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Thrifted Goodies: The Final Days of Summer Thrifting
By Rachel
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Whose ready for thrifted goodies?! Join me for the final days of summer thrifting. These finds help start transitioning your home to early fall!
Well friends, ready or not, summer is winding down. Truthfully, I am SO looking forward to fall. However, before the new season hits, now is a great time to shop at the thrift store! Why? Well, there are an abundance of clearance racks, seasonal turnover, and last-minute finds. I personally think that this time of year, August into September, is one of the best times to thrift because there is such good stuff for super cheap. That’s exactly what sent me thrifting in these last few weeks of summer and it did not disappoint! I’ve got some great finds to share in this month’s thrifted goodies and tips for the final days of summer thrifting. Join me below!
Why the End of Summer is a Great Time to Thrift
Over the years, I’ve found some of my most coveted pieces of vintage decor during late summer. This summer has been no different…I struck out all of July and the beginning of August, and then as soon as mid-August hit, I started finding the most amazing things!
So, I think there is something to late-summer thrifting.
Here’s why:
- thrift stores are clearing summer stock and overstock
- families are decluttering before school/fall routines kick in
- estate sales and garage sales are picking up again before the season changes (meaning whatever doesn’t get purchased at them gets donated)
All of that is a huge benefit to us thrifters who live for scoring pretty things for a bargain! Basically, it’s an amazing time to swoop in and catch things before they go to the landfill.
So, grab something nice to drink and let’s chat about it!
Shop Favorite Vintage Home Decor
Vol 51. Thrifted Goodies: The Final Days of Summer Thrifting + Haul
Hello, guys!
Welcome, or welcome back, to the blog and to the next installment in the ‘Thrifted Goodies’ series! If you are new around here, welcome!
This is a monthly series where my friend MaryJo from the blog Master’pieces’ of my Life and I share thrift hauls, thrifting tips, and general thrift shopping advice.
MasterPieces of My Life
My partner in this series, MaryJo, is sharing a post all about thrifting fabulous fall decor. How fun is that?! Fall is just around the corner, after all!
After you are done here, head over to her post and say hello! You may find just the thing you are looking for.
MasterPieces of My Life Social Channels:
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Tips for Thrifting in the Final Days of Summer
I’ve learned a thing or two over the years which have helped me score good stuff while thrift store shopping during the end of summer. I hope these tidbits are helpful for you, too!
- Timing: The best days of the week to catch clearance racks and freshly donated goods are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in the morning.
- What to Look For Right Now: Patio items, glassware, linens, clothing, dishes, small furniture, craft supplies, and home decor.
- Solid Vintage vs. Fast-Furniture and Decor Donations: Carefully take the time to review and look each item over before committing. To be sure you are getting a genuine, quality piece, look for maker’s marks, dovetail joints, and handmade craftsmanship over factory produced.
- A Word on Pricing: During slower late-season foot traffic, you can always ask for a lower (yet fair) price if you feel inclined. I usually just take what’s on the price tag, but if you think the item is priced too high, it never hurts to ask!
Rachel’s Sustainability Tip for Thrifting: It’s easy to get carried away buying all the things and scoring all the deals. However, my advice is to only buy what you’ll truly use. If you are buying just to buy, even at the thrift store, then you’re still wasting money and resources. Intentional shopping is the name of the game.
This Month’s Thrift Store Finds
Yay! We’ve come to the best part!
I’ve done more antique store shopping this summer than I’ve done in a long time, so three out of the four finds are from antique stores. Isn’t that crazy?! But, I’ve had such fun sourcing these pretty home decor pieces and I hope it encourages you to go a little off the beaten path to see what you can find.
The secondhand finds that I’m about to share with you can be used in your home now and will progress through fall in such beautiful way. Here we go!
Vintage Wooden Side Table
This first find was such a score!
Some of you may remember that I’ve been looking for a side table to put next to the couch for so long…like over a year. Well, my search for said table ended when I spotted this gorgeous wood table right inside the door at one of my favorite antique stores!
The curved, carved details and the ‘x’ base are what sold me, not to mention that it was only $30! That’s SUCH a good price for a table like this, especially at an antique store.
