7 Styling Tips Pro Thrifters Always Follow for Every Vintage Find

This story is a part of our Go-To Guide to Thrifting, where we share need-to-know advice to shop secondhand like a pro. To learn more expert-backed tips for scoring amazing finds, check out our full guide here.

Thrifting and antiquing are great ways to decorate on a budget while expressing your own, unique style sustainably.

Whether you're new to the thrifting game or are curious about making the most of your next trip, we spoke to two serial thrifters for their best advice on styling your beloved thrifted finds.

Don't Look for Trends

Unless you're dying to recreate a modern look in your home, remember that thrifting is all about creating a design in your home that's totally unique to who you are and less trendy (unless that's your style).

"Reflect your personal style and interests with thrifted finds, whether it’s a collection of vintage books, unique art pieces, or quirky knick-knacks," says Lexy Silverstein. "The most important thing to remember when thrifting is that it's your goal to create a space that you love and that feels like home."

Think Outside of the Box

When it comes to thrifting, our experts say that part of the fun is getting creative not only with how you style your finds, but how you make it functional, too.

"Look at items you see with a creative eye," Silverstein says. "For example, an old ladder can become a bookshelf, or a vintage suitcase can turn into a coffee table."

"I like to use things for different purposes often," says Gwen Hefner. "Ashtrays make great catch-alls, ashtray stands are the perfect tiny drink table tucked in next to chairs. China cabinets can become bookshelves. So many things have multiple uses!"

Find a Focal Point

One of our favorite styling tips Silverstein shared with us is how to create a focal point with a standout find.

Room focal points are essential in interior design to set the stage for the overall look, which can easily be accomplished with a larger item or piece of furniture, and, since you're thrifting, done on a budget.

"Use a standout thrifted piece, like a vintage mirror, an ornate frame, or an antique piece of furniture to create a focal point in the room by tying the space together and adding a touch of sophistication," she says.

Since you'll be styling smaller pieces around the larger items, pay attention to your focal pieces' finishes, materials, patterns, and colors so you can easily pair them with the surrounding pieces.

Start at Estate Sales

Finding thrifting items to style starts with knowing where to look. One secret Silverstein shares with us is to start at estate sales before venturing to online marketplaces or small businesses.

"Estate sales are a goldmine for well-preserved furniture, art, and decor that can add a distinctive touch to your space," she says. "You can find a ton of unique and high-quality items there, and it's always an adventure."

Silverstein recommends finding local estate sales on Estatesales.net and seeing what you can find. "Trust me, I've scored some amazing vintage treasures this way."

Plus, if you're new to antiquing or thrifting, shopping at estate sales gives you the best introduction to searching for antiques or vintage pieces while also getting experience evaluating items based on their quality and materials.

Mix the Eras

When you're thrifting, don't be afraid to experiment with pieces from different time periods to showcase your unique style.

"If you choose all pieces from the same decade it dates the space, but mixing styles and time periods, patterns and textures really makes the space your own," says Hefner.

It's easy to blend eras together if you tie them together with similar colors and tones to form a sense of cohesion within your design.

Go For Timeless

One way to make your thrifted items more versatile when styling in your home is to go for items that represent a timeless aesthetic.

"It's all about finding pieces with character—think vintage furniture with cool details or unique decor items that can spark conversations," says Silverstein. "Durability and craftsmanship are key because I want pieces that not only look great but will also stand the test of time."

Pieces in neutral shades are colors that best represent timeless items along with high-quality fabrics like linen, silk, and velvet to incorporate texture into the design as well.

Focus On Quality, Not Quantity

"Focus on quality over quantity, seeking well-made, durable pieces that will last longer and look better, even if they need a bit of restoration," Silverstein advises.

Whether you're looking for a standout piece to make your focal point or smaller objects to place on a shelf, the quality of the items will outshine the amount of pieces you have.

"Incorporating a variety of textures and patterns adds depth and interest to your space, so mix textiles like throws and pillows with different fabrics and pair them with patterned rugs or wallpaper."