If you’re like most people, you likely love a good bargain. And when it comes to home decor, nothing is better than finding a beautiful piece at a fraction of the price. Thrift stores are becoming increasingly popular as people search for ways to save money.
However, you should avoid some things when shopping at thrift stores to get the most value for your money. Keep reading to learn about the five things to avoid when thrifting for home decor.
What Is a Thrift Store?
A thrift store is a type of retail store that sells second-hand goods. Charitable organizations often run thrift stores and sell various items, including clothes, furniture, and household items.
The store will sell donated items at a discounted price, and the proceeds from thrift store sales support the organization’s mission. For example, many thrift stores support programs that provide basic necessities for people in need.
Some thrift stores also sell vintage or antique items, and these stores are often popular with collectors. Whether looking for a bargain or a unique find, thrift stores can make a great place to shop.
Why Is Thrifting So Popular Now?
In today’s economy, thrift store shopping has become increasingly popular. With the high cost of living and the pressure to save money, thrift store shopping offers a great way to find deals on clothing, household items, and more.
The continued rise of social media has also made thrifting more visible, as people share their thrifting finds and successes online. Furthermore, thrifting has become more mainstream as people have become more conscious of the environmental and financial benefits of shopping secondhand.
While some people may view thrifting as a negative experience, others have found that it can be a fun and rewarding way to shop. For example, thrifting can be a great way to score unique items you might not find at conventional stores. Additionally, thrifting can help support local businesses and charities.
Whatever the reason, thrifting is now more popular than ever before. Whether you want a bargain or find something different, give thrifting a try.
Pro Tip: Get inspired by these Best RV Kitchen Remodels on Instagram to help you know what to look for while thrifting.
How Do You Decorate With Thrift Items?
Decorating with thrift items takes a bit of creativity and patience. When decorating using secondhand items, one of the first rules of thumb is to avoid purchasing damaged products. While you may feel tempted to buy it in hopes of fixing it up, this can often cause more trouble than it’s worth.
If you don’t feel you have handy skills, you may do more harm than good. In addition, even with experience, repairing the damage can be time-consuming and expensive. It’s best to stick with pieces in good condition that don’t require major repairs.
Another tip to remember when thrifting for home decor is to avoid buying anything too big or too small for your space. It’s important to measure before you go thrifting to know what will fit and what won’t.
You should also avoid purchasing anything made of materials that are difficult to clean or care for. Certain types of fabrics, for example, can be very delicate and require special cleaners and treatments. If unprepared to properly care for a piece, it’s best to steer clear.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid buying anything out of style. Trends come and go, so it’s important to consider whether or not a piece will still be fashionable in a few years. If you can’t tell, err on the side of caution and stick with classic, timeless pieces.
Following these simple tips and the five things to avoid, as listed below, you can have a beautifully decorated home. And nobody will even know that you did it on a budget while thrifting.
5 Things to Avoid When Thrifting for Home Decor
Thrifting for home decor can be a fun and affordable way to update your space on a budget. However, you should stay clear of a few things to get the most out of your shopping trip. Here are five items to avoid purchasing on your next thrifting excursion.
1. Bedding
Avoid purchasing bedding from thrift stores. Donated bedding has generally been used and can be worn with stains or tears that you may not see until you get home.
It can also come from a home with a bedbug infestation. It’s best to buy your new bedding, so you know exactly what you’ll sleep on when you crawl under the covers.
2. Stuffed Animals
When thrifting, you might feel tempted to purchase a used stuffed animal. However, you should avoid this for several reasons. First, you don’t know where the stuffed animal has been or what it might have been exposed to. It likely has dust, dirt, and allergens inside. They can also be tough to clean.
Additionally, used stuffed animals may not be as durable as new ones and likely won’t last as long. It’s best to avoid purchasing secondhand stuffed animals from thrift stores.
3. Upholstered Furniture
While thrift store staff may do their best to inspect donated items, it can be difficult to eliminate all bedbugs and their eggs completely.
As a result, try to purchase new upholstered furniture instead of used ones at the thrift store. With a little effort, you can find furniture that fits your style and budget without having to worry about bringing home unwanted guests.
4. Crib Mattresses
When thrift store shopping, it is important to remain aware of unsafe items. This is especially true for things used by children, such as crib mattresses, car seats, and bed swings. They can have diseases, bugs, and generally unclean conditions.
While thrift stores can help you save money, they may not always adhere to the same safety standards as new products. Crib mattresses and other mattresses may not meet current regulations.
Some products that have had recalls for safety may end up in thrift stores. Always research before purchasing any used product, and err on the side of caution when it comes to your children.
5. Pet Beds
When thrift store shopping, avoid purchasing pet beds. Thrift stores typically do not clean or disinfect the beds before selling them. And you don’t know what animals were using them before. As a result, you risk bacteria and parasites transferring to your pet. To keep Fido safe and bug-free, purchase a new pet bed.
Pro Tip: Want to thrift for your RV? Keep an eye out for these Best RV Cookware Pieces while in the thrift store.
Is It Worth Shopping for Home Decor at Thrift Stores?
These simple tips can help you avoid costly mistakes when shopping for home decor and other items. You can find some amazing bargains with a little planning and forethought.
And save money on your decorating projects and use some creative skills. You can make shopping at thrift stores worth both your time and money. Happy thrifting!
What are your best thrifting tips and tricks? Share your thrifting secrets in the comments!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: