Thrifting has exploded in popularity. In 2022, ThredUp projected the U.S. secondhand market would reach $82 billion by 2026; newer estimates forecast about $73 billion by 2028. But while most shoppers beeline straight for the vintage denim or mid-century furniture, they often walk right past the aisles that hold the most practical value.
If you stick only to the “glamour” sections, you are missing out on everyday essentials that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. From home improvement supplies to textiles that rival high-end fabric stores, the less-trafficked corners of your local charity shop are often where the real gold lies.
Here are six thrift store sections you need to stop skipping, and exactly what to look for when you get there.
1. The Hardware Aisle
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The hardware aisle may not be the prettiest spot in the store, but for DIYers and homeowners, it’s a hidden goldmine. From hooks and replacement casters to specific screwdriver sizes, this section is packed with “ugly” necessities at a fraction of the cost.
Professional thrifters often snag drawer pulls and cabinet knobs here, perfect for budget-friendly, high-impact upgrades like refreshing dressers or kitchen cabinets. You might even find vintage brass or ceramic knobs for just a few dollars!.
- Pro Tip:– Bring a small tape measure to check if new handles will fit your existing furniture’s screw holes.
2. The Linens Section
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With the rising cost of textiles and the closure of many local fabric stores, the linens aisle has become a crucial stop for crafters and homemakers. Don’t just look at a sheet and see bedding; look at it as four to five yards of affordable fabric.
A high-quality cotton tablecloth or a set of linen curtains can be repurposed into almost anything: tote bags, garden aprons, pillow covers, or even clothing, for a fraction of the price of buying fabric by the yard. Furthermore, this is the best place to find heavy-duty textiles for pets.
- Look for: 100% cotton sheets (great for dyeing), wool blankets, and oversized tablecloths.
- Tip: Wash thrifted linens promptly according to care labels.
3. Lamps and Lighting
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Lighting can make or break a room, but designer lamps often cost over $100. At a thrift store, you can find unique ceramic, brass, or glass bases for under $15.
The trick is to ignore the old, yellowed lampshade and focus on the base’s silhouette and material. A quick coat of spray paint can easily modernize a dated lamp. You can even find broken lamps that are perfect for harvesting parts like harps or finials for another lamp at home.
- Look for: Heavy bases made of marble, brass, or ceramic. Check the cord; if it’s frayed, you will need to rewire it (which is a simple weekend project).
- Tip: Discard the old shade. Bring the base to a hardware or lighting store to find a modern drum shade that fits.
4. The Crafts and Office Supply Aisle
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While everyone else is fighting over vintage tees, head to the craft and office supply aisle. It’s often stocked with brand-new, unopened supplies from people who’ve abandoned hobbies. You can find high-quality yarn, rubber stamps, expensive paper, and office staples like binders and 3M hooks. Gardeners can also score twine, ribbons, or harvesting baskets.
- Look for: Natural fiber yarn, unused journals, and high-quality wrapping paper.
- Tip: Check the “dryness” of supplies like paints, markers, or glue sticks before leaving the store. Shake them or test them on a scrap piece of paper if possible to ensure they haven’t dried out.
5. Decorative Scarves
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The scarf rack is often jammed tight and overwhelming to browse, but it is worth the effort. Beyond wearing them, vintage scarves are versatile home decor tools. High-end silk scarves with intricate patterns can be framed to create instant, sophisticated wall art.
If you aren’t into framing, you can use the Japanese art of furoshiki, fabric wrapping, to wrap gifts sustainably. A colorful scarf is a gift wrap that becomes part of the present itself.
- Look for: Hand-rolled edges (a sign of higher quality), silk tags, and bold botanical or geometric prints.
- Next Step: If you plan to frame a scarf, iron it on the lowest setting appropriate for the fabric to remove stubborn creases before mounting it behind glass.
6. Vases and Glassware
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Buying new vases for your fresh-cut flowers can get expensive. Thrift stores are overflowing with glassware, from crystal bud vases to large, heavy utilitarian cylinders perfect for sunflowers or gladiolus.
This is also the place to find propagation vessels. You don’t need specialized equipment to root your pothos or philodendron cuttings; recycled glass jars, mismatched wine glasses, and small, unique bottles found in this aisle work perfectly.
- Look for: Mason jars for seed storage, heavy crystal vases for stability, and unique colored glass to catch the light in a windowsill garden.
- Tip: Run all glassware through the dishwasher or wash with a bleach solution before using it for plants.
Transform Your Home for Less
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The next time you walk into your local thrift shop, challenge yourself to walk past the clothing racks and head straight for the “boring” back aisles. Whether you are hunting for a vessel for your spring blooms or hardware to upgrade your kitchen cabinets, the potential for savings and creativity is unmatched.