What I Look For When Thrifting: A Designer's Checklist

There's something magical about walking into a thrift store with an open mind and walking out with a piece that transforms a space. After years of sourcing secondhand treasures for client projects and my own home, I've developed an instinct for spotting diamonds in the rough. Today, I'm sharing my designer's checklist for successful thrifting—the things I always look for when hunting through racks, shelves, and vintage shops.

The Bones Matter More Than the Surface

When I spot a piece of furniture, I immediately look past the outdated finish or questionable upholstery. What I'm really evaluating is the structure underneath. I run my hands along joints to check for sturdiness, open and close drawers to test the

glides, and look for solid wood construction rather than particleboard. A well-built dresser with good bones can be transformed with paint, new hardware, or refinishing. A poorly constructed piece will always be just that, no matter how you dress it up.

Dovetail joints in drawers are a green light. Heavy weight usually indicates quality materials. And if it's a vintage piece from the mid-century era, chances are it was built to last in ways modern furniture often isn't.

Unique Shapes and Silhouettes

In a world of mass-produced furniture, distinctive shapes stand out in a room. I'm always drawn to pieces with interesting curves, unexpected proportions, or architectural details that you simply can't find at big-box stores anymore. A lamp with an unusual base, a chair with sculptural arms, or a mirror with an organic edge—these are the pieces that give a space personality and become conversation starters.

Even if the piece needs work, a unique silhouette is nearly impossible to replicate. That's what makes it valuable.

Natural Materials

Wood, brass, copper, marble, cane, rattan, leather—I gravitate toward pieces made from real materials. They age beautifully, develop character over time, and bring warmth and texture to a space in ways that plastic and synthetic materials never will.

I especially love finding solid wood tables with beautiful grain patterns, brass candlesticks that have developed a gorgeous patina, or rattan chairs that just need new cushions. These materials are timeless and work across multiple design styles.

The Potential for Transformation

Sometimes a piece doesn't look like much on the thrift store floor, but I can see what it could become. This is where having a vision really pays off. That dated oak dresser? Strip it down, and you have beautiful wood grain to stain or paint in a modern finish. Those brass lamps with dusty shades? Clean them up, rewire if needed, add new shades, and they're showstoppers.

I ask myself: What would this look like with new hardware? Could I reupholster this? Would a fresh coat of paint transform it completely? If the answer is yes and the bones are good, it's coming home with me.

Pieces with History and Craftsmanship

There's something special about items that were made by hand or produced during an era when craftsmanship mattered. I look for hand-carved details, hand-blown glass, handwoven textiles, or pottery with the maker's mark. These pieces carry stories and add soul to a space.

Vintage quilts, antique mirrors, hand-painted ceramics, needlepoint pillows—these are the layers that make a house feel collected rather than decorated.

The Right Scale

Scale is one of the most overlooked aspects of design, and thrifting is a perfect opportunity to find pieces in the exact proportions you need. I'm always measuring in my head—will this fit the wall space, work with the ceiling height, balance with other furniture in the room?

I've found incredible oversized artwork, petite side tables that fit tight spaces, and large-scale lamps that anchor a room. If the scale is right and the price is right, I don't hesitate.

Neutral Foundations and Bold Accents

My thrifting strategy usually falls into two categories: neutral foundational pieces that will work with many styles, and bold statement pieces that add personality.

For foundations, I look for neutral upholstered furniture, natural wood tones, and classic shapes that can adapt as my style evolves. For accents, I'm drawn to colorful vintage pottery, bold artwork, patterned textiles, and anything with character that makes me smile.

Things I Can't Find New Anymore

Some items are simply better when they're vintage: heavy brass picture frames, solid wood cutting boards, quality vintage linens, old books with beautiful covers, glass decanters, silver serving pieces. These items were made better decades ago, and finding them secondhand means getting superior quality at a fraction of the price.

The Gut Feeling

Finally, after all the practical considerations, there's intuition. Sometimes I find something that just speaks to me—maybe it's imperfect, maybe I don't have an immediate use for it, but I know it's special. Those are often the pieces I end up cherishing most.

My Final Tips

• Go often: The inventory changes constantly. Pop in regularly, even if just for a quick browse.

• Go with an open mind: Some of my best finds were things I wasn't looking for.

• Bring measurements: Know your spaces and bring a tape measure.

• Inspect thoroughly: Check for damage, stains, missing parts, or smells that won't come out.

• Don't be afraid to negotiate: Many thrift stores will work with you on price, especially for furniture.

  
  

Thrifting is part treasure hunt, part creative vision, and entirely rewarding. With these guidelines in mind, you'll start seeing the potential in pieces others walk right past. Happy hunting—I can't wait to see what you find.

What's your best thrift find? Share in the comments below!