8 Must-Have Treasures You'll Love Finding at Thrift Stores

You should consistently watch for these gems when shopping at thrift stores.

Thrift shopping often proves daunting for numerous individuals—given the vast number of various items to go through, it can be challenging to decide which ones genuinely deserve to be taken home and which should remain on the store racks. To gain insights, we consulted a variety of experts. secondhand Shopping specialists located across the South can help you identify eight categories of valuable items that you should always keep an eye out for when shopping. thrifting We're also offering three useful tips to remember when shopping, ensuring you only take home items that are genuinely worth it.

Related: 10 Items You Should Definitely Scavenge for Your Space, As Suggested by Interior Experts

Must-Have Items To Look Out For

Silver

Silver or silver-plated items are always worth checking out at the thrift store, according to Ellie Christopher. The Alabama-based founder of Birmingham Thrift Store Tours emphasizes this point. Ellie Christopher Interior Design Notes that numerous items will feature markings underneath indicating where they were made. "It’s at this point that having connections with experienced dealers can be very useful," she continues. "Feel free to ask them questions, as most of them will gladly share information about the creator and background."

Well Made Chairs

Chairs of superior craftsmanship are definitely worthy acquisitions, according to Christopher. "I am particularly fond of Biedermeier furniture, typically crafted from cherry, ash, and oak," he mentions. "These pieces usually feature a simple geometrical design along with a light-colored finish." He adds that many include intricately patterned woods such as burled wood or book-matched veneers. It’s also important to remember that chair upholstery can be updated over time when necessary.

Products Crafted from Premium Materials

Stephanie Wells suggests avoiding the focus on finding specific items when thrift shopping; rather, she advises being attentive to various high-quality materials. Among her top picks are brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, among others. "By broadening your search to encompass different types of materials," explains the founder, "you'll discover much more." The Bonnie & Blithe Range , located in Baltimore, Maryland. "There's a chance you might strike gold."

Original Art

Hailey Covington, who founded her company based in Seabrook, Texas, Gulf Coast Grandmillennial recommends holding onto authentic artworks found at thrift stores. "In contrast to reproductions, these singular creations imbue a space with an exclusive feel, rendering it entirely unique," she explains. When assessing precious finds, she searches for superior workmanship, high-quality components, and distinctive patterns that catch the eye. Additionally, you can be confident that this type of acquisition will not lead to buyer’s remorse. As Covington points out, "Such acquisitions retain their worth and infuse any dwelling with unmistakable charm."

Looking for a number or signature is another method to ascertain if an artwork is authentic, and the materials used can also offer clues, according to Emi Deilus, the co-founder based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Lainey James Collective “Canvases and linen papers signify originality compared to something like poster boards,” she explains. However, “Artwork can be highly personal; if I see beauty in it, that often becomes the only value it needs," Deilus notes.

Books

Deilus has discovered that numerous customers enjoy displaying vintage books on their shelves or coffee tables and often searches for intriguing titles when thrift shopping. "Highlighting that a book is a first edition or discovering a signed copy by the author can significantly increase its value," she explains. "I constantly look for books with distinctive bindings, unusual materials, or highly decorative covers."

China

According to Deilus, brands such as Wedgwood, Limoges, Herend, Waterford, Meissen, and Fenton are renowned for their superior quality and are favored by many collectors. However, she also notes that reputation alone doesn't guarantee worth. "Currently," she explains further, "decorative plate displays are quite trendy in interior design; thus, we see more value in pieces that boast vibrant colors, intricate designs, and an appealing aesthetic."

Timeless Pieces

If you come across an eternal decoration item at the thrift shop, you definitely wouldn't want to miss out on it. Covington would gladly bring home both blue and white ceramics along with brass pieces. "These possess a cozy, retro charm and can readily be buffed to appear magnificent," she explains.

Things That Give You Happiness

Despite an object's true monetary worth, it's valuable to bring home if it genuinely excites you, according to Allison Bannister, the founder of Salem, Virginia-based venture. Antiques with Allison "Shopping at thrift stores is always enjoyable, but keep in mind that if something brings you happiness, it becomes special and precious irrespective of how much it costs," she states.

Wells expresses comparable views. She states, "It's incredibly exciting to find treasure at a thrift shop, yet the crucial question to consider is whether the item truly resonates with you and enhances the warmth of your living space." Additionally, she mentions, "One can never predict which items might become cherished treasures down the line."

Advice to Remember When You're Shopping:

Look for Maker’s Marks

When you're at the thrift store, feel free to flip items over to examine them closely; you could discover some interesting details! Look for stamps or makers' marks which are commonly found on the bottom side of objects. According to Nicole Gard, who owns a vintage shop, "These markings not only usually signify something more valuable or noteworthy, but they also frequently provide clues about the piece's age." Atlas + Forage Vintage In Owensboro, Kentucky. "You never know when you might stumble upon a distinctive antique from the mid-1800s or that rare collectible stamp from the 1940s."

Utilize Google Image Search

When thrifting, reverse Image Search can also be incredibly useful. "It allows you to swiftly determine whether you've found something truly remarkable; however, exercise caution since replicas might exist," Wells advises. "Every detail counts!" Nonetheless, do not take for granted that the prices appearing on Google will precisely reflect an item's worth. According to Kristyn McCray, co-founder of Lainey James Collective, "While you could see listings priced in the hundreds on auction websites, did those items really sell at such values? In many cases, pricing depends heavily on both sellers' perceptions and prevailing market demand."

Do Not Purchase an Item Exclusively Based on Its Worth

As mentioned earlier, things that bring joy hold the greatest value. "Should you find yourself unsure about how to utilize an item or incorporate it into your living space, let it go," advises McCray from Vienna, Virginia. "You wouldn’t want a collection of decor pieces that clash and make you feel less than proud." Remember, she emphasizes, "Guests who visit won't have any idea about the price tag unless you share that information!"

Related: The Most Surprising Finds You Can Discover at the Thrift Shop

Read the initial article on Southern Living