Treasure Hunting at Thrift Stores, Antique Shops & Yard Sales
Posted by Michele | Filed under Random
The adventure of garage sales and thrift stores are one of my favorite pastimes. High end thrift and consignment stores are best because they filter out the junk and you can almost always find something unique. Yesterday, I scored big with an great patio set
First, I saw a love seat in mint condition. I’m guessing someone made a purchasing error and couldn’t return it, so it ended up at this consignment shop. Next, I found some vintage tropical folding chairs. As much as I wanted them, I decided they weren’t a necessity. But, aha! I found the end and coffee tables to finalize the look. The total cost for my patio was $155. How cool is that? It’s not Brown Jordan, and it won’t last a life time but it will look great in the yard until I can upgrade.
As I strolled further in to the store I found a beautiful plate for $19 that now adorns my dining room table. This small improvement created a contemporary transition. Out with the old and in with the not so old.
Wonderful things can be found at garage sales, antique and consignment stores, and flea markets, but it takes a keen eye to select a treasure amongst the junk. Typically, I find the best items when I wasn’t looking for them. Here are some suggestions for your own treasure hunt.
• At a garage sale, drive slow. Look for larger items first. Are they in terrible condition? Do they look like things you need to get rid of? If the clothes are piled on the ground, there might not be anything valuable there. Keep on driving!
• If you see some antique furniture, can it be reupholstered, sanded and restained? Look for nice lines in upholstered furniture. If it fits your decor, consider it. If not, you won’t want to mix it in unless it is a small accent chair or table. I once found a wonderful antique table that needed some TLC. The owner told me it was her grandmothers, but only had a $10 price tag on it. I suggested she should keep it but she didn’t want to take the time to make it beautiful again. I gave her $15 and walked away with a prize. A bit of stripper and some elbow grease and now it sits proudly in my living room.
• Look for collectibles such as old records, pottery, glassware anything vintage. If something calls out to me for a great gift, I will definitely get it. I have a stash ready for the appropriate holiday or birthday.
• Wander aimlessly through thrift stores, but look at everything. It might be the smallest item that has great value. If the place smells because they’ve collected too many old clothes, ugh I can’t stay. The higher end thrift and antique stores filter out the junk. They won’t take it in. Your odds are better in finding some quality.
• If you see something that you can’t figure out what it is but like the way it looks, figure out a way you can turn it in to something. For instance, you see a carved wood screen. Can you hang it from the ceiling where your reflective lighting is? How cool would that be? Now, I’ll be searching for something like that!
• I generally stay away from electronic equipment. Consider why anyone would get rid of something that works. You may be buying somebody’s problem. Sometimes stores will purchase overstock items from other retailers. That’s the only time I consider electronics. I purchased an overstock hairdryer recently. I needed an extra one for another bathroom and It worked fine.
• Hunting can be fun and prosperous. I found a painting of a famous painter for my home. I purchased a custom frame and now I have a collectible. I searched online for consignment stores and found the sculpture. It is worth $2700. Possibly you can find something quite unique for yourself!
• Finally, check out Openlist.com for all local thrift and consignment stores. They have lists from all over the world.
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2 Responses to “Treasure Hunting at Thrift Stores, Antique Shops & Yard Sales”
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Richa Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:28 amHi,
I liked your idea and admire your tips. I wanted to know what else do you search for in a thrift store. -
Michele Says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:44 amHello Richa,
Thank you so much for joining in the conversation. I hope we hear from you again.More tips for you on hunting:
When I’m looking for something I don’t always find it but something more unique. I do not look for clothing (too stinky - I want new clothes), used appliances and electronic equipment.
I look for furniture with great lines, on the contemporary side rather than antiques. For instance, I look for art decor or anything from the 40,s, 50’s and 60’s. A random lava lamp would be a great find for a teenager, but you can find those new today. I found a sofa for $17.00. I had another matching sofa built and upholstered them in a nice chenille. My son recently found two club chairs . He willl paint them black, fix the caning and add a zebra fabric — very nice!
Antique stores are best for great lamps. I found a huge brass lantern that will grace my living room. I will place it in the corner over a sectional sofa.
Glassware, pottery and jewelry are also areas of interest. Be sure not to get lost in the muck. There is a lot of junk, look for antiques or collectibles that interest your style. I’m drawn toward anything asian, morrocan, moorish. If it’s wierd, I like it but it always had a function for my home as an accessory or better yet, a great piece of found art.
I hope that helps! Stay tuned for more!
