Thrift & Consignment with New-to-You Decor

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Cheap, chic and oh-so-fun, furnishing your home with thrifted and consigned items is exploding in popularity. While many are right-sizing at this stage of life, several have discovered that the places where unwanted items are donated are also great spots to unearth new-to-you treasures.

Thrift shops are donation-based, with proceeds going to charities or non-profit groups. Consignment stores generate money for both the shop and the owner of the consigned item; they split the proceeds.

Thrifting and consignment shopping feel like a scavenger hunt, evolving as lifestyle, interests and tastes change. What worked in your 40s may not work in your home today. 

Over the decades, I’ve found great thrifted items for every room and even for our patio. Color unifies items and disguises flaws, so I always have spray paint at the ready. 

New to thrifting? Visit a few local spots and see if you feel inspired to change your space without changing your place.

Ask yourself the following questions before buying a piece of furniture, art or rug: What are you willing and able to do with the thrifted items? Are you prepared to repair, paint or refinish? Set yourself up for success; it’s the key to having a good thrifting experience.  

Evaluate current décor and furniture items and each new item against this list before ditching or  purchasing:  

• Do you love it?  
• Does it work with or elevate what you already own?  
• Do you have a specific place to use it?  
• Is it similar to what you already own?  
• Can you restyle what you already own to avoid replacing it?  

Save time by: 

• Asking others to suggest favorite stores or tag along with a friend
• Shopping 9 a.m. -5 p.m. weekdays. Stores are busy on weekends and items get picked over.
• Signing up for shop newsletters, points programs and coupons

If you enjoy the hunt and become a serial thrifter, these are the best items to flip for extra income (by reselling on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, for example).

• Lamps (always check if they work)
• Frames for crafters and artists
• Mirrors
• Trays to paint or revamp with new hardware
• Vases  
• Pitchers, dishes, teacups & saucers  
• Vintage suitcases to repurpose into small tables
• Baskets for storage or gift-giving
• Benches for inside or outdoors
• Bookcases to upstyle with paint and trim
• Ottomans to recover
• Coffee and end tables that need a facelift (hardware, paint)

Preparing for a fresh new style? Are you sure? 

• Identify what you are ready to let go 
• Do you feel something is missing?  
• Do you still love your color palette, or are you ready for a change?  
• Does your space feel dated, tired or boring?  
• Does every item serve a purpose or provide joy?  
• Have you seen an inspiration room you can’t forget?  

Many YouTubers demonstrate how they shop and restyle items so you can expand your skills and gather fresh ideas. A few favorites: Canterbury Cottage, Julies’ Designs & Signs, Designed to the Nines.  

Start with these websites for hours and locations of local thrift and consignment stores.

• ncjwcleveland.org/programs/thriftique-showroom 
• commonthreadsthrift.com 
• voaohin.org/north-Olmsted-thrift
• Goodwill.org
• SalvationArmy.org
• chelseasconsignments.com
• consignhomecouture.com
• Transitionaldesign.net
• Itssoyouboutique.com

View my article in Northeast Ohio Parent magazine

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