How to Find Decor for Home

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know my home is a mix of new pieces and thrifted home decor. Over the past couple of years, I’ve really leaned into thrifting as one of my favorite ways to decorate. Not only is it a budget friendly way to fill a space, but it’s also the best source for those one-of-a-kind decor pieces that spark conversation and instantly add character.

Decorating your home is one of the most rewarding ways to make your space feel like you. But, finding the right home accents can feel overwhelming. You want something that adds personality and visual interest — but also works with your existing style, fits your space, and doesn’t blow your budget. And that’s why, nine times out of ten, you’ll find me wandering the aisles of thrift stores on a Saturday afternoon. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that your new favorite floor lamps, wall mirrors, or decorative items might just be tucked between the mismatched mugs and old DVDs. But I also know the flip side — the days when it’s all dusty vases, chipped mugs, and piles of random cords.

That’s why I’m sharing my most practical, effective tips for how to find decor for home when thrifting. Plus, exactly what to look for, how to style your thrift store finds, and how to make the whole process less overwhelming and more fun. Whether you’re new to thrifted home decor or you’ve been combing the aisles for years, I hope you’ll find ideas here that inspire your next treasure hunt.

If you’ve ever walked into a thrift store and immediately felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The aisles are often packed with everything from old stereo systems to vintage candle holders to throw pillows that need a little TLC to actual trash. (I once found a used soy sauce bottle for sale — gross!) You might pass a whole wall of mismatched wall decor and wonder where to even start.

But once you know where to look — and what to skip — the process gets so much easier. In this post, I’ll walk you through:

How to spot high-quality thrifting finds (even in a sea of not-so-great stuff)
What decor pieces are worth picking up secondhand
Creative ways to use your new-to-you home accessories in your space

Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment and looking for affordable apartment decorating ideas, refreshing your existing space, or just love the thrill of the hunt, these ideas are budget friendly and help you create a space that’s uniquely yours.

Do Thrift Shops Sell Decorations?

Absolutely, thrift shops sell decorations! And honestly, I think they’re one of the best-kept secrets for finding unique decorative items that make your home feel personal and lived-in. There’s truly a myriad of home decor items in every style imaginable — from traditional to mid-century to quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces. That variety is what makes thrifting so exciting. But I know it can also be overwhelming for beginners who aren’t sure where to start.

Most thrift stores have entire sections dedicated to home goods. This means you can browse everything from stylish picture frames and classic table lamps that might just need to be re-wired and paired with a fresh lampshade, to hand-painted art or vintage lithographs, and even charming vintage porcelain floral trays for entertaining and etched crystal glassware that can be used as a catchall for jewelry or matchbooks.

You can even score seasonal pieces, like realistic artificial flowers for spring or decorative vases and pots. I’ve found ones with beautiful floral patterns and scalloped edges before. And, for the holidays, I love to look for vintage glass ornaments or serving ware with festive motifs that make hosting feel extra special. I’ve found everything from beautiful blue and white turkey plates (this is the exact one I found for $0.99!) to light blue glass ball ornaments from the 50s (like these!).

The selection changes constantly, which is part of the fun. But this also means you need to shop with an open mind and when you have the patience to sift through the shelves. Some days you’ll hit the jackpot. Other days, it’s a sea of mismatched mugs and novelty shot glasses. The trick is to keep showing up, because the truly great thrifting finds go fast.

How to Thrift for Home Decor

Over the years, I’ve learned that thrifting for decor is part strategy, part patience, and part luck. When you’re new to it, walking into a thrift store can feel like sensory overload — shelves packed with mismatched items, racks of linens, and bins of random odds and ends. But once you know where to look (and what to skip!), the process becomes a lot more enjoyable — and a lot more successful. Here are my go-to tips for making the most of your next thrifting trip:

Go Often — But When You’re in the Right Mood

The best thrifting finds don’t stick around for long. So visiting your favorite shops regularly increases your chances of scoring something special. That said, I’ve learned that thrifting is best done when I’m in the mood to browse, not when I’m rushed or distracted. You’ll have more patience to sift through the shelves. And you’re more likely to notice hidden gems you might otherwise miss when you’re rushed or tired.

