21 Things You Should Always Buy at Estate Sales
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Estate sales are the one place where the saying “One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure” holds. These sales offer the chance to find valuable items with interesting histories and affordable prices. Each item has a story and an opportunity for a fresh start.
Estate sales cater to collectors and thrift shoppers. You can find antique furniture to add character to your home or vintage clothing from past eras. You may even get lucky and come across rare collectibles and cherished heirlooms with monetary and sentimental value.
That said, let’s look at some of the best Estate Sale finds that are always worth buying.
Nowadays, a lot of furniture lacks quality, often made with cheap particleboard and requiring assembly, which can be time-consuming. Unfortunately, many of these pieces don’t stand the test of time. However, at an estate sale, it’s easy to find used furniture such as dressers, dining room tables, coffee tables, and nightstand s in a variety of design styles.
Even if the furniture appears a bit dated, don’t judge it by its surface alone. Many furniture pieces can be revitalized by refinishing, painting, or stripping. Personally, I prefer solid wood dressers because they last forever. Just keep an eye out for signs of quality, like solid wood construction and dovetail joints, when purchasing cheap furniture.
Lamps are an easy find at an estate sale. They make a great addition to any room, offering a simple way to accessorize and decorate. Whether placed on a nightstand or an office desk, they can add character to your surroundings. Lamps come in various shapes and sizes, including tabletop and standing options, as well as wide or slim designs.
If you come across stained or damaged lamps, don’t let that deter you from considering them. Getting them rewired or adding a new shade can easily transform them into a personalized piece for your home.
Estate sales offer a variety of old books that reflect the owner’s interests, including rare editions that may be hard to find elsewhere. These books are usually priced below retail, making it a great chance to grow your collection.
Additionally, books can also serve as decorative pieces, adding personality and style to your space. I enjoy adding new books to my bookshelves and pairing them with lovely art pieces, vases, picture frames, or figurines.
Artwork and prints can be valuable finds at estate sales. You can find a range of artwork, including paintings, prints, and sculptures. Sometimes, these pieces can be highly valuable, depending on the artist and condition. Look for any signatures or markings that reveal the artist’s name or the piece’s origin to unlock the piece’s potential value.
In addition, having original paintings can enhance the atmosphere of your living space. While browsing artwork at estate sales, take the time to appreciate each piece. Who knows, you might discover a masterpiece at an estate sale near you.
Estate sales offer a good opportunity to find hidden electronics, such as vintage cameras, record players, and gaming consoles. When buying electronics at estate sales, thoroughly test them to ensure they are in working order.
Estate sales are the place to find vintage fashion, and they offer great deals. Estate sales often feature closets filled with retro and cocktail dresses, timeless handbags, and unique jewelry. These pieces are usually in incredible condition, since they’ve been worn only a few times in most cases.
When you’re shopping for clothing and accessories at estate sales, it’s important to carefully inspect items for damage or wear. Vintage clothing can be delicate, so handle the pieces with care. Estate sales offer a great chance to discover unique pieces that can add a special touch to your wardrobe.
Vintage jackets, like leather coats, fur, and other retro-style jackets, are worth considering when shopping at an estate sale.
When looking for vintage jackets, focus on quality, condition, and rarity. Pieces from renowned designers or specific eras can be particularly appealing to fashion enthusiasts.
Picture frames are abundant at estate sales. Prices typically range from $.50 and up. I have discovered high-quality frames at these events that have held up for years.
Vases are incredibly versatile and can be used to store fresh flowers. You can even display it as an accent piece or upcycle and turn it into a terracotta piece. They are usually plentiful at estate sales.
Baskets are great for storage and make a strong decorative statement in any room. You can leave it in the hallway or the foyer to store shoes and blankets.
Collectibles and memorabilia are also quite sought after at estate sales. If you’re into sports, movies, or vintage toys, you’ll likely find various items to pique your interest. Estate sales can offer collectors a treasure trove of goodies, including signed jerseys, autographed posters, rare comic books, and vintage action figures.
These sales offer an excellent opportunity to find valuable and rare collectibles without paying their full retail price. It’s a wonderful opportunity for collectors to add unique pieces to their collections.
Don’t forget to check out the candle holders at an estate sale. Buying candle holders at estate sales can be a cost-effective way to add ambiance and character to any room. Candlesticks come in metal, wood, silver, or glass, so you can choose the one that suits your taste and decor.
When you’re at an estate sale, keep an eye out for cookware such as cutlery, cast-iron pans, drinking glasses, Pyrex containers, plates, bowls, and other pots and pans. You might find a complete kitchen set at a price that doesn’t require paying full retail.
Tools are a staple for many homeowners, and at most estate sales, you’ll likely come across a basement workshop or garage stocked with practical tools. Though they might need a bit of attention, these vintage pieces can still serve you well for years to come.
The real bonus is that you can get your hands on these tools at estate sales for just a fraction of the cost of buying them brand new.
You might stumble upon timeless board games that bring family and friends together or toys that carry the charm of childhood innocence.
There’s no need to overspend on jewelry when you can find it in abundance at estate sales.
Finding new additions to your vinyl record collection becomes effortless when you explore estate sales. You may stumble upon a hidden box of old records. It’s like embarking on a musical journey through time, uncovering forgotten melodies.
Estate sales offer a unique opportunity to unearth vinyl gems and expand your music collection with timeless classics and rare finds.
Don’t be surprised by the appliances you will find at estate sales. From reliable crockpots to efficient coffee pots and toaster ovens, estate sales offer a diverse range of kitchen appliances.
Estate sales are the place to be for fine china and vintage silverware sets, perfect for those occasional formal dinners. If you get lucky, you’ll stumble upon dozens of stunning formal china pieces and intricately designed silverware sets that ooze timeless charm.
Keep an eye out for those special holiday place settings. These cherished items have stood the test of time for a reason, and their enduring appeal ensures they will continue to impact your table settings.
Estate sales offer a fantastic opportunity to purchase outdoor furniture and transform your outdoor space. From charming patio sets and sturdy garden benches to stylish lounge chairs and rustic picnic tables, estate sales offer a wide variety of outdoor furniture finds.
You can discover vintage pieces with timeless appeal, durable materials built to withstand the elements, and even unique and one-of-a-kind designs that add character to your outdoor oasis.
Other posts you might like:
- 15 Best Places to Sell Used Furniture Online
- Best Garage Sale Finder Apps and Websites
- Garage Sale vs Estate Sale: Your Go To Guide
In summary, estate sales open the door to a world of unique finds for savvy shoppers seeking reasonably priced finds through secondhand shopping. Whether it’s vintage clothing, enduring furniture, collectibles, or outdoor furniture, estate sales offer an eclectic assortment of hidden treasures. Overall, this way of shopping allows us to create a personal, sustainable environment.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
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