Latest Finds and 3 Tips for Shopping Thrift Stores

We’re sharing our latest finds from the treasure trail today. Plus, 3 Tips for Shopping Thrift Stores for home decor!

Recently, my Mom and I went treasure hunting.

We used to go all the time back when I had booths at antique malls and when we were decorating my childhood home, Loblolly.

Over the last few years though, I’ve really been careful about what comes in and out of our house.

Especially, where home decor items are concerned.

I don’t want to buy things just to buy them anymore.

So, my “rule” is to know exactly where I’m going to put something or how I’m going to use it before I head to the cash wrap.

Sometimes that rule works well.

And other times, I just fall head over heels.

Given I never really know what I’m going to find when I go out shopping, I thought I would share a three thrift store shopping tips that help make the experience a simple one.

Thrift Store Shopping Tips to Keep In Mind…

Keep a List of Specific Items Your Home Needs in a Notes App or Notebook

Keeping a running list of specific items your home needs will help you stay on track and focused if you get overwhelmed by random items and styles in thrift stores.

You can use the Notes App in your phone or carry a notebook in your purse to keep it simple.

Keep Your Home’s Color Palette and Style In Mind Before You Buy

Keeping your home’s color palette and style in mind before you head to the checkout counter will help you avoid impulse buys.

A few exceptions are pieces you can transform with paint or fabric.

Ask Yourself, “Do I Have a Place For This In My Home Right Now?”

Knowing in advance where you will use a specific item will keep you from getting caught up in the moment when you find a great deal and get all the feels.

While it can be a bummer to walk away from something you really like, the goal is to fill your home with items you LOVE not simply like right now.

Additional Tips to Help Make Shopping Thrift Stores Easier From Some of My Favorite Creatives…

• Thrifting Tips for Creating Cottage Style Decor via Sky Lark House
• 16 Creative Thrift Store Makeover Ideas via Reinvented Delaware
• 20 Easy Thrifty Makeovers: Before and After Thrift Store Finds via The Ponds Farmhouse
• Your Ultimate Guide to Thrifting: A Roundup of The Best Tips & Sustainable Finds via The Antiqued Journey

A Look At Our Latest Finds From the Treasure Trail…

*This post has been updated to share new finds from May 2025.

Wall Art

Wall art is one of those things I look for every time I’m in the thrift store.

It’s a really easy way to change up a room, it’s almost always budget friendly and even if you don’t like the art you can use the frame.

My Mom got this church for Loblolly.

She also fell in love with this piece because it reminded her of spending time in Germany as a child.

She also found these placemats of Churchill Downs that can be framed.

Finally, I found this piece several months ago in an antique store and it has the wildest story.

This piece is of Affirmed the 1978 Triple Crown Winner.

Baskets

Baskets are another one of those things I always look for while out treasure hunting.

They’re still budget friendly but have definitely gone up in price over the last few years.

I can’t decide if I’m going to display this one or use it for books and magazines.

This one will be used as a tray.

We keep baskets like these all over the house to help corral items and for serving meals outside too.

Ironstone and Brown and White Transferware

Ironstone and brown and white transferware pieces have become so hard to find in our area recently, I pick them up anytime I see them because I never know when or if I’ll come across another one for a few months.

This large ironstone tureen was a steal and while it was missing the ladle it will go down in treasure hunting history as one of the quickest decisions I’ve ever made,

The details were just too pretty to pass up.

I got this rooster tureen and this brown and white transfereware platter on the same day I got Affirmed.

The shapes are fun because they’re different.

My Mom found this small brown and white transferware platter.

It’s about the size for mail or to use as a valet for your keys and wallet.

It’s really cute.

These small bowls aren’t ironstone pieces but we scooped up 12 of them for $1 each while out thrifting.

They can be used for so many different things from sauces to sprinkles to snacks.

And we loved the scallop detail.

My Mom also collects these individual butter keeps.

So, it was fun to find 2 of these for $2 each.

Home Decor Items

We needed a lamp shade for one room and a new lamp in another.

But I’ve been dragging my feet on replacing them.

I was just going to buy a burlap one online and was shocked when the one I needed was almost $60.

So, I was tickled pink to find this one for $2

and a lamp and shade for $15.

I’ll probably swap them out and use the burlap shade on the lamp though.

Finally, you know we love all things French Country around here.

While we were totally bummed to have to leave that fabulous couch shared above at the store, we did come home with this beautiful letter holder.

It’s perfectly patinaed.

That’s all for now,

I’d love to know if you’ve found anything special lately!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

Additional Finds From the Treasure Trail Series…

Latest Finds From the Treasure Trail #7

Tips for Shopping Yard Sales and Latest Finds