12 Best Online Thrift Stores to Buy Home Decor
Are you searching for distinctive home decor that won’t leave a dent in your wallet? Opting for pre-owned items can prove to be an excellent strategy for acquiring fashionable and budget-friendly furnishings to adorn your living space.
To help you in your quest, we have curated a comprehensive list of 12 reliable sources where you can discover gently used decor and furniture. By exploring these avenues, you can add a touch of individuality to your home while staying within your desired price range.
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Where to Buy Home Decorations on a Budget
1. Offer Up
Offer Up is a fantastic app for finding second-hand furniture and home decorations. You can narrow your search of items based on your location and how far you will drive to pick up the item. You can even designate a specific area you’d like to meet if you don’t feel comfortable visiting someone’s residence. Some sellers will even ship to your home.
I’ve been lucky to find unique items on this app, including a dresser from Ikea (75% off the original price), side tables for $20 (retail value of $145), and a used Washer and Dryer for $200. You just can’t beat these prices!
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has been the go-to for savvy furniture finders and vintage hunters. The marketplace is a dedicated area on the social media platform for buying and selling new and used goods. Some might even argue that it has surpassed the popularity of sites such as Craiglist.
You can find some great deals on unique pieces of furniture. I have picked up a set of (4) four modern dining room chairs for $50. This made the perfect addition to my dining room.
Looking for second-hand home decor? Consider Chairish! On their app, you can upload a photo of your space to view how your potential purchases fit into the existing decor, giving you the freedom to decide confidently. Moreover, the site provides curated picks from renowned designers, tastemakers, vintage finds, pre-owned items, and antiques.
Plus, there are new and made-to-order products waiting to be discovered. Be sure to save your preferences and follow your search for up-to-date updates on hand-me-down home decorations.
4. Mercari
Mercari is a great option for buying used home decor. With their nationwide marketplace, you can find almost anything you are looking for and even pick it up locally instead of having it shipped.
Plus, the easy Uber-powered delivery process is contact-free! Should your purchase not match the description in the listing, Mercari offers a three-day return window to guarantee satisfaction with your purchase.
Etsy is a popular destination for purchasing pre-owned home decor and furniture. With a bit of digging online, you can find refurbished furniture pieces and unique decor items that are made by artisans in small batches. Shopping on Etsy is not only affordable, but it also supports local creators and helps to build relationships between creatives.
You can find all sorts of pieces ranging from media cabinets and chandeliers to unique one-off pieces. Shopping at Etsy allows you to browse through the different listings without having to wake up early in the morning to secure the best deals – like you would have to do at a traditional yard sale.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind second-hand home decor pieces, Etsy is the perfect place to buy them!
If you’re looking for high-quality, second-hand home decor at a fraction of the cost, then AptDeco is a great place to start. Popular among New Yorkers and growing in popularity throughout the country, this online store offers a range of secondhand and vintage furniture pieces such as sofas, kitchen tables, chairs, and more. Plus, their delivery is insured and paid for with additional quantity discounts available.
You can expect to save up to 50% on normal market prices and find unique industrial pieces, handcrafted artisan items, and brand names such as West Elm. Shopping on this site is easy, allowing you to easily browse through all their options and find the perfect piece for your home!
7. Facebook Group
In addition to Facebook Marketplace, a Facebook group is another way to get used furniture. You can start by becoming a member of your local “Buy, Sell or Trade “or “Buy Nothing” Facebook Groups. The Buy Nothing Group, which is a part of the larger Buy Nothing project, has a Facebook group in most major cities.
Their slogan is “Buy Nothing, Give Freely. Share the Bounty.” Their premise is to give and receive, share, and lend to people who are real-life neighbors. This is an excellent resource for finding free furniture to upcycle. Who doesn’t love free stuff?
Goodwill stores stand tall as the leading chain of thrift stores across the nation, and many of them are now delving into the world of online shopping, eliminating the need for physical visits. With their vast assortment of donated goods, ranging from clothing, shoes, and accessories to household items and furniture, Goodwill Finds presents a treasure trove of options at unbelievably discounted prices.
