Discover the ultimate thrifting guide! Get expert tips, learn how to find sustainable goods, and create a stylish, eco-friendly home on a budget.
Have you ever walked into a thrift store and been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of decor, knick-knacks, and miscellaneous items staring back at you? Or, maybe you’ve hopped onto the sustainable living trend and are looking for ways to incorporate secondhand items into your home. Either way, it’s true that thrifting can be both a daunting and rewarding experience. So, where to begin? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! In this ultimate guide to thrifting, we’re diving into a roundup of my best tips and sustainable finds that spans five years.
How to Thrift Like a Pro: Finding the Good Stuff for Your Home Decor
I hunt for vintage and other pieces of home decor to add to my collections, clothing, gifts, art, etc…If it’s found in my home, chances are it’s been thrifted.
So, as you can imagine, I’ve learned a ton of things throughout my thrifting journey. In an effort to help others (and you) find the good stuff, I’m passing on my knowledge!
From Vintage to Decor Hacks: All Things Vintage Thrift Shopping in One Place
Learn how to refresh your home on a budget and do your part in reducing the environmental impact. Let’s get into it!
Shop Favorite Thrifted Vintage Decor
Your Ultimate Guide to Thrifting: A Roundup of the Best Tips & Sustainable Finds
Let’s start it all off with the basics.
This section answers queries such as:
- Where do I start?
- What are fair prices to pay?
- How do I find what I’m looking for?
- Where to thrift shop?
- How do I know if it’s old or vintage?
- When I get home, how can I style my finds to look pretty?
- How do I navigate stores?
- What specifically to look for?
I’ve got the answers to all those, and more, in the following posts!
Thrifting Basics and Tips to Getting Started: Thrifting 101
Below, I highlight essential tips for first time thrifters. There’s much to learn but don’t worry! I’m here to hold your hand and walk you through everything.
1. A Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting for Unique Vintage Decor
Find easy ways of navigating the aisles with a beginner’s guide to thrifting for unique vintage decor!
Discover a plethora of expert tips on how to shop for and spot quality pieces of home decor at thrift stores. I’ll walk you through how to thrift shop for vintage (and non-vintage items) as well as share simple ways of navigating a thrift store with ease.
2. 4 Tips for Thrifting Vintage Home Decor
Here, learn 4 tips for thrifting vintage home decor!
Thrifting for vintage decor is one of my favorite things to do. It is exciting and a huge thrill because you just never know what will be at the thrift store each time you go! I find it to be such an accomplishment to find, and style, thrifted decor.
3. Top 10 Thrift Shopping Tips
In top 10 thrift shopping tips, one of my most popular posts, you will be a thrifting pro in no time!
The tips shared in this post can totally be a huge help if you are brand new to the thrift shopping scene. I go in-depth on where to find specific items, how to navigate a thrift store, and the easiest ways to find what you are looking for.
What to Bring Thrifting: My Top Thrift Shopping Supplies
1. 8 Essential Items to Bring on a Thrift Shopping Adventure
Who doesn’t love an outing to the thrift store?! Thrifting is an amazing way to source wares for your home without breaking the bank but it does take a little preparation.
Here, you’ll learn about which types of bag to use, some important hygiene products, and even a few items you may not have thought of. To help you become a thrifting master, let’s dive into 8 essential items to bring on a thrift shopping adventure each and every time!
2. 6 Best Backpacks for Thrifting
For those who love the thrill of thrift store shopping, the right bag can make all the difference. It’s not just about carrying your finds home but also about being prepared for the unexpected treasures that await. In this post, we dig into the 6 best backpacks for thrifting!
They range from stylish to practical options that will elevate your thrifting game. If you are looking for thrifting hacks, this one is a must-read. Let’s find the perfect bag to accompany you on your next thrifting adventure!
Thrifting Strategies for Home Decor: Decorating With Thrifted Items
In this category, I’m showcasing examples of how I’ve used thrifted finds to decorate my home. This includes tips for incorporating vintage and secondhand items into any decorating style as well as specific ways on how I’ve styled these finds on a budget!
