Thrifting is a really fun activity that a lot of people have been doing for a long time, and a lot more people have been doing for a short time. (Especially since it’s the only thing in stock right now—ha!)
People are catching on that there are great secondhand things to find and buy! Where we lived in Idaho, there weren’t great thrifting options. Even Facebook Marketplace was sparse. We had a couple antique stores, but now that I’m on the other side of it, I realize what I was missing out on! I’m now really sensitive to people that are living in thrifting black-holes because that was once me! Times are different now, and I’ll be honest… I didn’t really get thrifting before but I get it now!
Table | Hanging Lantern | Tree Art
I’m so in love with these chairs I found for the dining room. The wood is so hunky and charming, I could die! Shopping on our local Marketplace has opened up a floodgate of vintage options, whereas I used to rely on pieces that would ship to me before. I still ship things from Marketplace, and sites like Chairish and 1stDibs. All great options if your left empty-handed shopping locally. I’m also sensitive to the fact that there are many reasons why people would buy secondhand, and I think they’re worth talking about!
1. Secondhand can be less expensive
Chris and I have bought many things secondhand because of our budget. Buying brand new pieces, especially furniture can be expensive and isn’t always budget friendly. There’s honestly no shame, and I think really beautiful pieces can be found at a killer price!
2. Unique and one-of-a-kind pieces
Less about the price, and more about the thrill of the hunt. You can find really unique, thrifted pieces that tell a story and people will ask, “Where did you get that?” “Oh, it’s thrifted,” meaning, good luck finding a piece just like this! I love sharing with all of you and I think there’s a camaraderie around all of us buying a lot of the same pieces, but sometimes it’s nice to have something that’s just mine. I’m sure you can all relate to that! Having something that’s so exclusive it’s hard to come across.
3. Sustainability and eco-conscious
When you buy something secondhand, you cut down on the amount of natural resources being used, and the amount of energy and pollution being emitted. This is a trait I really honor and value in others and a mindset I’m trying to adopt. There’s a lot of good quality furniture that could be re-homed, rather than buying something new!
I don’t buy everything secondhand. That’s not my goal, and there’s so many people doing that really well. I have thrifted a few things this year that mean so much to me and feel like I’m onto something. Not everyone is in the same position and not everyone does this for the same reason, but all are valid and meaningful. Why do you buy things secondhand?
Aw I absolutely love this post! I’m so happy to see more people taking a more sustainable approach to home decor – and you’re absolutely right, there’s so much good stuff out there! Love you guys!
I have seven go to second hand stores in Charlotte where I shop for unique finds. I also enjoy the hunt and I am amazed at the great finds in the Charlotte area. Some of the stores are antique warehouses in Belmont, second hand stores in Pineville and Lake Norman. Also watch for Facebook finds. Would love to go shopping with you someday.
Hi Jane I am new to Charlotte would you mind sharing your favorite spots ?
I have always bought secondhand because I love the hunt and it fit my budget! In the last few years I’ve been very focused on zero waste efforts to combat the climate crisis so I try to always look for things secondhand first. I feel proud when I look around a room or down at my outfit and see I bought it all secondhand! I didn’t need a store marketing to me what was “in-style” I was true to my gut and honed in on a style that is uniquely me
Quality honestly. I have been searching for years for chairs for our living room that we basically treat as a hallway. Finally, finally this week I found perfect vintage chairs. Two chairs for essentially the price of one new one that is unlikely to last 10 years. Solid wood base! I am thrilled with the find and so happy no one snatched them up before I could get to the thrift store.
I had a moment (or 10) of confusion here but I guess it’s because we grew up buying used furniture or bikes or things we needed so it’s never Not been part of my thinking? Parents had not much money with several kids so mom went to Veterans Thrift and an auction that took place near us every Saturday. Now this was a few decades ago so—it was a livestock auction for the ranchers (California) and also many antiques dealers had tables & you could rent a table sell dishes or boots bikes lamps clothes. In today’s jargon: a flea market. But. Today’s flea markets have a ton of cheap stuff new from China. This was not that. It was huge and the best stuff, cool used things great vintage.
Mom would have passed out at the idea of spending many dollars on a brand new table when she could load up a used one for pennies. And once kids outgrew bunk beds or bikes, shoes or toys, she rented a shady table space and sold the stuff for a profit.
I can afford most things I want new but why?? If I find a vintage writing desk on FB Marketplace for $100, (last month! Gorgeous!) and later I want something different I don’t need to worry about changing it out. If you attend a garage sale and ask the price of a dresser and the person says it’s $300…”because I paid $550 for it last year!” Then you get what I’m talking about. I may like your dresser but I don’t care what YOU paid…I want to pay $75.
Back in these ancient times when the Beatles were still together, we didn’t call it thrifting or Eco-friendly or chic. It’s what you needed to do. It was also fun.