Though it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, thrifting has become a proper trend in recent years. It’s perhaps the most notable in fashion, but thrift furniture doesn’t lag behind.
If you were to search Instagram or Facebook right now, you’d be sure to find plenty of individual accounts selling their own thrift store finds.
Many of us are quick to pin this resurgence on the post-Covid economy, but there’s much more to it.
For instance, anti-consumerism and an environmentally friendly mindset are among the major reasons. Another one is the guaranteed uniqueness that thrifted goods grant us.
DIY attitude is a big one, too! There are many talented people making a living off of restoring old, thrifted furniture.
Here are my top 20 thrift furniture finds!
1. Old-School Opulence
In some regards, the old-times luxury furniture has a few things in common with the modern.
The colors also tend to be contrasting, it’s made to dominate the room and contains gold or silver accents.
However, the difference lies in the materials and shapes. There’s a rich, unforgettable maximalist appeal to the old luxury furniture that continues to impress.
2. The Cheveret
Even with thrifting as popular as it is, such old and unique objects aren’t something you can come by easily.
The above desk bears the mark of its time and transports the whole interior to the 18th century. And yes, the desks with the cabinets attached at the top are called the cheveret!
3. The Vintage Armchair
While you’re surely able to find a wonderful and stylish armchair in your local furniture store, the modern furniture design, especially if we’re talking mass-produced, lacks pattern.
In the past, various scenery, prints, and motifs were extremely popular for armchairs and sofas.
If you were to look around a few thrift stores or the flea market, you’d surely find one.
4. It’s Called Being Extra
It’s been quite a while now since technology had completely killed the need for clocks and watches.
The wristwatches endure as they’re a popular accessory and often worn as a status symbol, while the wall and alarm clocks weren’t as fortunate.
Still, the Grandfather Clock is a timeless addition to any interior!
5. Twin Taborets
Taborets are a quick and easy way to add a touch of timelessness to your interior. Though they may not be the most comfortable, they still make for an extra seat.
You may find new taborets on the market, but when it comes to patterns and warmth – not to mention the price – thrifting is a much better choice.
6. Ancient Appeal
Coarse furniture design is quite popular at the moment thanks to the rustic style being ever on the rise.
What better to upscale your rustic interior than a genuine, old accent table?
7. Stylish Dining Chairs
In the sea of strictly modern dining chair models, there’s always one or two gems to be found. Still, the so-called period furniture is an expensive alternative.
Thrifting allows you to get the best of both worlds – unique and genuine dining chairs for a fraction of the price.
8. China Cabinets Are In Again
There was a brief period of time when the world collectively tried to do away with the china cabinets, but in 2024 they’re back.
As we slowly began to prioritize elegance and warmth over strict modernity, the return of these cabinets was a given.
9. Timeless Oriental Screen
Room dividers and screens are another type of furniture that’s made a comeback.
Open floor house plans are on the rise, and with them the need to create a visual border between different parts of the interior.
Not to mention, screens are a whole vibe!
10. Dark Academia Energy
A thrifted antique desk may just be the best thing you can get to promote dark academia vibes in your home office.
The above table provides the two main components that the aesthetic requires: moody color and opulent design.
11. Ennobled Entryway
If you’re not sure what to do with your entryway, there’s no mistake with a lacquered vintage table.
Its vintage appeal is great for elegant and maximalist interiors, however, the shine of the lacquered wood allows it to blend into modern set-ups just as well.
12. Genuine Antique Cabinet
As a maximalist, I’ll always appreciate the luxury of an antique cabinet more than any modern, straight-line object.
If you manage to get your hands on such a unique and original piece of furniture, there are two options.
You may have it restored to its full shine or keep it as it is, scratches and all. Either way, you’ll have yourself a cabinet that tells a story.
13. Retro Loveseat
There’s no need to limit yourself to vintage and antique thrifted pieces exclusively. There are lovely and unique designs that are just decades old.
The above retro loveseat is a lovely addition to any home thanks to its design and versatility.
It can be placed indoors or out on the patio or porch, and whenever you’re bored with the upholstery, you can promptly change it.
14. Tacky Chic
Chic meant something else fifty years ago when compared to our time.
It used to be a little tacky and over the top. And guess what? It’s coming back.
15. Orange Wood Was Everywhere
Orange wood dominated old carpentry and kitchens. For whatever reason, it was really popular.
While I also prefer my wooden surfaces neatly separated into light, natural, and dark, the vintage appeal of the above desk is undeniable.
16. Ornamental Value
Modern and newly-produced furniture lacks almost entirely ornamental value.
And while on the one hand that allows us to mix and match seamlessly, you have to admit that it takes a lot from the ‘soul’ of an individual piece.
When you thrift, it’s possible to find various models that may include relief, carvings, tassels, etc.
17. Things Were Made to Last
Quality bed frames made of genuine wood in the full are not only rare but also very pricey on the market.
If you’re looking for the perfect bed frame, go on a thrift adventure or two.
18. Small, But Crucial
Kitchen islands are a highly popular feature even in small spaces. Usually, the smaller the kitchen, the smaller the island.
The above one is both stylish and practical. It provides the kitchen with dimension and warmth, thanks to its carved design, while serving as additional working surface.
19. New Purpose
The beauty of thrift finds is that you can use them however you please.
If you find yourself a vintage suitcase, who’s to say you can’t use it as a nightstand?
20. Forgotten Palette
Do you remember this particular color?
It’s some strange blend of eggshell and olive, and it had the world in a chokehold for a period of time.
Any thrifted object in this color can instantly provide your interior with ample retro charm.