5 Thrifted Home Items To Avoid, And 10 That Are Suddenly Cool Again
Thrift shopping for home decor can be like a treasure hunt where you either strike gold or end up with something truly regrettable. I’ve spent years scouring secondhand shops, spotting diamonds in the rough, and dodging some serious design disasters.
Not everything in the thrift store aisle is a hidden jewel, some items deserve a hard pass (looking at you, ruffled toilet covers). But don’t worry, there are plenty of vintage treasures making a stylish comeback in today’s homes, and I’m here to spill the tea!
1. AVOID: Bulky Entertainment Centers
Those massive wooden behemoths designed for 90s TVs should stay firmly in the past. Nobody needs furniture that weighs as much as a small car and takes up half your living room.
Entertainment centers were built for boxy televisions that no longer exist. Modern flat screens look ridiculous perched in these dated units, creating an awkward mismatch that screams “I haven’t redecorated since Friends was still airing new episodes.”
2. AVOID: Particle Board Anything
How can you spot particle board? Look for that telltale bubbling along the edges where moisture has seeped in. This material is essentially sawdust held together with glue, not exactly heirloom quality.
Particle board furniture from thrift stores has usually already lived its best life. Once these pieces start to deteriorate, there’s no coming back.
Save yourself the heartache of watching your “new” bookshelf slowly sag under the weight of actual books.
3. AVOID: Outdated Bathroom Sets
Those matching toilet seat covers, rugs, and tissue box holders in dusty rose or seafoam green belong to another era. Bathroom sets scream 1980s suburbia faster than you can say “coordinated floral patterns.”
Bathroom textiles from thrift stores also raise hygiene questions. Even after washing, these items have absorbed years of bathroom… atmosphere. Fresh, simple pieces will make your bathroom feel clean rather than like a time capsule from your grandma’s house.
4. AVOID: Mass-Produced Wall Art
If you’ve seen that generic canvas print of the Eiffel Tower in every hotel room, it probably doesn’t deserve wall space in your home. Mass-produced art lacks personality and makes spaces feel like corporate waiting rooms.
Wall art should reflect your unique taste, not whatever was popular at big box stores fifteen years ago. Skip those motivational quotes on distressed wood and those ubiquitous watercolor cityscapes.
Your walls deserve better than the visual equivalent of elevator music.
5. AVOID: Dated Light Fixtures
Unless you’re specifically hunting for vintage lighting, those brass chandeliers with fake candles and frosted glass shades from the 90s should stay at the thrift store. Outdated fixtures instantly age a room in the worst way.
Lighting technology has improved dramatically over the years. Those old fixtures often can’t accommodate modern bulbs and might even pose safety hazards.
Plus, that faux Tiffany lamp with the green glass shade wasn’t even cool the first time around.
6. COOL AGAIN: Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Where has all this gorgeous walnut been hiding? Mid-century pieces with their clean lines and organic shapes have roared back into fashion. The tapered legs and minimalist profiles fit perfectly in today’s homes.
Mid-century furniture was built to last, unlike today’s disposable pieces. Those credenzas and coffee tables with their warm wood tones bring authentic character to spaces dominated by contemporary items. Scout for genuine pieces with dovetail joints and solid construction rather than reproductions.
7. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Glassware
This isn’t your grandmother’s china cabinet anymore! Colorful vintage glassware is having a major moment, especially those radiant jewel tones and interesting textured pieces from the 60s and 70s.
Mixing and matching different colored glasses creates an eclectic table that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Look for Depression glass, Blenko pieces, or those funky amber goblets.
Even a single statement piece can transform a boring table setting into something magazine-worthy.
8. COOL AGAIN: Rattan And Wicker
Though once relegated to sunrooms and grandma’s house, rattan and wicker have swung back into style with impressive force. These natural materials bring warmth and texture to spaces that might otherwise feel too sleek or sterile.
Rattan chairs, peacock headboards, and woven pendants add organic elements that complement both minimalist and maximalist styles. The natural imperfections and handcrafted quality of these pieces provide a welcome contrast in our increasingly digital world. Just avoid pieces with significant damage or unraveling.
9. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Rugs
Did you know vintage rugs often cost less at thrift stores than new mass-produced versions? These textile treasures bring instant character and history to any space with their faded colors and unique patterns.
Vintage rugs were made to withstand generations of use. Their imperfections tell stories while their muted palettes work surprisingly well with contemporary interiors.
Even worn areas can add charm rather than looking shabby. Persian, Turkish, and kilim styles are especially sought after for their timeless appeal.
10. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Art Books
Large-format art books have become the secret ingredient of stylish coffee tables everywhere. These oversized tomes with their striking covers and rich photography make perfect decor pieces while actually containing something interesting inside.
Art books from different eras showcase unique design sensibilities through their typography and layouts. Stack them by color for visual impact or choose subjects that reflect your interests.
Unlike many decorative objects, these books actually serve a purpose beyond looking pretty.
11. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Maps And Scientific Charts
Forget mass-produced wall art, vintage maps and scientific illustrations bring authentic character to your walls. These pieces combine graphic appeal with historical interest, creating conversation starters that actually deserve attention.
Old botanical prints, anatomical diagrams, and geographical maps offer a wealth of detail and craftsmanship rarely found in contemporary prints. Their yellowed paper and slightly faded colors create warmth that new reproductions can’t match. Frame them simply to let their intricate details shine.
12. COOL AGAIN: Brass Accents
Brass is back, baby! Those tarnished candlesticks and planters gathering dust at thrift stores are gold mines waiting for a polish. Unlike today’s flimsy reproductions, vintage brass has substantial weight and beautiful patina.
Mixed metal looks are particularly on-trend right now. Vintage brass pieces bring warmth to rooms dominated by cooler stainless steel or chrome.
Look for solid pieces with interesting shapes, animals, hands, and geometric forms that are especially coveted. Don’t worry about perfect polish, a bit of age adds character.
13. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Ceramic Planters
Plant parents rejoice! Those quirky ceramic planters from the 60s and 70s are perfect vessels for your growing collection. Their organic shapes and earthy glazes complement the natural beauty of houseplants.
Vintage ceramic pieces often feature unique textures and drip glazes impossible to find in mass-market options. West German pottery, with its distinctive volcanic glazes, has become particularly collectible. Even simple terracotta pieces develop beautiful patina over time that new pots lack.
14. COOL AGAIN: Vintage Barware
Cocktail culture has revived interest in proper drinking vessels and serving pieces. Vintage barware brings authenticity to your home bar that new reproductions simply can’t match.
Crystal decanters, etched cocktail glasses, and silver cocktail shakers from earlier eras were designed when entertaining at home was an art form. These pieces were built to last and often feature details missing from modern versions. Even a single statement piece like a unique ice bucket can elevate your entertaining game.
15. COOL AGAIN: Statement Lighting
Forget boring builder-grade fixtures! Vintage lighting makes powerful design statements while adding character that no contemporary mass-market piece can match.
Sputnik chandeliers, mushroom lamps, and globe pendants from the mid-century era have become highly sought after for their sculptural qualities. Even simple ceramic table lamps from the 70s with their organic shapes and textured glazes bring warmth to modern interiors.
Just budget for rewiring, electrical safety should never be compromised for style.
