The 4 Trendiest Thrift Store Items of 2024, According to Designers

Ask any avid thrifter or vintage enthusiast for secondhand shopping advice, and they’ll probably say the same thing: Be patient and have zero expectations. They’re absolutely right, and all of my own favorite thrifted pieces have been completely unforeseen finds. That said, sometimes it does pay off (and help cut down on hours of browsing) to have a specific type of decor in mind when you hit thrift stores or flea markets. What exactly should you be on the lookout for in 2024, though? A handful of design tastemakers recently weighed in. 

As part of Apartment Therapy’s annual State of Home Design survey, which went live earlier this month, 131 designers were polled on their biggest 2024 interior trend predictions. On top of popular color palettes and emerging design style forecasts, one question asked participants to identify the unexpected vintage items slated to take off in the upcoming year. They cited the following secondhand decor categories: 

• Lighting fixtures like lamps and chandeliers
• Mirrors (both antique styles and mirrors in old frames)
• Glassware and glass vessels, especially for tablescaping and display purposes 
• Art, including vintage artwork and frames as well as collectible pieces

If you’re wondering how to come by these potentially covetable items, the same panel of home experts also shared a few tips and tricks for secondhand sourcing in 2024. In terms of art specifically, Virginia-based designer Tera Janelle advised to “take the time to dig through those stacks and stacks of art leaning against the wall or tucked in the corner” whenever you’re visiting a thrift or vintage store — and to buy what you love versus fixating on the artist’s pedigree. 

Of course, to that end, your secondhand shopping choices ultimately come down to personal preference. Designer Liza Nicole even notes to “get what evokes emotion in you,” adding that all vintage pieces should effectively be treated as works of art in their own right that “make you feel something” when you lay eyes on them. And while Noz Nozawa, San Francisco-based designer and Small/Cool alum, suggests shopping in person at local flea markets and estate sales as much as possible, she adds that you can also “set up alerts for your favorite designers on auction sites” if you’re eyeing something specific online. 

Based on the State of Home Design survey results overall, it’s clear that vintage pieces and inspiration will dominate 2024 interior trends across the board. Not only was “vintage” poised as one of the top words or phrases to describe design for the upcoming year, but a handful of designers also cited vintage interior design books, furniture, and architectural elements as creative influences for their work. An old-meets-new home style is also expected to take the forefront next year: English country, which relies on layering in quirky vintage pieces for a cozy, lived-in look. Above all, secondhand shopping satisfies the recent craving for more personalized spaces — whether you’re seeking out one-of-a-kind versions of the items listed above or just a unique piece of furniture or decor.