- Thrift stores can be treasure troves for unique finds, and even designers use them to source furniture.
- Wooden dressers, dining chairs, and old-school desks are some of the pieces designers always look for.
- Also keep an eye out for nightstands, bookshelves, hutches, and vintage stools next time you’re at a thrift store.
A designer-worthy interior doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, many designers know the value of a thrifted find all too well. Thrift stores can be goldmines of unique finds, affordable steals, and vintage treasures that help create a cozy and collected interior.
“Thrift store treasure hunting is one of the best ways to find character-rich, budget-friendly furniture,” says Julie Beuerlein, founder and principal designer of JKB Home Design.
Here are the top six types of furniture that designers are always on the hunt for at thrift stores—just don’t forget to bring your measuring tape.
Wooden Dressers
Solid wood dressers are top of the list for designers when scouring thrift stores. Their quality craftsmanship simply cannot be matched, and dressers are versatile, able to be used in various areas of the home—from bedrooms and nurseries to bathrooms, dining rooms, and recreation rooms.
“Older dressers are often made of solid wood with dovetail joints, unlike many modern ones that use particleboard,” Beuerlein says. “Solid wood can often be re-stained or, if staining isn’t an option, repainting a dresser in a fun, unexpected color can give new life to an old piece.”
When shopping for dressers secondhand, Beuerlein recommends doing a few pre-purchase checks. These include checking the drawer function, inspecting the inside of the dresser for musty odors (such as mildew), and looking for signs of water damage or warping.
These issues, while fixable, will require more intensive repair, so it’s good to be aware if they are present before you leave the store.
Dining Chairs
Designers are also always on the hunt for dining chairs at thrift stores. Vintage dining chairs, in particular, are at the top of the list, according to Kendra Hagerman, CEO and owner of budget and lifestyle home blog Kendra Found It.
“Our entire set of eight dining chairs is thrifted,” she says. “Vintage chairs are often solid wood, which makes them an excellent value. I got our entire set of solid oak chairs for $120!”
Even if you can’t find a matching set, mismatched vintage chairs can offer any interior a collected and eclectic look. Beuerlein says individual chairs can also be used as accent seating in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices.
Before purchasing dining chairs from a thrift store, be sure to inspect them for any structural issues. Beuerlein calls it the “wiggle test.”
“Sit and shift your weight—squeaking or wobbling means it needs re-gluing or structural repairs,” she says.
These issues can be quick fixes for the handy DIYer but may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re hoping to go from store to floor, ensure the chairs you purchase are structurally sound and ready for use before leaving.
Old-School Desks
According to Beuerlein, old-school desks are another valuable find. From solid wood office desks to vintage kids school desks, thrift stores are a great place to score unique desks with a ton of charm.
And, like many pieces of furniture on this list, old-school desks are often built to last and made from real wood—not just particleboard like most desks today.
Side Tables and Nightstands
Good side tables and nightstands are also easy to score at the thrift store, according to Beuerlein.
“These are easy to refinish or paint, and you can find unique silhouettes,” she says. “Plus, small tables are handy for almost every room.”
When scouring the furniture aisles, remember that wood is much easier to refinish than particleboard or wood veneer. On that note, Beuerlein says never to skip the “junk furniture” section—you never know what gems are hiding under a bad paint job.
Wooden Bookshelves and Hutches
Bookshelves and hutches have so many applications around the home, but it can be hard to find high-quality, solid wood pieces these days (especially at an affordable price).
That’s why designers and thrifting pros are always on the lookout for them at the thrift store.
“Vintage bookshelves and hutches have loads of personality and can often double as pantry storage or display pieces,” Beuerlein says. “These are great for offices, kitchens, kids’ rooms, and playrooms.”
If you’ve found the wood bookshelf or hutch of your dreams, always make sure you measure it before you leave the store. It can be hard to gauge precisely how big something is and how it will fit into your space.
The last thing you want is to get it home and realize it’s too large or too small for your home, says Beuerlein.
Vintage Stools
Lastly, the pros say not to sleep on the stool section.
“One of my favorite pieces of furniture to thrift is vintage stools,” Hagerman says. “Upholstered, tufted, milking stools, footstools—I’ve thrifted them all. I love buying them because they usually don’t get daily use, which means they are often in good condition.”
Even if they are a bit worn, that adds to their charm, especially in rustic and cottage-style interiors.