How to Thrift Furniture: A Guide for Shopping Secondhand
- Keith Jennings
- May 13
- 5 min read
Learn how to thrift furniture with confidence—from spotting quality materials to finding and cleaning secondhand pieces that offer lasting value and character.
There’s an art to discovering beauty where others see none. Thrifting furniture has become a sophisticated pursuit for discerning collectors, design lovers, and sustainability-minded homemakers. Done well, it can transform your space with storied character and craftsmanship that mass-market pieces often lack. But where do you start?
This guide offers a refined approach to thrifting furniture, whether you're furnishing a first apartment, reinventing a room, or simply chasing the thrill of the find. From scouting to cleaning, here’s how to thrift furniture with the eye of a curator and the elegance of intent.
Table of Contents
Why Thrift Furniture?
Thrift stores are treasure troves of potential, often carrying pieces with better bones and richer histories than anything on showroom floors. While you may need to sift through the uninspired or the outdated, the rewards are numerous.
Quality for Less: Many thrifted items were built in an era when furniture was made to last. Solid wood, dovetail joints, and handcrafted details are not uncommon.
Sustainable Choice: Choosing secondhand reduces demand for new materials and landfill waste.
Unique Style: Thrifted pieces add layered depth to interiors, offering a mix of old-world charm, mid-century lines, or delightful quirks from past trends.
Do Thrift Stores Sell Furniture?
Yes—and often in abundance. While the inventory varies, many thrift stores carry a rotating selection of furniture. Think armoires, dining sets, end tables, vintage mirrors, upholstered chairs. National chains like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores are reliable sources. You may also uncover exceptional finds at locally-owned shops or church-run rummage sales.
The key is persistence and regular visits. Furniture turnover is fast, and the best pieces rarely linger.
What to Know Before You Go Hunting
Scout with Purpose, but Keep an Open Mind
Go in with a rough idea of what you need. Are you hunting for a coffee table? A frame? A bookshelf? A statement lamp? Knowing your priorities helps you stay focused. But some of the best finds are the ones you never expected, so keep your eyes and mind open.
Take measurements of your space (or art you’re trying to find frames for!) beforehand and bring a tape measure to avoid costly mistakes.
Know How to Identify Quality Materials
Furniture comes in many materials. Knowing how to tell the difference between quality and imitation can save you time and money.
For Wood Furniture:
Check the Grain and Edges. Real wood has unique, imperfect grain patterns. If it looks printed or too perfect, it may be laminate or veneer. Look at edges, veneer often ends in a visible layer.
Feel the Weight. Solid wood is heavy. Lightweight pieces are often particleboard or fiberboard.
Inspect the Joints. Dovetail joints or wooden dowels signal craftsmanship. Avoid pieces held together only with staples or glue.
Tap and Listen. Solid wood sounds deep and firm when tapped. Hollow or sharp sounds usually mean cheap materials.
Look for Natural Imperfections. Knots and slight color variations add character. Uniform surfaces often indicate synthetic materials.
For Upholstered Pieces:
Press and Feel. High-quality furniture will have firm yet comfortable cushions. Sagging or overly soft cushions may signal worn-out foam or weak framing.
Lift the Cushions. Look underneath to check the frame. Solid wood or sturdy webbing is best.
Sniff for Odors. Musty smells can be hard to remove, especially from fabric or stuffing.
For Metal, Glass, or Ceramic Pieces:
Check for Weight and Stability. Solid metal or ceramic has a reassuring weight. Lightweight or thin materials may be prone to bending or breaking. This is not always the case.
Inspect for Cracks or Chips. Look carefully at glass surfaces or ceramic bases for damage.
Test Electrical Parts. For lamps or light fixtures, check that cords, plugs, and sockets are in safe, working condition. Rewiring may be worth it for a standout piece, but factor that into your budget.
Knowing these simple signs can help you spot true value among the clutter.
How to Clean Thrifted Furniture
Once home, it’s essential to clean thrifted furniture thoroughly, especially upholstered or wooden items. Here are some quick tips for getting them clean and ready to use.
For Wood Furniture:
Vacuum crevices to remove dust and debris.
Wipe with a damp cloth using mild dish soap or diluted vinegar.
Deodorize drawers by placing bowls of baking soda or coffee grounds inside for a few days.
Remove grime with a magic eraser or wood-safe degreaser.
Polish or wax to protect and restore shine.
For Upholstered Furniture:
Vacuum thoroughly with an upholstery attachment.
Wash removable covers if care labels allow.
Spot clean stains with fabric-safe cleaners.
Disinfect with a rubbing alcohol and water cleaning solution in a spray bottle; the alcohol smell is temporary and it’ll help kill any germs.
Steam clean for deeper sanitation or consider professional reupholstery.
For Metal, Glass, and Other Materials:
Wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust.
Use appropriate cleaners for glass, ceramic, or metal surfaces.
Disinfect light switches, knobs, and cords on lamps or electronics.
Always test cleaning products on a small, hidden area first.
Where to Find the Best Thrifted Furniture
While traditional thrift stores are often the first stop for secondhand furniture, they’re far from your only option. Expanding your search across a variety of sources increases your chances of finding unique, well-made pieces.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are among the most reliable places to find well-maintained, high-quality furniture, often at surprisingly low prices. These sales typically involve entire household inventories, which means a broader range of styles and eras to choose from.
For the best deals, visit on the final days. Most estate sale companies offer steep discounts, often 50% to 75% off as they look to clear out remaining inventory. Use websites like EstateSales.net to locate upcoming sales in your area. Prioritize listings with photos so you can preview the selection before committing your time.
Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist
If you’re searching for something specific, say a mid-century desk or a marble-topped side table, these platforms are ideal. While prices may trend higher than thrift stores, the convenience of filtered searches and direct communication with sellers is worth it.
Don’t hesitate to request additional photos, measurements, or a brief in-person viewing before deciding. Be polite, but assertive as many pieces go fast.
Flea Markets & Yard Sales
Ideal for smaller furniture and one-of-a-kind accents, flea markets and weekend yard sales offer a more spontaneous kind of discovery. If you're up for a Sunday morning drive, keep an eye out for signs in residential neighborhoods or local event listings.
Arrive early for the best selection, or go late in the day when sellers may be more open to negotiation. Either way, these casual venues can yield some of the most charming and eclectic finds.
Consignment Shops & Vintage Stores
Consignment and vintage boutiques offer a more curated experience. While prices are generally higher, the quality and condition of the pieces are predictably better, and the aesthetic is more tightly edited. These shops are ideal if you prefer a showroom feel but still want the character of secondhand pieces.
Some may also offer delivery or hold services, which can be useful when purchasing larger items.
Some Ending Tips for Successful Thrifting
Shop Early in the Week: Inventory is often replenished after weekend donations.
Bring Cash: Some sellers offer discounts for cash purchases.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: You may be moving large pieces or exploring dusty corners.
Ask About Restock Schedules: Staff often know when the best items arrive.
Act Quickly: Great finds rarely stay long. Trust your instincts and move fast.
Thrifting furniture is part skill, part instinct, and part patience. It’s a way to fill your home with character while making sustainable choices. So, do thrift stores sell furniture worth bringing home? Absolutely. And now you know how to spot it, clean it, and make it your own.
Happy hunting.
