Top Six Things To Buy From The Thrift Store

Hey guys, so I've stayed true to my word and cut back on some of my blogging. Honestly, I just don't have much to talk about these days. I'm currently taking a break from any real home projects in order to prepare for some things that need to be taken care of this winter--hopefully we can tackle it all. Of course I've been doing things here and there--just nothing that needs a whole post, maybe I'll forge them together into one later on. Last night the hubby and I took advantage of Lowes 50% off garden sale (and hope to go back)--so it's likely that I might have another landscaping post sometime in the near future!

Let's talk about thrift stores for a  moment. Currently they are my very first stop when I'm looking for something, however, it depends on what that something is. While some see thrift shops as dusty old stores piled high with hand-me-down junk, others (me, me, me!) see them for the treasure troves that they truly are. I can't say that every time I enter a thrift store I leave with something to love, like everything else--it's a process--one that will undoubtedly leave you with findings that are well worth the wait--so if you aren't into thrifting now might be a good time to start. Thrift stores open you up to a world of discovery, housing unique items from stores that you may not even be able to afford. From top of the line to the bottom of the barrel it's all there in the thrift store--just waiting on you to find it. In this post, I will discuss my top six items to get from the thrift store (and hope that you all don't become my competition) ;-)

In no particular order here goes:

1. Vases

A good vase can run you upwards of twenty bucks at Michaels and once you get into some of the higher end vases, it could easily put you in the hundreds--if not thousands. And get this, some vases sale into the millions. Insane right? Well, while you probably won't come across a Ming Dynasty Vase laying around anywhere, you can still pick up a pretty solid vase at your local thrift shop (think more in the $20-$40 range). Considering that vases are priced extremely low at thrift shops (I've paid as low as $1.99 for a quality vase) it still garners a super savings. As an added bonus, there are so many unique styles and colors to choose from. And just remember if something has a totally awesome shape but a horrid, ugly color--it can always be painted. Buy it!

2. Lamps

By now we all know how much lamps can run, especially if it is of any type of quality. Well, there are no shortage of quality lamps at the thrift stores. No--sir-ree! Most lamps at the thrift will come in just under the ten dollar mark--you just have to be able to look beyond the 80's era colors. As I stated before, all it takes is a little paint to revive an old, ugly, outdated lamp. You can have a stylish lamp with just a coat of paint and a new lampshade and at the same time save another item from building up in our landfills. Now that's what I call killing two birds with one stone!

3. Furniture

Buffets, chairs, headboards, benches, tables--they can all be found at your local thrift store and the  furniture pieces are surprisingly reasonable (some stores are higher than others). Because of the popularity of thrift stores right now, some have used this to their advantage to raise prices. Be aware and knowledgeable about the price point of what you're buying! The other day I came across a really nice buffet ( it didn't require any work), but I couldn't take it home. Needless to say I was shocked to see that it was toting a $70 price tag. I left that thing right there where it sat. The saleslady went on and on trying to justify why it was marked that price. But at 70 bucks I could have easily gone to Target or HomeGoods and purchased something very similar brand new (it was on the smaller side). The thing about thrift stores is that I'm there to get a deal. If I can't get  a deal I walk. Don't get taken!

4. Picture Frames

So I'm in the process of creating a gallery wall. It always surprises me when I get on Pinterest and hear people speak of them as if they're this totally new creation. My grandmother has had a gallery wall since I was born--and more than likely before. Anyways, thrift stores are the perfect place to pick up some really unique frames, I can't tell you all the wondrous goodness I've been collecting as of late. I promise you, I will never buy another picture frame at full price ever again. Thrift stores have the type of gems that you just won't come across in the stores and at a more than reasonable price too! I don't think I've paid more than $3 for any of my frames and I can guarantee you that they were purchased for much more originally. Likewise, if you do find one of these quirky frames they are going to go for MUCH higher at the average retail store, no deal.

5. Knick Knacks

One thing that I love (and my husband hates, lol) is knick knacks.  There's nothing better than a interesting little statue on the mantel, or a elegant looking candle holder placed on the table. These things add to the overall look of your space--I like to think of them as jewelry for your house. Again, things like this are easy to come across at the thrift store, you just might have to do a little revamping to make it fit in with your style and taste.

6. Fashion Scarves

 

Now this is one of those things that I don't come across nearly as often as I would like to, but every now and then I can find a good, large scarf. While some creative projects may call for upcycling scarves that just isn't my thing, so with this one I have to either like it or not. Although finding a scarf that is my style is rare, the satisfaction when I do (and for a good price) is almost unearthly. $3.99 beats the heck out of $35, ey?


So there you have it, my top six things to purchase at the thrift store. What type of goodies have you scored lately?