure, but might need a little cosmetic work to make it perfect. If a piece of furniture is sturdy and has a solid structure, you know it will last. Then, you can always modify the color and even the functionality of the piece to make it work for you.
Below are photos of my latest vintage founds – I played a bit with layout and accessories. Not finished thou, still need to find a drawer, and I think its time to go thrifting again!
I stay away from
Moldy items
Large scratches in the wood
Items missing parts
Taller pieces like dressers that are unstable
Items with sloppy repair work already done
Must haves
Lightning – always oodles of lightning to choose from
Chairs of all kinds – mix and match them at home, one can never have enough chairs or lamps …
Tables – dining tables, sofa tables, side tables, you name it.
Candlesticks – all kinds, shapes and materials.
Drawers – perfect to elevate overall feel in the room.
Mirrors – love the color of dated mirrors.
Oddities – my rule is to have at least one oddity per room, and there is no better place to look for oddities than thrift shop.
Design brand Prostoria was created from the desire to transmit the love for aesthetics to everyday objects. The company considers aesthetic as a necessity but also acknowledges the importance of practical, functional and innovative which ultimately reflects in design of timeless objects. Prostoria is a story about the reintroduction of continuity both in Croatia and Central [...]
Modern, industrial, bohemian you name it … the list is endless. With abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to define which style will work for you. In reality different elements are blending from several decorating styles, but it’s crucial to identify the core aspects of each one. So bear with me on this one, you will soon [...]
The bedroom is one of my favorite spaces in the house. What can I say — I like sleeping. But I have actually struggled to get my bedroom remodeled for quite some time.I brooded over it for months – why wasn’t it perfectly cocooning and cosy? I have chosen the right colour, right bed for [...]
–Love, Ana. is a small product design studio based in Zagreb, Croatia, dedicated to the craft of alluring domestic objects. Brand spontaneously evolved from the first exhibition at Clerkenwell Design Week in 2011 and developed into design studio recognized internationally as much as in their native country, with several products listed as Best Buy and Best New [...]
Thrifting Made Easier: 5 Simple Steps to Second-Hand Shopping
Never sure what to take home when you are out second-hand shopping? Or even what to leave behind since there are SOOO many things there. I agree it can be daunting to make the best buying decision. While everyone’s décor needs are different, I have discovered in many years of second-hand shopping that preparation is the key to success. So here are my tips.
Tip #1
Look for Potential
In general, when you are looking to buy furniture from a thrift store, second-hand store, you want to look for potential. The perfect piece rarely comes across your path. But with a little inspiration and time, you can often transform a piece of outdated furniture into something new and unique.
Tip #2
Early Start
Go early and often. I have set days where I head to the local thrift stores, and usually have a route that I travel, so I can efficiently get the most shopping done in one day.
Tip #3
Lists and Measurements
Before you start looking for a piece of furniture, take measurements of the spaces around your home and bring them with you. Whether you are looking for a desk, a chair, a table, or a drawer—know what size the furniture needs to be to fit the room. I always write notes with pieces needed and measurements in my phone and take a picture of the empty space. That way I always have the information handy.
Tip #4:
Selection
Be selective, but don’t overthink things! We often say, “If in doubt, don’t.” But I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve taken to the thrift store where I have found something I loved, only to talk myself out of it. I always return for it the next day, and, of course, it is never there. So my rule of thumb is that if I am really tickled with an item, I will buy it.
Tip #5:
Search for Solid Items
Keep your eye out for furniture with what I call “solid base.” A piece of furniture with “solid base” has a solid structure, but might need a little cosmetic work to make it perfect. If a piece of furniture is sturdy and has a solid structure, you know it will last. Then, you can always modify the color and even the functionality of the piece to make it work for you.
Below are photos of my latest vintage founds – I played a bit with layout and accessories. Not finished thou, still need to find a drawer, and I think its time to go thrifting again!
I stay away from
Moldy items
Large scratches in the wood
Items missing parts
Taller pieces like dressers that are unstable
Items with sloppy repair work already done
Must haves
Lightning – always oodles of lightning to choose from
Chairs of all kinds – mix and match them at home, one can never have enough chairs or lamps …
Tables – dining tables, sofa tables, side tables, you name it.
Candlesticks – all kinds, shapes and materials.
Drawers – perfect to elevate overall feel in the room.
Mirrors – love the color of dated mirrors.
Oddities – my rule is to have at least one oddity per room, and there is no better place to look for oddities than thrift shop.
Written by: Katja Butala
Photos by: utopiast
Interiors selection:
Lejla Kilim
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Introducing: -Love, Ana.