Furnishing and decorating a home is one of life’s great pleasures — and expenses. Whether you’ve just signed the lease on your first apartment or you’re refreshing the family home, the urge to fill every room with shiny new pieces can be strong. But before you hit “add to cart,” take a moment to consider an alternative: buying secondhand.
Choosing pre-owned doesn’t mean settling. In fact, in many cases, it's the smarter, more stylish, and sustainable option. Below are ten home items that are almost always better thrifted than bought brand-new — and exactly why making that choice can benefit your wallet, your home, and the planet.
1. Solid Wood Furniture
Why Buy Used:
Solid wood pieces — think dining tables, dressers, bookshelves — are among the best secondhand scores out there. Today’s mass-produced furniture often uses particleboard or MDF, which can sag, peel, or warp over time. Vintage wood furniture, on the other hand, was built to last — and often already has.
Look For:
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Sturdy joints and dovetail construction
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Real wood (look inside drawers and underneath for signs)
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Timeless shapes that can be refinished or painted if needed
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Signs of wood rot or water damage
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Overly ornate pieces that may be harder to rehome if your style changes
Tip: You’re rescuing a piece of history and adding character no big-box store can replicate.
2. Area Rugs
Why Buy Used:
High-quality rugs can cost hundreds (or thousands), especially if you’re after something large and stylish. But rugs age gracefully — and many handmade or vintage varieties get better with time. Natural materials like wool or cotton wear well and can often be cleaned to look nearly new.
Look For:
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Handmade or hand-knotted labels
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Natural fibers like wool or jute
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Slight wear (especially in high-traffic areas) is okay and even charming
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Strong pet odors or deep stains (always inspect and sniff!)
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Synthetic shag or polyester blends that don’t clean well
Tip: Rug pads can add cushioning and help older rugs stay put.
3. Mirrors
Why Buy Used:
Mirrors are pricey new — and almost always cheaper (and cooler) secondhand. A great mirror can elevate a space, bounce around natural light, and make rooms feel bigger. Older mirrors often come with interesting frames and a sense of personality.
Look For:
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Heavy, well-constructed frames (wood or metal)
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Slight patina on the glass is okay and adds charm
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Flaking or “black spots” on the mirror backing (known as desilvering) if that’s not your aesthetic
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Frames that are cracked or warped beyond repair
Tip: Don’t overlook unconventional shapes — vintage mirrors in ovals, arches, or unusual frames can become instant focal points.
4. Lamps and Lighting Fixtures
Why Buy Used:
Lighting is often one of the most marked-up categories in home decor. Thrifted lamps and chandeliers offer serious savings and more style than their mass-market counterparts. Bonus: many are easy to rewire or convert with affordable kits from your local hardware store.
Look For:
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Interesting silhouettes or materials (ceramic bases, brass accents)
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Pairs of lamps for symmetry in bedrooms or living rooms
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Frayed cords or loose sockets (test before buying if possible)
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Fixtures with missing parts that are difficult to source
Tip: Swap in modern bulbs or shades to update a classic base.
5. Dining Chairs (and Other Accent Seating)
Why Buy Used:
New dining chairs are surprisingly expensive, and affordable ones often aren’t built to last. Secondhand chairs, especially those with solid frames, can be reupholstered or painted to fit any space — and mismatched sets can look intentional and eclectic.
Look For:
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Sturdy frames (try the “wobble test”)
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Classic lines that work with many tables
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Broken spindles or cracked seats unless you’re up for a DIY challenge
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Padded seats that smell musty or are stained beyond cleaning
Tip: If you find a single beautiful chair, grab it — it can become a stylish reading nook staple or entryway accent.
6. Wall Art and Frames
Why Buy Used:
Decorating walls can get expensive fast — but thrift stores and flea markets are full of original art, photography, and interesting frames. Buying secondhand is also a low-risk way to experiment with bolder choices or start building a personal collection.
Look For:
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Art that speaks to you (signed prints, vintage posters, or bold abstracts)
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Quality frames, even if you plan to replace the art inside
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Artwork with water damage or strong mildew odors
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Cheap plastic frames that aren’t worth rehanging
Tip: Use thrifted frames to display family photos, postcards, or fabric swatches for a gallery wall with depth and texture.
7. Kitchenware and Serving Pieces
Why Buy Used:
Bowls, platters, utensils, and bakeware are among the most plentiful (and charming) thrift finds. Look past trends and you’ll find sturdy Pyrex, ceramic crocks, and vintage glassware that’s stood the test of time — often for a fraction of the price.
Look For:
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Brands like Anchor Hocking, Fire-King, and Le Creuset
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Heavy-duty stainless steel or cast iron pieces
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Chipped enamel or deeply scratched nonstick surfaces
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Vintage items with lead-based glazes (common in pre-1970s ceramics)
Tip: Mismatched dinnerware can feel intentional and cozy — just stay within a palette or theme for cohesion.
8. Outdoor Furniture
Why Buy Used:
Patio sets and garden benches tend to be seasonal splurges, but they’re also built for durability — and that makes them perfect for secondhand shopping. Many older outdoor pieces are made of metal or treated wood that outlasts today’s lightweight, often disposable versions.
Look For:
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Wrought iron, teak, or heavy aluminum frames
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Umbrella stands and accessories (which are often pricey new)
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Rust that’s more than surface-deep
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Cushions with mildew or foam degradation
Tip: A can of spray paint and new cushions can breathe new life into any secondhand find.
9. Storage Furniture (Dressers, Cabinets, Sideboards)
Why Buy Used:
Storage pieces are workhorses of any home — and they’re also some of the most overpriced when bought new. A vintage dresser or mid-century sideboard often offers better craftsmanship, more character, and greater durability than flat-pack alternatives. Plus, you’ll often get real wood instead of particleboard.
Look For:
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Drawers that slide smoothly
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Hardwood construction and solid backs (avoid flimsy panels)
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Unique handles or details that set the piece apart
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Strong odors that linger inside drawers (a common issue with poorly stored items)
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Warped or swollen wood from past water damage
Tip: Don’t be afraid to refresh a dated piece with new hardware or paint. A fresh coat in a bold color can instantly modernize a traditional piece.
10. Planters and Plant Stands
Why Buy Used:
Plants bring life to a home — but stylish planters and stands can come with surprisingly steep price tags. Luckily, thrift stores are often overflowing with ceramic pots, metal stands, and even quirky vessels that can be repurposed into creative homes for your greenery.
Look For:
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Ceramic, terra cotta, or metal containers with drainage potential
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Sturdy plant stands that can support the weight of larger pots
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Bowls, baskets, and other household items that could double as planters
Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Cracks that could lead to leaks or unstable footing
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Planters without drainage holes (unless you’re confident in your layering skills)
Tip: Add a layer of rocks or activated charcoal to containers without drainage to help prevent root rot — or simply place a nursery pot inside the thrifted vessel for style and function.