Designers Recommend These 4 Home Decor Items to Buy Used Instead of New

Your home decor speaks volumes about your personality, but it doesn't always have to come straight from the store. According to many interior designers, pre-owned items can add just as much charm, if not more, to your home. We reached out to two design professionals to get their take on the best home decor pieces to buy secondhand, and the key factors to consider when doing so.

Why Consider Secondhand Shopping?

Decorating your home can be exciting, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Finding the perfect pieces to reflect your style and stay within your budget can be tricky. While major retailers might offer reasonably priced options, they may not always provide the most unique selections.

“I’m a huge supporter of thrifting for home decor whenever possible,” says Marisa Bettencourt, founder and principal designer at North + Fair Interior Design. “It’s not only an affordable choice, but it’s also an eco-friendly way to add distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces to your home.”

Jessica Vegliacich of J Layne Designs shares a similar sentiment, stating, “By choosing secondhand, you’re not only saving items from landfills, but vintage and antique pieces always make a fantastic addition to any interior design scheme.”

Here are a few of the top items to buy secondhand, according to Bettencourt and Vegliacich.

1. Vintage Flower Vases

“Thrifted flower vases are an excellent way to introduce color and texture to your space,” says Bettencourt. “Purchasing them secondhand also gives you the opportunity to spray paint and personalize them, turning them into stylish, high-end-looking pieces.”

2. Indoor Plants

Bettencourt also mentions that those with a knack for plants might enjoy the challenge of discovering affordable plants and giving them the attention they need to thrive. “And if you’re not so great with plants, buying them secondhand means replacing a wilting one won’t break the bank.”

If you have some time on your hands, consider taking cuttings from plants of friends and family and propagating them to create new plants for yourself. It’s simpler than you might think, and you’ll end up with a whole bunch of plants for practically nothing.

3. Vintage Picture Frames and Art

If you're looking to add new art to your home but want to avoid paying full retail prices, shopping secondhand is a fantastic option. “For my personal projects and home,” says Vegliacich, “I often find picture frames and even original artwork at thrift stores or secondhand shops.”

4. Decorative Tabletop Items

“I’ve come across beautiful pottery and unique tabletop decor like busts and figurines that help personalize vignettes and bring character to bookshelves and credenzas,” says Vegliacich. “You can also use one-of-a-kind vessels as accent pieces for flowers or as planters for your houseplants.”

Another option is to create your own affordable DIY centerpieces using bowls, vases, or baskets you find while thrifting.