3 Things to (Always) Look for at the Thrift Store

Every time you visit the thrift store, you should look for these 3 things.

The title of this post sounds a little bit like a 3 point sermon, right? But I guess any talk that has only 3 points usually means I can remember them! Since we just had national thrift store day, and because I recently cleared out a lot of JUNK, I thought I’d share with you what I still look for when I go treasure hunting! Empty space or not, a true junker still loves the thrill of the hunt, because there’s always something else out there I can decorate with;) Here are 3 Things to (Always) Look for at the Thrift store, no matter when you go!

3 Things to (Always) Look for at the Thrift Store

When you go Thrifting, Always Pick up Classic Junk Items

Classic junk items are items that look good anywhere, anytime. They are great for photo styling and a great addition to any vignette in any room of your home. You may use them to decorate for a special party, to create a centerpiece or simply be a part of a bookshelf vignette.

My list is long, but it includes old cameras, clocks, little stools, old fans, globes, interesting wood boxes, scales, typewriters, hardcover books, wood spools and anything architectural. These items have great bones, interesting, varied textures and sometimes have classic graphics.

If the price is right, I always pick these classic junk items up, because I know I’ll use them; they’re always in season!

When You’re at the Thrift Store, Check Out the Seasonal Decor

Much of my seasonal decor has been purchased from thrift stores, church sales and estate sales. Often, it’s been found completely out-of-season for the season I will use it in! I found great little ziplock bags of acorns and apples recently that I used for my “Vintage Divided Tray” early fall centerpiece. Last week I picked up this Florida tray for it’s Halloween coloring, the corn trays and the wood acorn for fall decor, and couldn’t turn down a garland of basic red berries! Hot summer church sales {“Church Sales 101″ and “For the Love and Comfort of Church Sales”} are great timing for finding Christmas decor for cheap.

Thrift store and church sale prices on seasonal foliage is so much cheaper than purchasing it new at a store, and you’re not limited to whatever is “in fashion” at the time. You can find a much wider variety of seasonal decor items thrifting, because you’re getting a sampling of a lifetime of items!

Thrift Stores are Great for Themed Shopping

If you have a decor theme in mind when you head out thrift shopping, you’ll be amazed at what you can find. When I was putting together groupings for my former store, selling at my store, I  always had a themed vignette in mind, centered around a season. The items I bought, above, are for a blog hop where we were challenged to use a photo to imitate a look, using thrifted and cheap finds! {See “How to Decorate to Thrift the Look: Vintage Lakehouse”, along with a printable checklist}.  Can you see the theme developing here in the pic above? It all came together at the thrift store!

Sometimes the themed accessories I’m on the hunt for revolve around a certain color or pattern, too. If I’m looking for red and black plaid for a fall-winter vignette, it’s easy to search the shelves for those colors. I may find some hard goods, then I may spot an afghan that fits, even an old hat or scarf to add to a display.

Having a theme in your mind, helps you find the items you’re looking for!

Hope this 3 part sermon helps you the next time you’re on the treasure hunting trail! Put this little acrostic into your mind to remember these thrift store tips:

C.S.T.=

Classic Junk

Seasonal Decor

Themed Accessories

Thrifting is a great way to find affordable items, and a great source for vintage repurposing! If you like new ideas for old things, sign up below to keep the ideas and inspiration flowing!

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