1. Thrifting for Affordable Wall Art Collections
More and more people are turning to thrifting as a way to curate unique and affordable art collections. And, with the rise of sustainable and budget-friendly options, thrifting for vintage artwork, or art in general, has become a popular past time.
Thrifting for affordable wall art collections encourages you to adorn your space in a creative way while staying within a set budget!
2. How to Thrift Vintage Books for Decor
I used to have a super difficult time navigating stores, trying to find vintage and hardcover books. However, through practice, I’ve been able to successfully find old books in ways that others might not know about.
I’ve done the hard part for you so you can have an enjoyable thrifting adventure. Learn how to thrift vintage books for decor with these easy pointers!
3. Treasure Hunting Across State Lines: My Florida Thrifting Adventure
Thrifting, by nature, is exciting. But thrifting in a different state from your own?! That’s another level of excitement. While on vacation in Florida, I was able to visit a few antique shops and thrift stores. I found some amazing pieces of vintage decor to bring home and for really good deals.
In this Florida thrifting adventure, I share what I found, why I picked it up, and how much I paid as well as some simple tips for finding the goods in a different part of the country!
4. 20 Best Thrifted Finds
When I’m out thrifting, I hunt for vintage decor that is versatile and can be used in any room of my home. In this post, I pulled together some of my favorite vintage items and am sharing 20 best thrifted finds, but with a twist.
Come see my top vintage finds to date and explore the many ways in which you can style them throughout your home, no matter the season!
Up-Cycling and DIY Projects from Secondhand Finds
With a little creativity, cheap thrifted finds have the ability to be transformed into something spectacular. Below, I share my favorite up-cycle project using thrifted items.
1. Up-Cycle Tin Molds Into Stylish Vintage Wall Pockets
A little over a year ago, as I was doing my weekly thrift shopping round, I came across a set of vintage tin molds for just .99 cents! While I didn’t know what I would do with them at the time, I purchased them anyways because I knew, eventually, inspiration would strike.
Then, all of a sudden, weeks later, creativity struck on what to do with my found vintage molds.
Here, we explore the art of sustainable up-cycling and how you can transform forgotten treasures into eye-catching wall organizers. This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to up-cycle thrifted tin molds into wall pockets!
Specific Categories: Thrifting for Collections
Collecting vintage goods is one of my very favorite pastimes. As such, I’ve written many posts on thrifting for collections, be it vintage glassware, dishes, creamers…and the list goes on.
1. Breezy Summer Decorating with Thrifted Vintage Milk Glass
If you have been around here for any length of time, you probably know my deep affection for vintage milk glass. I’ve been collecting it for many years and use it all year round to decorate for each season.
I can’t quite describe what is is about this old glass that is so intriguing. It just speaks to me in a way that many things don’t, you know?? Because my collection has grown significantly in the past years, I am choosing to be very picky on the milk glass pieces that make their way into my home now.
However, I’ve recently acquired a few new pieces and I’m excited to show you some easy ways of styling milk glass into your home for Summer and beyond!
2. Showcasing Thrifted Wares: Decorating an Antique Curio Cabinet with Glass Doors
We all know the feeling…that mix of sheer joy and excitement when bringing a ‘new’ thrifted find home, while, at the same time, your mind racing with all of the possibilities.
Through showcasing thrifted wares and decorating a curio cabinet with glass doors, you’ll learn how to style your favorite decor finds in a timeless way.
Seasonal Thrifting Deals: Decorating for Every Occasion
Let’s move on to thrifting for seasonal decor!
1. Deck the Halls Sustainably: Thrifted Christmas Decor on a Budget
Uncover the magic of thrifty Christmas decorating!
In this post, we explore the art of thrifting for sustainable Christmas decor. I’ll show you how to deck your halls sustainably and on a budget! From unique, vintage secondhand finds to simple decorating and sourcing tips, learn how to transform your home into a festive space without emptying your wallet.
