One Room Challenge Week 3+4 // Vintage & Thrift Finds
I don’t know about you, but I love a good thrift store. I enjoy the hunt! I get a thrill in finding good deals and unique items on sites like FB Marketplace, Ebay and Craigslist. My favorite home decor items to look for are vintage art work, pottery and accent furniture. Sometimes it’s an item from Target that’s last season, or a one-of-a-kind piece in mint condition. I’ve found $70 items marked for $7 at Goodwill, b/c they were simply clearanced out by the store!
Want to know the secret to thrifting? Here it is: Shop often, don’t hesitate, and time it right
SHOP OFTEN // Inventory changes daily, so go at least once a week, or a few times (depending on the popularity and turnover of the store.) Honestly, they can be quick swing-ins. Sometimes you’ll walk in for 5 minutes, look around, and leave empty handed. Luck is in the odds.
DON’T HESITATE // Don’t leave it if you like it. Chances are it will be gone the next day (or even the next hour). If you want to “think about it first,” try this trick: put the item in your cart while you shop the rest of the store and decide at the end. (I already do this at Target more than I care to admit.) If it’s too large, ask the sales clerk you’ll take it so they “hold” it while you finish up shopping. Seems shady, I know, but you might buy it after all! Or can just as easily tell them you’ve changed your mind. Takes the pressure off so you can make a smart decision. If you must leave it, if it’s there when you get back, it must be meant to be!
TIMING // Mornings are often the best time b/c the store has been stocked overnight. It’s also good to know the times of year when inventory seems to tick up. Two in particular: January (resolutions ala Konmari method) and in late spring. These are major times when people are purging, cleaning. decluttering and organizing. *I even anticipate after this Covid craziness subsides and businesses open to customers and take donations, there will be a bounty of goods popping up. Everyone’s been stuck home with nothing to do but kill time, which turns into clearing out basements, spare bedrooms, garages. (My current garage situation is evidence, lol.)
It’s pretty fun when you land a gem, b/c it doesn’t happen all the time. Last year, I landed these two matching retro night stands in great condition. Lovely finish, dovetail drawers and this amazing leather detail on the pulls and legs! Guess how much I paid? $30 for the set! This spring, when Charlotte's big girl room came into the picture, I knew they found their home.
Another cool find was Charlotte’s bed. I really liked a few different styles and had trouble deciding at first — cane, French antique, and Jenny Lind/spindle (see below). I just knew I wanted it to be fun, but grow with age. Which style do you like the best for a little girls room?
Monica Hibbs // The Minted Mama // IDF Studio
I decided paying for new was a no-go if I wanted to invest in other elements of the room. So I hopped on Craigslist one night, and came across a gently used, full size spindle bed in great condition for under $200. Jenny Lind for the win!
Can’t wait to show it to you at the reveal! ;) In the meantime, find more One Room Challenge inspiration on the ORC blog!
xo
Erin
