1. Pieces with Texture and Character

For Fosburg, it’s the items with an interesting texture or unique character that make for timeless thrifted finds. Her favorites? “Baskets, glassware, ceramics, and linen-wrapped books are staples for us,” the designer shares. These items are durable, age well, and can be used to style everything from kitchen open shelving to living room bookcases. “They add texture and character and are items we use again and again when styling a project,” Fosburg says.

2. Practical Items

The thrifted pieces that interior designer Dana Ayala of The LoCal Design Studio finds timeless are the practical ones. “Dishware, old cigar boxes, old metal coat hooks, tarnished silverware, plain linens. The functionality itself makes these items more generational, and it’s almost impractical not to buy them,” Ayala says.

Her rule for thrifting is as follows: “When searching, sticking to the two design extremes—completely plain or completely unique—is a good guide to ensure you are either purchasing something with longevity for its simplicity or something with longevity for its individuality.”

3. Vintage Frames and Mirrors

Vintage frames and mirrors are among the things Jannet Serhan, the founder and creative director of wall art studio Print & Proper, looks for when thrifting. Her two favorite materials include timber and brass. “Even if the artwork changes, the frame itself adds character and depth to a space,” Serhan says.

Her suggestion is to look beyond surface trends and focus on materials, craftsmanship, and proportion. “Thrifted pieces that are simple in shape and well-made will almost always outlast what’s currently in style,” Serhan says.

Edmund Barr

4. Classic Furniture

If you spot classic furniture pieces such as bentwood chairs or a Saarinen tulip table at a secondhand shop, snag them while you can. “Bentwood chairs are one of those thrifted pieces that never lose relevance,” says Tyka Pryde, an interior designer and furniture designer at Tyka Pryde. “Their sculptural curves and lightweight construction make them incredibly versatile, and they work just as beautifully in a modern space as they do in a more traditional home,” the designer says.

The same goes for the Saarinen tulip table, whose smooth silhouette, Pryde says, feels just as fresh today as it did when it was designed in 1956. “It pairs effortlessly with a wide range of chairs and styles, and when found secondhand, it becomes an even smarter investment because great design never expires,” Pryde says.

5. Small Metal Accent Pieces

Fosburg says she’s always drawn to metals like brass, silver, and pewter when thrifting, especially in small accent pieces. “They bring patina and a sense of story to a space,” the designer says. Think metal candlesticks or a decorative tray; these small thrifted accents instantly add character and interesting contrast when styled with new items.

“Vintage candlesticks are one of my favorite things to snag secondhand,” says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors. Her best tip is to pick a desired finish for a cohesive look (her personal favorite is antique brass) and start collecting candlesticks of varying heights to mix together or pair.

6. Solid Wood Furniture

“Personally, I’m always drawn to solid wood furniture when I’m thrifting,” says designer Brittney Luedecke of Signature Styles by Brit. “Wood never goes out of style. It’s a good neutral piece, and good bones matter way more than a perfect finish,” Luedecke says. One benefit of a thrifted solid-wood piece is that, even if it’s not in perfect condition, it can likely be freshened up with a little elbow grease. “Scratches are not a big deal to me because most pieces can be refinished,” Luedecke says.

Jim Westphalen

7. Ceramic Bowls

“Thrift stores are great for discovering small ceramics like bowls and catch-alls,” Fosburg shares. A small vintage bowl makes a lovely accent for an entryway console table or a styled bar cart. To make sure you're purchasing something that’s actually unique, Fosburg shares a quick tip: “Turn the piece over to make sure it’s vintage and not a big-box replication of something old.”

8. Mid-Century Modern Glassware and Bar Accessories

As for a specific design style to keep an eye out for, mid-century modern items continue to top designers’ thrifting lists. “Mid-century glassware and bar accessories are at the top of my list when I’m thrifting,” Jones says. Her favorites include smoked glass pitchers and drinking glasses, as well as modern Swedish glassware that she says will never go out of style.

9. Items That Reflect Your Personality and Interests

At the end of the day, the things that will look timeless in your home are the ones that speak to you. That’s why Michele Cicatello, the owner of the vintage home decor shop The Curio Collectress, suggests thrifting for items that reflect your personality, passions, and interests.

“If you love the sea, you won’t tire of nautical elements; if you love traveling, add maps or globes, vintage travel books, or souvenirs from trips to your space, and you’ll never tire of it,” Cicatello says. For her, it’s the highly personal home decor that’s both fun and timeless.

Adam Albright Photography Inc

10. Glassware

Glass is something that Fosburg says she rarely buys new. “From candle hurricanes to etched glass and crystal, secondhand options feel special,” the designer says. Instead of displaying or using a new set of matching glassware, take inspiration from Fosburg and look for interesting glass pieces on your next trip to the thrift store. “A mismatched set of martini or wine glasses can be incredibly chic and gives a space a collected, timeless feel,” Fosburg says.