Although thrift stores can be a great place to find the perfect piece of furniture or decor, it’s also easy to waste money on low-quality items if you don’t know how to shop smart.
So, Business Insider asked interior designers to share the mistakes they see people make when shopping at secondhand stores.
Here’s what they said.
Skipping great frames because of ugly art
Cara Newhart, an interior designer and the host of the “Make Space” podcast, told BI that shoppers should never skip buying a high-quality frame just because the art isn’t their style.
“Even if you don’t like the art, you can save the frame and swap it out for a print that’s a perfect fit for your space,” Newhart said.
Forgetting to measure a room before shopping for furniture
Interior designer Veronica Sanders said it’s crucial to measure your space before heading to a thrift shop.
“Not measuring the dimensions of your space is such a common mistake,” Sanders said. “Write them down so you can compare the size of the furniture with the space you have available.”
Remember to bring a tape measure so you can assess the dimensions of any prospective purchases.
Underestimating the cost of repairs
Although it’s normal to find fixer-uppers in a thrift store, Newhart cautioned against taking on a project that can take up too much time or budget.
“I’d avoid buying pieces that need to be fully reupholstered, totally refinished, or otherwise made over — unless you have the money or serious DIY skills required,” Newhart said.
Visiting only one thrift shop
Every thrift store has different stock, so don’t limit your shopping to just one.
If you’re intent on hunting down the very best buys, try hitting multiple consignment shops in different parts of town or visiting a local flea market.
“Never make the mistake of thinking that one thrift shop has everything you need,” Sanders said. “You could be missing out on the perfect piece at another store.”
Trying to haggle using negativity
Secondhand-item and consignment dealers typically spend a great deal of time and energy acquiring pieces. So, it’s important to show respect while shopping.
If negotiating is welcomed, be sure to show your enthusiasm for a shop owner’s goods before venturing to make a deal.
“Negative comments like, ‘You can’t be serious,’ or, ‘It isn’t worth that much,’ are unlikely to result in a bargain,” Kimberley Seldon of Kimberley Seldon Design Group said.
Trying to recall colors from memory
Designers know it’s almost impossible to accurately recall colors from memory. That’s why it’s helpful to bring a physical sample of any hues you’re trying to match.
“Always shop with fabric or paint swatches to make your decisions easier,” Seldon told BI.
Passing on quality wooden pieces
Thrift stores are often filled with particleboard or faux-wood furniture, but they’re also a great place to find deals on high-quality pieces.
“A good, sturdy piece of wood furniture can be hard to find, so when you stumble upon a gem, it may be worth the splurge,” Sanders said.
She said old wooden dressers, coffee tables, and stools can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint or stain and a new cushion.
Shopping alone if you live with others
Going thrift shopping for furniture or decor can lead to household tension if you share your space with roommates or a partner.
“You may love that bright-red sofa, but it may be a total eyesore for your partner,” Sanders said. “It’s good to get second opinions and input from those you live with.”
Bringing your housemates along is even more important when shopping for big-ticket items or bulky pieces that may be difficult to get rid of or resell.
This story was originally published on March 24, 2022, and most recently updated on July 30, 2026.
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