I used to be a commerce writer (or service journalist, in some circles), and it truly boggled my mind how much people were willing to pay up for decor from places like Pottery Barn and Anthropologie. Let’s just say that the price tags at those places weren’t quite budget friendly for my tax bracket. While writing about offerings from those stores, I’d personally comb through thrift shops, flea markets, and TJ Maxx for my home decor whims.
It’s not always a guarantee that you’ll leave a thrift store trip with the thing you’re looking for. These days, I often leave thrift stores empty-handed. For me, that’s the thrill of the hunt, and I’m okay with slowly accumulating decor items since they’re nice-to-haves rather than absolute essentials. That said, it’s worth perusing a thrift store, flea market, or estate sale before you raid HomeGoods or Target for your spring decorating shenanigans.
So, why should you listen to a random lady on the Internet? In addition to being a seasoned commerce writer, I’m an avid penny pincher who’s been secondhand shopping most of her adult life. And from my experience digging through secondhand spaces, these are the best spring decor pieces to thrift right now.
Planters
There have been planters and pots at virtually every thrift store I’ve frequented in the last month or so. Whether or not they’re planters that you actually want is another story, but it’s worth taking a peek at your local charity shop anyway! Lately, I’ve seen everything from plain plastic and terracotta pots to beautiful 16-inch Polish ceramic planters. Since most brick-and-mortar stores are pinched on space, you’re more likely to find small planters as opposed to big ones.
I also recommend dropping by local yard and estate sales if you’re in the market for planters. If you’re previewing pictures from EstateSales.net, check for homes with large gardens or patios. You’ll almost always be able to get planters—sometimes with an actual semi-alive plant included—for under $10. Used pots are grody and heavy, so they’re one of the first things that sale organizers want to get rid of.
Vases
Sure, you can buy vases at Ross or Target without spending an arm and leg, but you can find gorgeous vintage vases at the thrift store. I’ve always had luck finding vintage makers like Lefton and Fenton—don’t even get me started on how beautiful my vintage ruffled glass Fenton vases are! I love how retro vases have a lot of character, but minimalists will also find their fair share of plain stoneware and clear glass vessels.
Plus, you can find a range of vase sizes at the thrift store. For a while, I picked up single bud vases for my online vintage shop. Which is to say that if you want to indulge in the whimsy of spring, you don’t need to cut down or buy a whole bouquet. A single rose from your garden will do!
Tableware
It’s easy to step foot into any reasonably priced thrift store and leave with an affordable set for your spring wining and dining needs. Thrift stores want to get rid of their cups and plates.
People talk extensively about fast fashion, but we really do need to think about how rapidly seasonal tableware gets produced. Unfortunately, it’s actually common for thrift store workers to break mugs and plates behind the scenes because secondhand shops get SO MANY donations.
So, what exactly can you pick up at a thrift store? Clear and colored glass plates and cups are perfect for warm-weather dining al fresco, but I feel like you can’t go wrong with simple white Corelle sets, either. Any pieces with floral accents also catch my fancy, although it is older pieces that tend to have more antiquated flower details. Which is to say you may want to consider microwave and lead safety. Personally, I’m not paranoid about lead in thrifted tableware unless a plate is obviously old or decorative, but you can buy lead-testing strips if they bring you peace of mind (though the accuracy of these is debatable).
Baskets
Do big-box and department stores actually sell wicker baskets anymore? I feel like a lot of places now sell polyurethane rattan baskets. But whether you’re partial to plastic or rattan, you can find a bevy of baskets at most thrift stores for under $10.
Wicker baskets are quintessential spring pieces, perfect for everything from Easter celebrations to casual picnics. You can also use them to store laundry, display flowers, or stow away random things around the house. They add a lovely texture to the home, as they’re much cheerier than, say, drab Sterilite tubs.
Garden pieces
This is a broad category, but one well worth mentioning if you’re looking for whimsical outdoor decor with character. I’m talking about comically large strawberries, mushroom solar light stakes, stone resin bunny statues, and garden gnomes. Most thrift stores usually have a spring or Easter display this time of year, and you’ll most likely find these items in those seasonal displays.
As with planters, I feel like this is a category that you’ll find more of at estate and yard sales, but you never know what Goodwill might roll out one day.
And c’est fini! Personally, I’ve been doing a lot of thrifting for planters recently, but I’ve also been keeping an eye out for milk glass and metal pieces for my Etsy shop. If you’re furnishing your home, feel free to hit the heart button on my shop and let me do your spring decor shopping for you!