The biggest difference between their in-store shopping experience and online store is that in-store they offer a delightful perk known as the “weekly tag” discount. This ingenious system involves selecting a particular group of products based on their color tags, such as red, blue, or green, and applying substantial discounts of up to 50% off on these specially tagged items. For the Goodwill Finds online store, they typically have a rotating selection of sale item exclusively in their sale section on their website.
What makes the Goodwill experience even more fulfilling is knowing that your patronage supports a worthy cause. Goodwill is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job training, employment placement services, and various community-based programs for individuals facing barriers to employment. By shopping at your local Goodwill, you not only discover remarkable deals but also contribute to this noble endeavor.
9. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers a similar selection as Goodwill. They recently developed an online store for ease of shopping. The salvation army is a wonderful charitable organization where you can find a beautiful array of art pieces, furniture, and other household goods for a fraction of the cost. You never know what you will find.
10. NextDoor
Nextdoor is an excellent resource for finding furniture. To use the NextDoor app, you must prove that you are a member of the neighborhood by providing your local address.
This helps to build community in the local area. You may get lucky and find a neighbor next door giving away free furniture.
11. Habitat for Humanity Restore
I stumbled upon the Habitat for Humanity Restore a couple of years ago when I was furnishing my first home, and I found myself quickly running out of money. I was shocked to see the array of furniture in their stores, with some items already restored and upcycled.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a Home improvement store and donation center that sells new, gently used furniture. They have an excellent online store where you can find housewares, home decor, and used furniture.
The funds generated through the ReStore stores are used to support the work of Habitat for Humanity to build decent houses in local communities and around the world.
12. Craiglist
You might be living under a rock if you are unfamiliar with Craigslist. Craigslist is the original marketplace for shopping for used items. Although Craigslist is starting to seem outdated and old-fashioned, many still go to Craigslist to buy and sell their furniture.
Craigslist used to be one of my favorite sites for finding unwanted furniture. It is still quite popular among Millennials and Gen Z, so it is worth a quick search. However, try to keep an eye out for spam.
Tips on How to Thrift for Furniture
Thrifting, in my humble opinion, is nothing short of an art form. It demands a keen creative eye and a profound understanding of where to look. Personally, I revel in the thrill of thrifting.
Uncovering unique treasures and acquiring them second-hand is an experience I hold dear. Beyond furniture, my adoration extends to procuring other pre-owned home decor items that add an unmistakable touch of character to any space.
Here are some tips on how to thrift online:
Look often
Thrift stores replenish their inventory on a daily basis, making it crucial for you to be at the right place at the right time to seize exceptional bargains. Consistent visits to these stores are key, as their offerings swiftly make their way to the sales floor, only to be snatched up by an eager shopper.
By staying vigilant and frequenting these establishments regularly, you increase your chances of scoring remarkable finds before they’re gone in a flash.
Think beyond the actual piece in front of you.
It’s important not to take thrifted furniture at face value. Try to look past the surface of a piece of furniture and see its true bones. You would be surprised at what a fresh coat of paint can do or a thorough cleaning.
Use your creative eye and seek out a unique design. This is where true thrifting comes in. What kind of material is it made of? Is it real solid wood? Is it scratched? The furniture may not look great, but it may take on a whole new look when it is upcycled. You can create what you want and tell the item’s unique story. The possibilities are endless for upcycling old furniture.
Ask lots of questions.
If you choose to shop online, be sure to move quickly by reaching out to the seller directly. Never rely on the posted pictures or the niceness of the seller. Ask lots of questions regarding dimensions, age of the item, and condition before showing up.
Posts you might like:
- The Best Way to Find Garage Sales and Score the Best Deals
- Garage Sale vs. Estate Sale: Your Go-To Guide
- 6 Home Decor Items to Purchase Used To Spruce Up Your Home
What’s your favorite place to find used furniture? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below.
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Good Luck bargain shopping!
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You can find a lot of useful things in other people’s trash.