I truly love how the wood tone looks against the dark blue couch. It’s literally the perfect size for this spot and fills out this otherwise bare corner beautifully!
I’ve said it many times before but when sourcing goods and furniture for your home secondhand, patience is key.
You are most likely not going to find the thing the very first time…it may take months or, in my case, over a year. But! The wait is so worth it and I’m so happy I didn’t settle for something new just because I was getting impatient! Finding the thing with my own two hands makes it that much more special.
Vintage Apple Picture
You guys. How stinkin’ cute is this picture?! I saw it sitting on the bottom shelf at the thrift store and immediately scooped it up.
I mean…first of all, look at the cute little apples! Second, the wood frame is original and is the prettiest honey-toned hue. Third, the matte?! Omg. It’s the perfect shade of cottage green that works for all seasons. And! Can you believe it was only $1.99?!
The beauty about neutral vintage art such as this is that it can be used, really, all year round. Though, late-summer and early fall are probably the most common sense times to decorate with apples.
Currently, I have this hanging on the small wall between the back door and the back windows. It brings color and a cute vintage fall vibe to this space!
Eyelet Linen
You all know my deep affection for vintage eyelet linens. I just can’t get enough of these gorgeous pieces of fabric!
This one came from my favorite vintage vendor, at my favorite antique mall. She lists her items for such fair prices, so I only paid $3.00 for this beautiful linen!
When I got it home, I knew instantly I wanted to put it underneath my milk glass lamp in the living room.
I mean…come on. LOOK how PRETTY!! I just love it so much. Two of my favorite things…milk glass and eyelet. In these moments, everything just feels right with the world 🙂
Linens, of any shape, size, or pattern, are the most amazing home decor pieces to utilize in any room and for any season. They bring softness and subdued texture to vignettes, countertops, credenzas, and more!
Spoon Crock
I saved my favorite find of this small haul for last!
I truly believe that what you put out into the universe comes back. I literally said out loud to hubby in the car earlier in the day that I was looking for a larger/ taller crock to put our wooden utensils in.
As I was waiting for my lunch to be prepared at a restaurant, there happened to be a small antique store right next door. So, I popped in there to browse while I waited.
Well, wouldn’t you know it…lo and behold, I look up, and this thing is just staring me right in the face! It was exactly what I had pictured in my head. The blue writing is just the cherry on top! For only $12.00, it was meant to be.
It looks so charming on the counter next to the stove and adds to the cottage aesthetic perfectly!
Shop Similar Crocks Here
Closing Tidbits on Thrifted Goodies: The Final Days of Summer Thrifting
With that, this concludes August’s thrifted goodies and the final days of summer thrifting. I hope that you enjoyed seeing what I found and maybe got a few ideas for your own home.
I’ve had such fun antiquing my way through summer! It’s so nice to know that good deals can still be found at antique shops because I will never ever stop antiquing.
Be encouraged to slow down and embrace these final summer days, finding gratitude along the way.
Leave me a comment! What have you found while thrifting or antique shopping lately? I love to hear what other’s are finding!
Sign up for my FREE Ultimate Thrifting Guide here!
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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.
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FAQ’s on Thrifting Home Decor at The End of Summer
What’s the best time of day to go thrifting at the end of summer?
Weekday mornings tend to be best — stores restock after weekend donations pile in, and you’ll beat the crowds to any clearance sections.
What items should I look for while thrifting in late summer?
Watch for patio and outdoor decor, glassware, linens, lightweight fabrics, and seasonal pieces stores are eager to clear before fall inventory arrives.
Can I still find good deals at thrift stores once summer ends?
Yes! End-of-season is often when stores mark things down to make room for fall stock, so it’s actually one of the best windows for bargains.
How do I tell if a thrifted piece is good quality or just old?
Look for solid construction (dovetail joints, solid wood vs. veneer, sturdy stitching), and check for maker’s marks or labels that hint at craftsmanship and origin.
Is thrifting really better for the environment than buying new?
Absolutely! Buying secondhand keeps usable items out of landfills and reduces demand for new production, which is a core part of shopping sustainably.
Other Posts to Enjoy
Best Thrift Store Finds This Month: Summer Haul
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