Keep an Open Mind

If you head into a store with one very specific item in mind, you might leave disappointed. Thrifting works best when you allow yourself to be surprised. The perfect wall art for your living room might show up when you’re actually hunting for glassware. Browse every aisle, even the ones you don’t think will have what you’re looking for, because you never know where your next favorite find will turn up. I also make a point to walk each aisle more than once. It’s amazing how many treasures I spotted on a second pass after being distracted by another find or feeling hurried by other shoppers the first time through.

Start a Thrifting Wish List

While you can’t control what will be on the shelves, it helps to keep a running list of pieces you’d love to find. On mine right now? An antique American flag, a silver shell serving dish, and Waterford Crystal sherbet glasses. I also keep an inventory of the china patterns I’m collecting so that if I spot them while thrifting, I know exactly which pieces I still need and which ones I already have enough of. I keep both of those lists in the Notes app on my phone so it’s easy to reference while I’m out shopping. Having those items in the back of your mind makes it easier to spot what you’ve been hoping for when they do appear. And, if you sometimes get impatient like I do, eBay is a great place to do some online thrifting and find that piece you’ve been eyeing.

Keep Measurements Handy

I keep a note on my phone with dimensions for key spaces — like the depth of shelves in my living room that I’m always styling or the size of art I need to complete a gallery wall. This saves me from falling in love with something only to find it doesn’t fit when I get home. I even keep a small tape measure in my purse so I can check dimensions on the spot. It’s saved me from a few “this won’t fit” moments.

Don’t Buy Something Just Because It’s Cheap

When I first started thrifting, I loved all the deals and would scoop up anything that seemed like a bargain. The problem? Half of it wasn’t my style or didn’t have a spot in my home. Over time, I’ve learned to be more discerning. Just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean it needs to come home with you! Sometimes it’s better to appreciate it in the store and leave it for someone else to discover. Thrifting should be about finding pieces you truly love, not just filling space. Trust me — your future self (and your storage closet) — will thank you.

What to Get at Thrift Shops for Home Decor

After years of wandering thrift store aisles, I’ve learned that some categories consistently deliver the best finds — the pieces that feel unique, high-quality, and far more special than anything I could buy new for the same price. These are the sections I never skip. Because they so often hide the kinds of treasures that make a home feel collected and personal:

Glassware

Yes, thrifted glassware can mean wine glasses, coupes, and high ball glasses — all of which look great styled on a bar cart — but I also love using beautiful glass pieces as decorative items in unexpected ways around my home. A cut crystal bowl can hold matchbooks, a vintage candy dish can store jewelry on a dresser, and a footed glass compote can display faux fruit or moss balls. I’ve even found glass paperweights — like a delicate seashell one — that make charming accents for a coffee table or a desk in a home office.

Silver

I love thrifting silver because people often overlook it. Tarnished silver champagne buckets, silver footed serving pieces, or silver-accented serving bowls might not look like much on the shelf, but a little polish can completely transform them. I’ve found everything from a silver shell I used as wall art to a collection of silver trays I now bring out for entertaining. If you spot a heavily tarnished piece, don’t walk by. It might just be a diamond in the rough. A simple silver polish and a soft cloth can make even the dullest piece sparkle again. (This is my favorite silver polish!)

Entertaining Essentials

If you love to host, thrift stores are a goldmine for entertaining pieces. Think porcelain floral platters, serving bowls of all sizes, out-of-production china, candle holders, napkins, and tablecloths. I’ve found beautiful sets of china — many of which are nearly 100 years old — classic Corning Ware, an antique pie dish, and even vintage ceramic dip dishes in woven baskets with little fruit motifs in the center. Adding these pieces to your collection helps make holidays feel extra festive. And can instantly elevate even the most casual weeknight dinner.

