The best items to thrift or shop second-hand for your home

As we get that spring cleaning itch, people often think, “out with the old, in with the new,” but new items aren’t always necessary when we could buy home decor lightly used. I suggest looking into the world of thrift shopping. I’ve been thrifting my entire life, and I’ve definitely been thrifting in the Twin Cities for the last decade. I’ve also started antique shopping throughout Minnesota, and I’ll just say it– I’m obsessed.

This week I’m sharing my knowledge on all things thrifty, telling you the best things worth thrifting for your home, because some things are difficult to find at decent prices no matter whether you find it at Target or in the thrift store (I’m looking at you, mirrors!). Today I’ll delve into:

Thrifting Books
Vintage Cameras as decor (and as a hobby)
Glassware collecting

I have more items to discuss in the future, but I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Expect more upcoming thrifting advice, because I post new blog posts on Fridays!

Books: gaining knowledge while filling your shelves

Books are great items to thrift for home decor, because they can fill any room with knowledge and reference. The thrift store is an especially great place to find cookbooks for a steal. While bringing home a collection of books after thrifting in the Twin Cities (or shopping gently used books second-hand), your home will immediately exude academia vibes. It may even leave your house guests wondering what you’ll be reading next.

I have a system for where I start and end while second-hand book shopping. I head straight to my local Goodwill, where the softcover and hardcover books are less than 2 dollars a pop. After that, I scour Half Price Books, for the infamous half priced tags. Finally, when I’m looking for first or special editions of books, I head to a local indie bookstore that buys and resells gently used books, such as the Uptown’s bookstore staple, Magers & Quinn.

Cameras: decor for the true artist (hey, that’s you!)

Cameras can be used for decor without guilt for not actually taking photos, because of halted production of a few camera films… or just because the camera is broken, but it’s still cute to keep around. With the rise of technology, and those cameras we have permanently glued to our hands (your phone, duh!), some find physical cameras to be obsolete. Not me! When I find a camera at the thrift store, it’s always a pleasant surprise. (bonus points if it actually works though!)

Finding cameras while thrifting in Minnesota is surprisingly common. Cameras can be displayed on bookshelves, resting on a corner table, or hung from a camera strap on a wall with your hats and tote bags. Film cameras of all styles, whether 35mm, or vintage polaroids, add an artistic depth to your space, showing off your eclectic energy. What looks more artistic than your art tools perfectly on display? (especially when you’re actually using them!)

Colorful Glassware: creating a vibrant space

Thrift stores and antique shops have some of the best glass items of all sizes and purposes, with entire aisles dedicated to kitchen goods. I’m always on the hunt for unique colorful glassware, but I mainly look for collectible pieces, like Depression Glass, carnival glass, and anything colorful with a mid-century design. My kitchen window gets the most sunlight, so I put my most vibrant glasses across the middle and bottom of the window, and the sun catches on the colors.

If you’re looking for your own colorful glassware, start at a thrift store with a large kitchen aisle, because the glass will be frugally priced. Don’t forget to check in odd places, like by the porcelain figurines, or the flower vases, because sometimes glassware will be placed there by mistake. If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, but you’re willing to invest a few more dollars, I suggest antique shopping in Stillwater, Minnesota. Stillwater, MN has an famous street dedicated to antiquing, with many stores specializing in glass.

Lastly, styling thrifted items in your home

This is the part where you can be the most creative. Do you have a bookshelf that’s looking a little sparse? Sift through the bookshelves at the thrift store, or add some vintage film cameras as bookstoppers. Do you need a new home for a small budding plant? Try a vibrant colorful glass dish! The options are endless.

The best part about thrifting and antiquing is that it’s sustainable and environmentally friendly. I often see places like urban outfitters selling new colorful vintage inspired glasses for 25 dollars a piece. Just go with the original books, cameras, and glassware for an authentic and organic decoration. Your wallet and the planet will be grateful for it.