Designers Say These “Thrift Store MVPs” Will Never Be Outdated

When it comes to home decor, “old” definitely doesn’t mean outdated. In fact, vintage home decor is trending right now. If you’re looking to invest in some secondhand pieces for your own space, it’s helpful to know what to look for. We’ve all heard the saying “here for a good time, not a long time,” right? Well, the key to shopping for vintage items is to find those pieces that are here for a long time.

So I spoke to four interior designers to find out what their own personal thrift store MVPs are. Read on to find out which vintage treasures the pros are filling their own carts with.

Decor that shows a little age, like vintage trays, aged brass, barware, and copper elements, bring depth to a space, says Ariene Bethea, founder of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio. “Those subtle imperfections make a home feel layered and lived-in rather than overly polished or trend-driven,” she explains.

Kate Pearce, interior designer and owner of Kate Pearce Vintage, agrees, calling out copper cookware in particular. “Martha Stewart has regularly shown off her impressive copper cookware collection for several decades now. It never loses its allure,” Pearce says.

Many people use e-readers now, but nothing quite matches the timeless allure of holding a physical book in your hands, Pearce says. They are versatile and add so much personality to your home, whether you use them to style an office bookshelf or display a stack on your coffee table.

“What says more about you than the books you like to read? Books are always sold at steeply discounted prices, too, so they’re an easy way to add texture, color, and interest to a home for very little money,” she says. Look for books at vintage and secondhand shops, garage sales, or your local library or charity book sales for good deals.

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to add character to a space, according to Bethea. “Vintage lamps, chandeliers, and sconces often have craftsmanship and sculptural details that are hard to find in newer pieces. Even in a modern room, a vintage fixture instantly adds warmth and a sense of history,” she explains.

Vintage artwork makes a space feel layered and personal, says Heather Novak French, co-founder of French & French Interiors. “We love collecting artwork from flea markets and estate sales. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s part of the fun!” she says.

And we’re not talking about just hanging art on your walls (although you totally can do that, too) — vintage pottery and ceramic sets are easy to style on a shelf or tabletop, and these smaller collected objects make a home feel cozier, Novak French says.

Vintage elements that stand the test of time carry craftsmanship and a sense of narrative that transcends trends, according to interior designer Kati Curtis, principal of Kati Curtis Design in New York City. One anchor piece she says really elevates everything else around it is a Persian rug. “They add warmth, pattern, and history, and they work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary interiors,” she explains. Vintage rugs are pretty much always a good idea in our book, but if the price tag is tricky, you could try incorporating a throw pillow made from one instead.

Cast iron is back in a big way, from cookware to tabletop decor like candlesticks or bookends. But one unique thing Pearce always picks up at the thrift is cast iron planters. She explains that they’re worth a lot of money and sell quickly, so if you see one, make sure you grab it. Not only are they durable and valuable, but they are also absolute classics that will never go out of style, Pearce says.