2. Decorating a Minimalist Christmas Tree on a Budget with Thrifted Finds
In this post, I share stunning tips for decorating a minimalist Christmas tree with thrifted finds. Discover how you can add your own personal touch to make it truly one-of-a-kind!
Thrift Shopping for the Seasons
In the following posts, I give tangible and practical examples of how to decorate for each season using thrifted wares!
1. Unexpected Winter Decorating Hacks with Thrifted and Vintage Finds
Come along for a winter thrift haul and unexpected winter decorating hacks with thrifted and vintage finds. You can totally decorate each space of your home, in a beautiful way, for less!
2. Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving: Decorating Your Home with Thrifted Treasures
This thrifty Thanksgiving guide will give you simple tips on how to style your home so that it provides a warm welcome!
Here, we look into how to incorporate thrifted treasures into your Thanksgiving decor, making it not only affordable but also sustainable and full of character. Impress your guests with a thrifty holiday atmosphere that will leave them feeling grateful.
3. 7 Budget Room Decor Ideas for Fall Decorating
Fall styling with thrifted finds!
Before you start scouring the aisles of expensive home goods stores for fall wares, why not check out your local thrift store? To help you spruce up your home for mere dollars, I’ve gathered 7 budget room decor ideas for fall decorating that will bring warmth and personality to any room!
4. Easy Spring Decorating with Thrifted Finds
Find pretty home decor ideas in thrifted wares for Spring decorating!
Let’s dive in to the art of thrifting and how you can use it to revamp your home decor for the Spring season. Learn how to give your space a fresh look using affordable and sustainable options!
5. Pretty Thrifted Decor for Vintage Summer Decorating
Thrifted decor is not only a fun and budget-friendly way to update your living space but it also promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By following these tips, while also incorporating your own personal style, you can create a unique and charming home for Summer that means something.
Create a refreshed and timeless space using thrifted decor for vintage summer decorating!
Thrifting on a Budget: Making the Most of Your Money
Thrift shopping is, by nature, an extremely budget-friendly way to source needed supplies, goods, and decor for your home.
1. Thrifty Fall Patio and Porch Ideas with Everyday Items
Transform your outdoor space for fall using everyday items that you already have!
There is truly no need to spend a fortune on expensive seasonal decorations for a patio space. The frugal ideas shared here will show you how to make the most out of thrifted decor items. With a little imagination, you can create a beautiful and inviting fall oasis right outside your doorstep!
2. Incredible Home Decorating Ideas on a Budget with Thrift Store Items
Here, find simple and practical tips for thrifting on a budget. By utilizing home decor ideas with thrift store items, you can turn your space into the haven you’ve always dreamed of!
Thrifting Through the Years: A Collection of Favorite Posts from The Antiqued Journey
With that, this concludes five years worth of thrifting adventures!
Thrifting for home decor and decorating with thrifted items is truly the most special thing there is. There’s nothing like stumbling upon an old piece of ironstone or milk glass for just a few dollars, bringing it home, and giving it a new life. In your ultimate guide to thrifting: a roundup of the best tips & sustainable finds, it’s my hope that you are able to really feel the sentiment.
Closing Tidbits on Your Ultimate Guide to Thrifting: A Roundup of the Best Tips & Sustainable Finds
Through this ultimate guide, we dove into the best tips for successful thrifting and discovered the hidden gems that can be found in sourcing sustainable, secondhand pieces. From knowing where to look to how to style your finds, we’ve covered it all!
Be encouraged to join the movement towards sustainable living and see for yourself how thrifting not only benefits your wallet and your home but the planet, as well.
Thank you for being here…I’m grateful for you!
Keep the conversation going with me on Instagram @theantiquedjourney. Let me know what love most about thrifting and what you thrift for!
PIN it to save it for later!
Follow Along with The Antiqued Journey
- The Antiqued Journey shop
- Browse my LTK shop!
Shop My Favorite Thrifting Supplies
2 Comments. Leave new
Amazing post Rachel. You know I can talk thrifting all day long and you covered it all here. Love it! XO- MJ
Thanks, friend!