Thrifting & Antiquing for Beginners: How We Turned Our Passion into a Budget-Friendly Decorating Habit

My mom and I have been thrifting and antiquing for years. It all started with my wedding 3 years ago when I decided to have a shabby chic, vintage style wedding. To save money, we decided to get creative and thrift for wedding decor instead of buying new.

We ended up finding over 200 pieces of dinnerware to use for the tables, along with milk glass centerpieces, cake stands, pitchers, lanterns, mirrors, brass candlesticks, and so much more. In fact, almost all of my wedding decor came from thrift stores! And the best part? We spent less than $400 on everything.

Since then, thrifting and antiquing have become a routine we share together, and it’s more than just about saving money. We’ve fallen in love with finding unique pieces that tell a story and giving them new life in our home. It’s become a hobby, a way to bond, and a chance to create a home that’s truly ours.

So, if you’re ready to get started thrifting and antiquing, here are my top tips!

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thrifting & antiquing for beginners

Tip 1: Bargain for a Lower Price (Even When Thrifting)

One of the best parts of thrifting and antiquing is the potential for bargaining—don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price! Many antique stores have booths run by individual sellers, and sometimes they’re open to negotiation. If the seller is around, you can ask if they’re willing to accept a lower offer. If they’re not there, you can often find their contact info and give them a call or leave a message.

I know this can feel a little intimidating if you’re a beginner, but most sellers are open to offers, especially if the item has been sitting for a while. Just keep in mind that at most antique stores, sellers spend a lot of time researching the background of their items as well as the price points. A fair negotiation will always be welcomed.

And don’t forget, thrift stores are also flexible with their pricing! For example, I recently found a beautiful mirror for my bathroom that was listed at $40, but because it had a small flaw, they gave me $10 off. I walked out with the mirror for just $30—what a steal!

Tip 2: Know Your Interior Style

When it comes to thrifting, having a clear sense of your home’s style can make a huge difference in what you buy. Whether you prefer boho, farmhouse, French country, or anything in between, knowing your style helps you focus your search and find pieces that will really fit in with your existing decor.

I mostly decorate with a vintage country style, but I also love mixing in touches of cottage charm. For my space, I tend to gravitate toward neutral tones—creams, whites, browns, and soft earth tones—with pops of antique brass, copper, and wood accents. I also like to add texture through on the walls and with items.

When you’re thrifting, think about how each piece will fit into your overall style and the color palette of your space. This approach helps prevent impulse buys that might not mesh with your home. If you’re not sure what style you like yet, Pinterest and YouTube are great resources to explore different looks and find what speaks to you!

Tip 3: Make a Thrift List & Bring a Tape Measure

I can’t tell you how many times I have went thrifting or antiquing and fell in love with a piece of furniture… only to discover I couldn’t measure it. Why? Because I didn’t have my tape measure with me, or I didn’t know if it would fit my space. So, I try to ALWAYS keep a tiny tape measure in my purse, and I keep a running list of measurements for the spaces in my home that I am trying to fill. This way I can measure the physical item while also knowing whether or not it will fit in the space I want it too.

I also keep a list of items I’m actively on the lookout for- so I’m focused and intentional about what I buy. Trust me, it’s a total game changer!

Tip 4: Dig, Dig, Dig

Thrifting isn’t always glamorous—it requires a bit of patience and elbow grease. Don’t be afraid to dig through bins, boxes, and shelves that look like a jumble of forgotten items. Some of the best pieces I’ve found were buried deep at the bottom of a box or pushed to the back of a shelf.

Sure, it can be overwhelming to sort through piles of things, but having a clear idea of what you’re looking for helps narrow down the search. Plus, the thrill of unearthing something unexpected is part of the fun!

Tip 5: Patience and Consistency are Key

Thrift stores and antique booths get new items every day, which means some days you’ll find absolutely nothing. There have been many times when I’ve left a shop empty-handed, but I always keep coming back because I know the perfect piece is just around the corner.

Thrifting takes time, but it’s so rewarding when you find just the right item. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you waited when you find that hidden gem that fits your space perfectly. Keep visiting regularly, and remember that consistency pays off!

Thrifting and antiquing can be an exciting way to furnish your home with unique, budget-friendly finds. Whether you’re decorating for a wedding, refreshing a room, or simply looking for a treasure with history, these tips will help guide you on your thrifting journey. And remember—don’t be afraid to embrace the imperfections! Sometimes, those quirky, well-loved pieces are what make your home truly special.

Do you have any thrifting tips or favorite finds? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19

If you want to read more tips on saving money or home decor, check out my previous blog post here!