12 Thrift Store Picks That Could Be Worth The Hunt In Austin
Austin’s thrift stores are treasure troves waiting to be explored by savvy shoppers with an eye for hidden gems.
From vintage furniture to unique decor pieces, these secondhand havens offer incredible finds that can transform your space while keeping your budget intact.
If you’re ready to embark on a thrifting adventure in the capital city, here are twelve items worth searching for in Austin’s eclectic resale shops. Keep in mind, availability and condition of items may vary depending on the store, season, and current inventory.
1. Solid Wood Dressers
Heavy is good when you’re examining dressers at Austin thrift stores! That substantial weight usually indicates real wood construction instead of particle board, signaling quality that’s built to last generations.
Many shoppers overlook these pieces because of outdated finishes or missing hardware. What they don’t realize is that solid wood furniture can be transformed with paint, stain, or new knobs for a fraction of what new furniture costs.
Look inside drawers for dovetail joints these interlocking pieces show craftsmanship that’s rare in modern mass-produced furniture. Austin’s Goodwill locations and Salvation Army stores regularly receive estate donations containing these sturdy treasures, often priced between $50-150 depending on condition.
2. Vintage Rugs
Did you know authentic handwoven rugs often hide in plain sight at Austin thrift stores, mistaken for mass-produced items? The telltale signs include irregular patterns, natural fiber backings, and knots visible on the underside.
These textile treasures bring instant character to any room and typically sell for a fraction of their retail value. I’ve witnessed Persian and Turkish rugs priced under $100 that would fetch thousands in specialty shops.
Austin’s eclectic community means international families often donate incredible pieces when downsizing. Check stores like Texas Thrift and Next to New for the best selection. Even rugs with some wear have value – minor stains can often be professionally cleaned, revealing stunning colors and patterns underneath years of dust.
3. Teak Sideboards
Teak furniture from the mid-century era represents some of the most coveted thrift finds in Austin today. The warm honey tones of this tropical hardwood develop a beautiful patina over time that can’t be replicated in newer pieces.
Scandinavian-designed teak sideboards with sliding doors and tapered legs command premium prices in vintage shops but occasionally surface in general thrift stores for a song. The Austin Furniture Depot and Far Out Home Fittings sometimes receive these gems.
When examining potential treasures, check for manufacturer stamps Danish makers like Hundevad, Bramin, or Dyrlund indicate exceptional quality. Even pieces needing refinishing are worth grabbing quickly, as the wood quality and craftsmanship far exceed most contemporary furniture available at similar price points.
4. Ceramic Planters
Austin’s plant-loving culture makes vintage ceramic planters hot commodities in the thrifting world. The quirky glazes and organic forms of mid-century pottery stand out among mass-produced plastic options crowding store shelves today.
West German pottery from the 1960s-70s, identifiable by its vibrant colors and textured glazes, often sells for $5-15 at thrift stores but commands $75+ online. Local shops like Treasure City Thrift and St. Vincent de Paul regularly receive these gems.
I recommend checking the bottom for maker’s marks names like McCoy, Haeger, or California Pottery indicate collectible status. Even unmarked vintage ceramics have value for their unique character and craftsmanship. Their imperfect, handmade quality adds warmth to any interior while providing homes for Austin’s beloved houseplants.
5. Antique Mirrors
Those slightly cloudy mirrors with ornate frames aren’t just old they’re potentially valuable antiques waiting to be discovered in Austin’s thrift scene. The slight spotting or “foxing” on mirror glass actually indicates age and authenticity that designers pay premium prices for.
Frames made from solid wood with hand-carved details or genuine gold leaf can be worth hundreds, yet often sell for $20-40 at places like Salvation Army or Goodwill. The patina of aged wood and imperfect glass creates a depth and character impossible to replicate in mass-produced mirrors.
When hunting these reflective treasures, examine the back for age indicators – older mirrors have wooden backings rather than cardboard, and may show handwritten marks or stamps. Even damaged mirrors have value, as framers can replace glass while preserving antique frames.
6. Chippendale-Style Furniture
Those intricately carved wooden chairs with distinctive back patterns might be valuable Chippendale-style pieces hiding in plain sight at Austin thrift stores. This elegant 18th-century design aesthetic features elaborate carvings, ball-and-claw feet, and refined proportions that never go out of style.
While authentic period pieces are rare, quality reproductions from the early-to-mid 20th century still command respectable prices in today’s market. I’ve spotted dining chairs and small tables priced under $50 that would fetch $200+ each at antique stores.
The key identifying features include cabriole legs (curved like an animal’s leg), carved shells or scrollwork, and mahogany or walnut construction. Austin’s estate sales often funnel these pieces to thrift stores when families downsize. Even single chairs have value, as designers frequently use them as accent pieces in modern interiors.
