8 Retro Home Decor Items You'll Find Hiding In The Thrift Store

I find wading through racks and perusing shelves at secondhand stores relaxing, and I can easily spend two hours shopping, as it gives me a chance to disconnect and ponder preloved items. However, even if you only have 10 minutes—or tend to completely avoid thrifting—popping into your local charity shop has its benefits. Not only is doing so a way to shop sustainably but there are always surprises in store.

Although charity shops are littered with modern castoffs—think melamine plates and small appliances—a trip can also manifest fabulous decor items to accent your home. Not only are these pieces unique, but they’re typically better quality and designed to last. Plus, they can provide a wow factor that many of today’s pieces lack. No matter how much time you have to dedicate to your next thrifting trip, here are 8 retro finds to look for the next time you shop.

Retro Home Decor To Look For

Antique Mirrors

Reflective surfaces abound at secondhand stores, and whether you need one for your bathroom, bedroom, or hall, the selection at charity shops outweighs the humdrum at big box stores. “From beveled glass to ornate antique styles, mirrors framed in gilded or intricately carved wood bring a sense of openness in an entryway over a shallow table or leaning on a mantel,” says Michelle Woolley Sauter, the owner of One Coast Design in Charleston, South Carolina.

Additionally, don’t skip over mirrors that show signs of age, such as gray spots or shading on the reflective part. These flaws add to the uniqueness as long as the mirror is still functional.

Picture Frames

Need encouragement to release your photos from your smartphone and finally print them? Head to the frame section of the thrift store. Often, secondhand shops have a vast selection of frames from standard sizes, such as 4x6” and 8x10”, to specialty sizes. The benefit is that you’ll be able to purchase them at a fraction of their retail prices. Willow Wright, the owner of Urban Redeux in Alexandria, Virginia, says charity shops have a wide range of styles, from minimalistic styles to ornate gold designs.

However, the best part is the quality. “Shopping secondhand frames keeps you from spending money on flimsy new ones and adds a unique touch to your decor,” says Wright.

Original Artwork

The art section of most thrift shops is ripe for the picking. Smaller works are displayed on shelves, whereas larger pieces are often in bins or placed against the wall. Either way, notice the pieces in the back of the stacks—you might find a gem! Reyne Hirsch owns Dallas Auction Gallery and often sees consigned art pieces that will enhance your decor. “Fill those blank walls with fun prints and sometimes nice art that is donated often,” she says.

Part of the experience is that you never know what you’ll find. “You’ll often uncover unusual, original pieces—paintings, photography, or even sculptures,” says Lucinda Loya, owner of Lucinda Loya Interiors in Houston, Texas. Not only will you discover pieces to create a gallery wall, but large-scale, statement art pieces also await. Loya also has another sage tip: Look beyond the art/frame pairing and be willing to separate them if it doesn’t detract from the value. “If the frames are dated, they can be easily updated to suit your space,” she adds.

Serving Pieces

Although kitchen serving pieces are sometimes more about function, Southerners love seizing the opportunity to blend beauty with functionality. “Seek out silver and copper serving pieces, which elevate entertaining and provide a rustic-luxe look when displayed,” suggests Sauter. Because of their metal patinas, shoppers often overlook beautiful chargers, pitchers, and platters because of their perceived condition.

Porcelain also comes in various patterns that can add a bit of panache to your table or kitchen island. “White, cream, and subtle celadon green or blue-and-white china are perfect for everyday use or for adding a touch of depth to your kitchen collection,” adds Sauter.

Unique Lamps

The unsung hero of charity shops is lamps. Depending on how organized your thrift store is, the lighting section can be easy to pass over. Visually, it can look like an unpleasant mass of discarded light fixtures, lamps, and wayward shades. Amber Bartek is the founder of The Magic of Round Top community in Round Top, Texas, and recommends having fun with your lighting while letting it set the tone of your decor.

Bartek says, “There are lots of fun vintage styles: fringed, beaded, ornate, and mid-century modern.” If you’re willing to search—or perhaps thrift a lamp and wait to find a suitable shade—you can quickly provide light throughout your home.

Handwoven Rugs

Rugs are tricky to find at secondhand shops, as they may be easy to miss if rolled up. However, if you need a runner for your hall or a piece to anchor your dining table, get ready to thrift. “Look for bohemian-style vintage rugs in deeper hues that will work great for your family,” says Bartek. Of course, you should also see a lot of machine-produced rugs while shopping secondhand that will fit your needs. If you’re having trouble finding what you need at the thrift store, estate sales are another great option for vintage rugs.

Quality Pillows

An easy way to add interest to a living room is to add decorative pillows to a sofa or chair. Loya has discovered everything from needlepoint cushions to silk pillows at secondhand shops. She also loves balancing aesthetics, such as blending ugly with pretty and perfect with flawed. “Even with a tattered old pillow, the room should feel clean and modern, thanks to a balance of vintage touches and sleek, contemporary lines,” advises Loya. “The trick is to keep accessories curated, ensuring the space isn’t overwhelmed with clutter.”

Unique Catch-alls

Life gets chaotic, and whether you can’t ever find your keys or need a place to rest your ring by the kitchen sink, the answer to your organizational needs may lie at the charity shop. Repurposing an item does require a bit of creative thinking, so look beyond the intended purpose of a piece. Wright suggests using wooden trays or boxes as purposeful accents. “Use a tray to style your coffee table or a wooden box to hold mail or small items,” she says.

Sauter recommends keeping an eye out for uniquely shaped bowls. She says, “Unusually shaped small bowls are functional and visually intriguing.” Vintage ashtrays are also kitschy and can become a focal point. “They can be that perfect conversation starter while serving as a practical addition to any space,” adds Sauter.

Bartek recommends looking for vintage furniture, suitcases, trunks, and baskets to store collections or large items. “You can store your quilts, games for family game night, books,” she says, “It is a great way to keep things tucked away and clutter-free.”

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