At Country Living, we offer tons of advice about the best things to look for at thrift shops, estate sales, flea markets, and yard sales (what to thrift online, too). Like many of you, we are completely obsessed with the thrill of the hunt and take great pride in snagging one-of-a-kind finds in the wild. Adding that extra layer of character and whimsy just makes us happy!
We have a long list of what to look for—silver bowls and candlesticks, new old Pyrex pieces to add to that growing collection, gorgeous jadeite to display on open kitchen shelves, and sturdy secondhand wood furniture to name a few. At the same time, we’ve compiled a list of “think again” items that range from not worth it to downright dangerous in some cases.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. After all, a thrifting queen can’t be stopped when that perfect pair of wingback chairs is staring you in the face. When you’re on the fence, here’s a little guidance on what to skip and why. Just be sure to take a closer look (or sniff) before hauling these things home.
Smelly Items
Whether they’re musty, mildewy, moldy, or smoky, smells that have seeped into items are likely there to stay. There are cleaning methods that can help (see below “Exception”), but will the piece ever smell brand new? Probably not. And this problem isn’t limited to furniture—anything porous, including books, can really hold on to scents.
Exception: If the price of a solid wood piece is right, bring it home and air it out completely. For example, try leaving a dresser out in direct sunlight for at least a full day or two with all drawers and doors open. Thoroughly wipe down with a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water. Painting and priming can help combat heavy odors as well.
Damaged Items
You’ve heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, around here the general rule is, “If it is broke, don’t buy it!” One easy question to ask yourself to help make a quick decision: Will fixing this cost more than I would spend to purchase the item in good condition? If the repair requires hiring someone like a woodworker or upholsterer, it’s probably best to pass. Other items to avoid thrifting: chipped dishes and scratched nonstick pans (these can actually be a health hazard).
Exception: The item needs a super simple repair, such as swapping out hardware, that you can DIY. A plate that you plan to hang on the wall has a chipped edge that passes for charming.
Upholstered Furniture
Unless you’re planning to recover it or invest in a professional cleaning, we lean “no” on secondhand upholstered furniture. Pre-owned pieces have an unknown history of pets, pests (think bed bugs and lice that put the “flea” in flea market), and people. That said, older furniture typically has really good bones, so even with fabric and labor or cleaning expenses, they can still be a good buy (have you checked the price of a new sofa lately?).
Exception: It’s the roll-arm sofa of your dreams with a perfectly solid base or a long-sought-after pair of wingback chairs, and you’ve already sourced the fabric and have an upholsterer on call.
Stained Items
This goes for clothing and home goods alike. Consider this: The person who donated has likely tried (and failed) at getting that stain out. Think you’ll fare better? Maybe, but unless it has a built-in value, it’s likely not worth the effort.
Exceptions: It’s a super high-end piece of clothing (yes, Chanel!) or furniture you’re planning to reupholster anyway.
Sheets, Towels, and Undergarments
Used bed sheets, bath towels, and undergarments are a hard pass. Good quality linens can be found on Amazon or at big-box stores like Walmart and Target (the same goes for underwear and bras as well). Editor’s tip: HomeGoods and TJ Maxx are great spots to find luxury items at discounted prices.
Exceptions: You’re planning to use them for covering outdoor furniture or as paint drop cloths. Or it’s the most charming quilt you must add to your collection—and it’s free of any smells or stains.
Items That Give You Sticker Shock
Thrifting, at its core, should be a good deal. If you feel initial sticker shock, it’s likely for good reason. When shopping from the shelves and racks at thrift stores, there typically isn’t a bargaining moment—the price on the tag is what it is. When shopping flea markets and antiques malls, take advantage of a face-to-face opportunity to make your best offer. Bargain when you can, but if it feels like too much money in the moment, it’s a pass.
Exceptions: You make your best offer and it’s accepted—score! Or you simply think the piece is worth the investment.
Other reasons to pass…
Something You’re Settling For
If you’ve been on the hunt for a very particular just-right piece and you see something that’s almost right, you should feel okay to leave it on the shelf. After all, the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. And that magical moment when the stars align and you finally discover the find of a lifetime…that’s worth the wait.
Exception: You can use the almost-right item for another purpose. Don’t stop believing that you’ll find what you’ve been looking for!
Something You Don’t Have a Place For
Now this rule is highly debatable and comes with a long list of obvious exceptions! In fact, long-time Country Living contributor and lifelong collector Mary Randolph Carter strongly believes you should always snap up what makes your heart skip a beat (she even wrote a book about it, Never Stop To Think…Do I Have a Place for This). But if you live in a place already chockfull of treasures with zero storage, you might consider skipping a purchase.
Exceptions: You think you can sell it and make a profit. Or your sister has the perfect spot for it and would hold a grudge if she ever found out you a) went thrifting without her b) passed up such a good deal. Or you feel strongly someday soon you will have a place for it and passing it up is a moment that will haunt you forever. Or you’re planning to get rid of some things that are no longer serving you to make space for more things that don’t serve you—ha! See, we told you there were exceptions!
