8 Valuable Items You Should Never Pass Up At the Thrift Store

Thrift shopping can be overwhelming for many—with so many different items to sift through, it can be difficult to determine which are actually worth bringing home and which are better being left on store shelves. We spoke with an array of secondhand shopping experts based throughout the South to learn about eight types of valuable items that you should never leave behind when thrifting. We’re also sharing three helpful tips to keep in mind while shopping, too, so that you don’t bring home items unless they’re truly worthwhile.

Items Not To Pass Up

Silver

Silver—or silverplate—items are always worth browsing for at the thrift store, says Ellie Christopher. The Birmingham-based founder of Ellie Christopher Interior Design notes that many pieces will have markings on the bottom identifying their origin. “This is when relationships with knowledgeable dealers come in handy,” she adds. “Ask questions and most will be happy to tell you about the maker and history.” 

Well Made Chairs

Chairs with good quality bones are always worth bringing home, Christopher notes. “I love Beidermier pieces, which are made of cherry, ash, and oak, and they normally have a restrained geometric style and lighter color finish,” she says. “Many pieces have burled wood or bookmatched veneer on them.” Note that you can reupholster chairs as needed down the line.  

Items Made of Quality Materials

Stephanie Wells recommends not getting distracted by looking for a particular type of item while thrifting but instead keeping your eyes open to a number of quality materials. Some of her favorites to look out for include brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, just to name a few. “When you open your horizons to a general material, you will stumble across a lot more,” says the founder of The Bonny & Blithe Collection, who is based in Baltimore, Maryland. “You may even end up striking gold.” 

Original Art

Hailey Covington, the Seabrook, Texas-based founder of Gulf Coast Grandmillennial, advises not passing on original artwork at the thrift store. “Unlike mass-produced prints, original pieces add a personal touch to a home, making it truly one-of-a-kind,” she says. “When identifying valuable items, I look for quality craftsmanship, materials, and unique designs that stand out.” You won’t have to worry about regretting such a purchase, either. Adds Covington, “These are the pieces that not only hold their value but also bring a distinct character to any home.”  

Searching for a number or signature is another way to determine whether an art piece is an original, and the material it’s made of may provide some indication, too, explains Emi Deilus, the Fort Mill, South Carolina-based co-founder of Lainey James Collective. “Canvas and  linen paper hold value and are a sign of original work versus poster board, for example,” she says. That said, “Artwork is also very subjective and if I find the beauty in it that is sometimes all the value I need,” Deilus adds. 

Books

Deilus has found that many of her customers like to style vintage books on shelves or coffee tables and will keep her eyes peeled for interesting titles while thrifting. “Wording that shows that it is a first edition or finding a signed copy by the author can be especially valuable,” she says. “I am always hunting for books that have unique bindings, special materials used, or very ornate covers.” 

China

Brands including Wedgwood, Limoges, Herend, Waterford, Meissen, and Fenton are all known for being top quality and are popular among collectors, Deilus says. That said, brand name isn’t everything. She adds, “Right now plate walls are a very popular home decor trend, so we find value in plates that are colorful, ornate, and just plain pretty.” 

Timeless Pieces

If you spot a timeless piece of decor at the thrift store, you certainly won’t want to leave it behind. Covington will happily take home blue and white ceramics as well as brass items. “They have a warm, vintage appeal and can easily be polished up to look stunning,” she says. 

Items That Bring You Joy

Regardless of an item’s actual monetary value, it’s worth bringing home if it is something you’re truly excited about, says Allison Bannister, the Salem, Virginia-based founder of Antiques with Allison. “Thrifting is always fun, but remember, if an item sparks joy for you, it’s already special and valuable regardless of the price tag,” she says. 

Wells shares similar thoughts. “It’s so fun to strike gold at a thrift store, but by far the most important thing to ask yourself is if the piece is something you genuinely enjoy and makes your home feel more welcoming to you,” she says. “You also never know what will end up being a ‘treasure’ in years to come.” 

Tips To Keep in Mind While Shopping:

Look for Maker’s Marks

While at the thrift store, don’t hesitate to turn an item over to inspect it further. You may just learn quite a bit! Stamps or maker’s marks are often located on the underside of items. “Not only do they typically indicate a more valuable/notable find, but they are often great indicators of age,” says Nicole Gard, the owner of Atlas + Forage Vintage in Owensboro, Kentucky. “You never know when you’ll come across a unique antique from the mid-1800s or that limited edition stamp from the 1940s.” 

Make Use of Google Image Search

Reverse Google image searches can prove to be extremely helpful while you’re out thrifting, too. “You can learn pretty quickly if you’ve stumbled upon something special, just be careful as there can be copycats of items,” Wells says. “The details matter!” That said, don’t assume that the pricing that pops up on Google is going to 100 percent accurately describe an item’s value. As Kristyn McCray, the co-founder of Lainey James Collective says, “You may find items on auction sites valued in the hundreds, but have these items actually sold at that price? Pricing in a lot of instances is subjective to the seller and current buyer market.” 

Don’t Buy Something Solely for Its Value

As stated above, items that spark joy are the most valuable of all. “If you cannot decide how you would use an item or where you could style it in your home, pass,” Vienna, Virginia-based McCray says. “You don’t want a room full of mismatched pieces that you’re not proud of.” After all, she points out, “No one visiting your home is going to know how much something costs–unless you tell them!”