Picture Frames of All Sizes

Picture frames are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to elevate your decor. And they are in abundance at thrift stores. I look for both tabletop frames and larger wall frames. And I never hesitate to buy one just for the frame itself. You can always swap out the art for your own photographs or prints. I like solid wood frames, frames with unique inlays, frames with beautiful mats, and gold-toned frames that complement my apartment’s decor.

Other Home Decor I Look For

Beyond these core categories, I always keep an eye out for table lamps and floor lamps (especially if they have interesting bases that can be updated with a new shade), baskets for storage, wall decor, and wall mirrors. When it comes to wall decor, I especially love original art, vintage lithographs — particularly florals or nature scenes — and embroidered, cross-stitched, or needlepoint pieces that add texture and charm. As for wall mirrors, one of my all-time favorite finds was a beautiful vintage faux bamboo mirror that fit my space perfectly and added just the right touch of warmth and character.

I also look for hardcover books that can be stacked on a coffee table or styled on shelves. And smaller accents like jewelry dishes or candlesticks that are perfect for apartment bedroom decor ideas. And when I eventually have more space than my one-bedroom apartment, I plan to thrift for larger furniture — especially solid wood pieces that can be refinished or updated to fit my style.

How to Decorate with Thrift Store Finds

Once you’ve brought your treasures home, the fun really begins — styling them so they look intentional, cohesive, and personal. Here are my favorite ways to incorporate thrift store finds into your space so they feel collected (not cluttered):

Layer a Coffee Table

Your coffee table is prime real estate for showing off your thrift store treasures. On mine, I use floral china saucers I thrifted as unexpected coasters, a cut glass dish to hold matches, and an antique scalloped glass dish to corral my growing matchbook collection. These small, functional pieces also double as conversation starters. And the whole vignette cost me less than $5.

Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are the perfect place to showcase the one-of-a-kind finds that make your space yours. I’ve added thrifted treasures to two of mine. On the first, a brass shell I stumbled upon thrifting adds a touch of texture and shine among framed art and photographs. On the second, I hung a vintage tennis racket, a small silver shell, and a delicate floral tea saucer, all found while thrifting. Mixing metals, textiles, and art mediums keeps each arrangement interesting and gives your wall depth.

Curate Your Bar

A well-styled bar is about more than just bottles — it’s the accessories that give it personality. Over time, I’ve added thrifted finds that make mine feel collected and unique: vintage shot glasses with colorful floral designs, an antique floral bell, and two small glass dishes I’ve repurposed in unexpected ways — one to hold colorful matches and another as a candle holder. The mix of vintage details and functional pieces makes the whole setup feel intentional.

Style Your Bookshelves

Bookshelves aren’t just for books — they’re a chance to tell a visual story. I like mixing secondhand hardcover books (bonus points for great spines) with sculptural thrifted objects like the vintage brass swan I found on one lucky afternoon. Layering books with decorative objects, art, and even small plants keeps the shelves visually interesting and gives them that collected-over-time feel.

Decorate Your Dresser Top

Small thrifted finds that combine form and function can transform your dresser top into prime space. On one dresser, a silver seashell holds my matchbook collection. On another, a spongeware bowl serves as a catchall for earrings, and a pair of glass candlestick holders adds height and a touch of elegance. These pieces not only help corral everyday items but also make each surface feel curated and intentional.

At the end of the day, the best part about decorating with thrift store finds is that no two homes will ever look the same. Every piece you bring home carries its own history and helps tell your story — whether it’s a $2 frame you polished up, a quirky piece of art you couldn’t pass by, or the perfect lamp base you’ve been searching for. Over time, these finds layer together to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely yours. So grab your list, keep an open mind, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Your next favorite piece might be waiting on the very next shelf.