The thrift store is a go-to source for affordable items, but designers know they’re also the place to find unique treasures to add a luxurious look to the bedroom. You can easily take a boring, big box bedroom and turn it into an eyecatching space with a quick trip to the thrift store and an eye for one-of-a-kind pieces.
But the best way to fill your bedroom with beautiful and affordable thrifted finds is to first know what you’re looking for. Thrift stores have a lot of stuff, and not everything is right for your space.
“Thrift stores have lots of unique items that are timeless and special and these items, when curated properly, can bring warmth and character to your bedroom,” says Wendy Glaister, CEO, founder, and principal designer at Wendy Glaister Interiors. “But have a specific plan for items you’d like to find. If you don’t, you may wind up bringing home objects you regret.”
Need help figuring out where to start your thrifting plan? Here are eight bedroom essentials designers always find at thrift stores.
Intriguing Lamps
“I am always on the hunt for interesting lamps, and often find a pair that could be great for nightstands or dressers to flank a bed,” says Shannon Cassell, founder of Shannon Cassell Interiors.
But lamps can take a beating in thrift stores, so don’t be surprised if the gorgeous pair of lamps you stumble upon has a few cosmetic issues with the shade or looks as if its wiring hasn’t been updated in a few decades. Luckily, rewiring is an easy DIY project, and Cassell doesn’t let a broken shade stop her.
“Replacement shades are a cinch to find, just make sure they are as large as possible to add presence to your space,” Cassell says.
Trinket Trays
Think outside the box when it comes to how to repurpose thrifted items in the bedroom. Any small dish or plate can be used as a tray for trinkets. If a pattern or color catches your eye, then that’s reason enough to take it home and use it for everything from a bedside ring dish when you take your jewelry off at night to a home for favorite matchbooks for your relaxing scented candles.
“A dessert plate is perfect for a dresser to corral small items at the end of the day,” Cassell says. “A small porcelain dish could easily hold a lovely bar of soap in the adjacent bathroom.”
Vintage Coverlets
Vintage coverlets and quilts could seem dated at first glance, and that’s exactly why they often end up in thrift stores, tossed aside by their previous owners. But, when styled with a more modern look, these secondhand finds can add a colorful, rich look to bedding layers. Cassell explains, “Crisp white bedding with an interesting topper either spread out or folded into thirds and laid at the end of the bed is a beautiful and personal touch. Add a lumbar pillow that brings in the colors from the coverlet to tie the bed together.”
Crystal Candy Jars
Thrift stores are often overflowing with crystal and glass accents. These pieces had their hey day several decades back, and, now, they’re often seen as an item to send straight to the donate pile when you’re decluttering.
But crystal candy jars can add a moment of luxury and frivolity to a room, while also serving a practical purpose.
“Crystal candy jars sparkle, they are touches of vintage glamour that I find irresistible,” says Glaister. “I like to use them on a dresser for decoration or near a makeup mirror and table. They’re perfect for cotton balls, Q-tips, and safety pins.”
Silver Trays and Accents
Pick up a silver or silver plated tray or serving piece at a thrift store, and you’ll add a pretty, luxurious touch to a nightstand or dresser. Think outside their usual use—an item that usually is found on the dining table could be exactly what you need to keep jewelry or accessories out on display in the bedroom.
“Large silver trays may be placed on an ottoman or on a dresser with an orchid, candle and framed photo of a friend or family member,” Glaister says. “The small ones are perfect on the dresser alongside a perfume collection or jewelry display.”
Unique Side Tables
“If you have an aesthetic that is not necessarily ‘on trend’ it might be hard to find just the right thing in a typical retail store,” says Glaister, who often looks to thrift stores for more unique and eclectic items.
She suggests looking for nightstands with beautiful and unusual details, while also embracing the patina that comes with age. As long as the nightstand is structurally sound, the imperfections can be viewed as adding character.
Original Art
Buying original art can cost an arm and a leg, and mass market art from a big box store often feels sterile and generic. Thrift stores are the secret to finding one-of-a-kind art on a budget. You could stumble upon a stunning original oil painting or a charming watercolor, and you’ll pay a fraction of what you’d find in a gallery.
“I learned from an art dealer friend to pay attention to the condition of the piece,” Glaister says. “Is the paint cracked or peeling? Look for signatures to see if you may have discovered a treasure from a semi-famous artist.”
Sculptural Accents
When you spot a shelf full of seemingly random objects in a thrift store, that’s your cue to slow down and take in each item. Often, thrift stores are the best places to find sculptural and textural ceramic accents that add warmth and life to a bedroom vignette. These are the perfect items to style on a nightstand, built-ins, or dresser.
“A layered, lived-in look isn’t created with only new pieces, it’s about contrast, memory, and texture,” says Meghan Mays, designer and founder at Ravenhouse Design. “The right secondhand find can instantly make a bedroom feel more personal, grounded, and complete.”