Growing Up With "Old Stuff"
I grew up in a 1911-era home with a family that has always adored antiques. My grandparents collected locally and traveled up and down the East Coast to stock their antique shop. So yes — the love of a collected home runs deep but wasn't something I appreciated until I was older. My friends didn't have a clawfoot tub and skeleton keys.
But there’s a big difference between antique collecting and thrifting , and both have a unique place in home decor styling.
While antique shops are typically curated by collectors who source and resell items for profit (and price them accordingly), thrifting is about the hunt. It’s about patience, creativity, and uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures — often at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're searching for a vintage dresser, old books, or designer fabric remnants, these thrifting tips will allow you to create a space full of soul and story.
Here are my favorite savvy thrifting tips , plus go-to categories I love to thrift, and why mixing secondhand finds with new pieces is the secret to a layered, lived-in look.
Why Blending Old and New Is the Key to a Collected Home
A thoughtfully styled home doesn’t rely on showroom sets. The most charming, authentic spaces are created by mixing vintage, thrifted pieces with modern decor and meaningful new investments.
This contrast brings depth, character, and a sense of real life to your rooms.
Want to layer a vintage mirror above a brand new sideboard? Do it. Pair a reupholstered thrift store chair with a freshly wallpapered nook?
Even better. The art is in the blend — and thrifting gives you the freedom to experiment.
Other Good Reads
→ Adding Trim and Charm to Build or Reno
→ Colorful Home Ideas: How to Make a Statement with Trim, Walls, Wallpaper, and More
"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love."
Thrifting Tips from the Pros
1. Go Often (and Learn the Rhythm)
The best thrift stores restock regularly — and the more often you go, the better your chances. Make a habit of swinging by your favorite local spots, especially if they’re on your daily route. Find out when donations are processed or when new inventory hits the shelves.
2. Thrift While You Travel
Got a road trip coming up? Thrifting in towns that aren’t your own is pure gold. You’ll find different aesthetics, different pricing, and a chance to bring home something truly unique as a memento.
3. Get Smart with Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is full of hidden gems — if you know how to search. Use keywords like "vintage dresser," "antique mirror," "velvet armchair," or "designer fabric" to train the algorithm. Hide what doesn’t interest you, and save what does — even if you don’t plan to buy it. The platform will learn your style over time.
MY FAVORITE THINGS TO THRIFT
Furniture Finds
Old dressers, side tables, and armoires often have beautiful bones. You don’t have to be a DIY pro — sometimes all it takes is a little imagination (or a local upholsterer). I’ve seen dressers turned into vanities and glass swapped out for reeded panels for a more modern twist.
Old Books
Perfect for bookshelf styling. Stack them, lay them flat, or color-sort for visual impact. Bonus: they're inexpensive, easy to find, and look amazing in built-ins or coffee table vignettes.
Vessels, Tins & Baskets
Great for gifting or decorating. Fill a thrifted basket with baked goods for a neighbor, or use a vintage tin as a vase. These small finds add instant charm and utility.
Vintage Silverware
Mix-and-match flatware is not only budget-friendly, it adds whimsy to the table. Plus, if a few forks get used as backyard tools (guilty), it’s easy to replace.
Linens & Textiles
From linen scraps to vintage pillowcases, I always grab textile finds . They’re perfect for wrapping bread, making throw pillow covers, or layering into table settings. This is where your stash of fabric by the yard becomes your styling secret weapon.
Stationery & Found Art
Old postcards, black-and-white photos, and small artwork can tell a whole new story in the right frame. Start a gallery wall that feels personal — even if you don’t know who the people in the photos are.
The Art of the Blend
Whether you’re just dipping into thrifting for home decor or you’ve been hunting vintage treasures for years, the magic comes from how you blend them.
Pair an antique basket with a modern coffee table. Style your hand-crafted fabric pillows on a clean-lined new sofa. Layer wallpaper styling with weathered wood or vintage art.
Thrifted pieces bring character. New pieces bring balance. And together? They tell your story.
THRIFTING TIPS: featuring Shelby Goodman
Nobody thrifts harder than my dear friend, Shelby Goodman. It's been a pleasure to know Shelby through the lovely grid of Instagram. She was one of my first wallpaper installs, the sweetest wife and mama of three boys, and has an incredible eye for thrifting just about anything.
FOLLOW HER
Are you ready to take your home decor styling to the next level? I’ve created a free, downloadable guide that walks you through:
✔️ How to layer wallpaper, furniture, and accessories with confidence
✔️ Choosing personalized color palettes and playing with pattern
✔️ Optimizing natural and layered lighting
✔️ Styling shelves, placing rugs, and curating decor intentionally
✔️ Blending styles while staying true to your own
This styling guide is designed to help you trust your instincts, bend the so-called rules, and create a space that reflects your personality — one thoughtful layer at a time.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE NOW