7. Retro Lighting Fixtures
Hanging from the ceilings or stashed in corners of Austin thrift stores, vintage lighting fixtures from the 50s through 70s have become design gold. The sputnik-style chandeliers, mushroom lamps, and globe pendants that were once considered outdated now fetch hundreds in specialty shops.
Materials like brass, smoked glass, and ceramic indicate quality pieces worth grabbing. Even if wiring needs updating (which is often a simple fix), the unique forms and craftsmanship make these lights worth the investment.
Check stores like Far Out Home Fittings and Austin Furniture Depot for the best selection. When examining potential treasures, look for maker’s marks brands like Lightolier, Laurel Lamp Company, or Moe Light indicate collectible status. The warm glow these fixtures cast creates an ambiance impossible to achieve with contemporary lighting.
8. Industrial-Style Furniture
Metal filing cabinets, factory carts, and steel shelving units might look utilitarian, but they’re actually hot commodities in Austin’s design scene. These industrial pieces bring authentic character to spaces while providing durability that modern reproductions can’t match.
Former office furniture from the mid-century era particularly items made by companies like Steelcase or Globe-Wernicke command premium prices in vintage shops but occasionally surface in general thrift stores. The patina of aged metal, complete with dents and scratches, adds character that designers love.
When hunting these treasures, check for smooth-operating drawers, solid construction, and interesting details like brass hardware or numbered compartments. Austin’s business district regularly cycles out older furniture, meaning places like Goodwill’s Blue Hanger often receive these gems before they’re recognized for their value.
9. Vintage Kitchenware
Those colorful Pyrex bowls and distinctive casserole dishes aren’t just old cookware they’re highly collectible pieces that can be worth serious money. Patterns like “Butterprint,” “Gooseberry,” and “Pink Daisy” regularly sell for 10-20 times their thrift store prices online.
Cast iron skillets from makers like Griswold or early Lodge have similar value, especially when found with smooth cooking surfaces and clear markings. Austin’s thrift scene regularly yields these treasures at stores like Treasure City and St. Vincent de Paul.
When examining potential finds, check for minimal scratching on Pyrex patterns and flat, crack-free bottoms on cast iron. Even incomplete sets have value to collectors looking to complete their collections. Beyond monetary worth, these vintage kitchen workhorses often perform better than their modern counterparts, making them practical investments for home cooks.
10. Eames-Style Lounge Chairs
Spotting that distinctive curved wood and leather silhouette of an Eames-style lounge chair at an Austin thrift store might just be the holy grail of furniture finds. Authentic Herman Miller pieces can sell for thousands, but even quality reproductions command respectable prices in today’s market.
The combination of molded plywood, premium leather, and that iconic reclined silhouette creates an instantly recognizable profile. Thrift stores occasionally receive these pieces when estates are liquidated or when owners don’t recognize their value.
If you encounter one, check for manufacturer labels on the underside of the seat or ottoman. Even chairs needing reupholstering are worth grabbing quickly. Austin’s Room Service Vintage occasionally receives these treasures, though they rarely stay on the floor long. The comfort of these ergonomic masterpieces matches their aesthetic appeal, making them both beautiful and functional investments.
11. Upcycled Wooden Tables
Those seemingly ordinary wooden tables with sturdy bases and thick tops represent incredible potential for creative Austin homes. Solid wood dining tables, coffee tables, and side tables can be transformed with minimal effort into statement pieces that would cost hundreds at trendy furniture stores.
Look beyond surface scratches or outdated finishes to assess the bones of the piece. Hefty weight, dovetail joints, and hardwood construction indicate quality worth investing in. Local shops like Austin Furniture Depot often have these diamonds in the rough.
When examining potential projects, check underneath for maker’s marks – even mass-produced pieces from companies like Ethan Allen or Thomasville from the mid-century era were built to last generations. A simple sanding and refinishing can reveal beautiful grain patterns in oak, walnut, or maple tables that currently sell for $30-100 at thrift prices.
12. Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Spotting those sleek, angled legs and minimalist designs of mid-century chairs can make your heart skip a beat in Austin thrift stores. The clean lines and organic forms from the 1950s and 60s remain incredibly popular in home decor today.
Local shops like Far Out Home Fittings and Room Service Vintage occasionally stock authentic pieces that might need just a little TLC. Even with worn upholstery, the bones of these chairs can be worth hundreds.
I’ve seen lucky shoppers score original Danish designs for under $50 that would retail for ten times that amount in specialty stores. Keep an eye out for designer marks on the underside names like Herman Miller, Knoll, or Danish makers can indicate you’ve struck gold!
