Overwhelmed by thrift stores? Discover how to shop smarter with a designer’s tips for finding quality, timeless, and meaningful items.
My Regrets With Thrifting
Thrifting can be overwhelming — there’s just so much stuff, and the quality of the items can vary a lot.
When you walk into a thrift store and see all the items—many of which are used and worn out—it can be hard to find anything good. And since the stores are often huge, trying to touch and feel everything can be really time-consuming.
When I first started going to thrift stores, I would buy things and regret them the moment I walked out. The worst part? Most thrift stores don’t offer refunds.
But over time, I’ve learned some designer-inspired thrifting tips, and since I started using them, I don’t regret my purchases—at least not nearly as often as I used to.
Look For Your Timeless Classics
When I go thrifting, I usually bring a list of items I need—typically 5 to 10 things. There’s no guarantee I’ll find everything on my list, but I almost always find something. And sometimes, I come across a unique item I didn’t expect to find—something not on the list, but still special.
When I’m in the store, I focus on textures, materials, and fabrics more than specific items. I keep a mental list of the kinds of materials and textures I’m drawn to. For example, I like wood and wood patterns. I love earthy colors and always keep an eye out for them. I’m drawn to stoneware dishes and plates, and I especially love blue prints on kitchenware. I also enjoy vintage-looking brown and green glass storage jars, and ceramic jars for storing flour, salt, and sugar.
I’m inspired by nature and gravitate toward natural materials with a vintage vibe—pieces that have stood the test of time. I think we all have our own timeless classics—things we’ve enjoyed for decades. Some of the patterns and styles I love today are the same ones I loved as a child when I saw them in my grandmother’s house. When I find something that reminds me of those times, I know I will enjoy it every time I see it.
My taste has changed a lot over the years, but many things have stayed the same. Even now, 30 or 40 years later, I still love certain patterns I was drawn to in my youth. They may be slightly updated or improved, but the core aesthetic remains—especially when it comes to natural materials like wood, stone, or metal. Many of these things are truly timeless. So instead of checking every single item in the thrift store, I focus on the textures and colors I already know I love.
The Little Doubt Is The Big NO
Another tip I follow is to keep a critical eye on everything. I always check for defects. If I start having doubts about an item, I’d rather leave it behind than end up regretting the purchase. So the little doubt means the big NO for me. Anyways, I find that if I keep thinking about an item and feel like I truly need it, it will find its way back to me one way or another. Nowadays there is nothing can easier than a purchase of stuff.
Commit To Little DIY – Not To Major Repairs
I also love DIY projects and tend to see potential in everything at the thrift store. But I also have to be careful not to get carried away. I try to evaluate each item realistically—what can I actually do with it to make it useful and enjoyable?
I know how to improve the quality of some items. I can sew a little, so I can alter a dress or shirt to fit me better. I can spray-paint a vase, clean silver-plated dishes to make them look new, swap out the artwork in a frame, or replace pillow covers on throw pillows.
But sometimes, even if I like something, I have to admit that it needs major repairs—like upholstery work, furniture refinishing, or structural repairs. My “fantasy self” would love to tackle those projects, but in reality, I’ve never done them, I don’t have the tools, and I’m not ready for the long-term commitment of learning how.
These are the main tips I follow when I go thrifting, and they help me avoid regrettable decisions and unnecessary waste of money.