The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting for Home Decor on a Budget
A powerful way to create a stylish home
Abode Est. 2025 Edition
Thrifting is a powerful way to create a stylish home while saving money and embracing sustainability. Second-hand sourcing isn’t just about budget-friendly decorating—it’s also a great content and branding strategy for your virtual interior decor business.
This guide covers top thrift locations across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Italy, France, and Germany, along with expert styling and monetization tips to align with your brand.
1. Why Thrifting Aligns with Me! Abode Est. 2025
✔ Affordable Luxury – A high-end look for less
✔ Sustainability – Support eco-conscious decorating
✔ Curated Eclectic Style – Perfect for traditional, English, and French influences.
2. Best Places to Thrift Home Decor by Country
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Charity Shops: British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Sue Ryder
Flea Markets in London: Sunbury Antiques Market (Kempton Park), Portobello Road Market, Chiswick Market, Greenwich Market, Hackney Flea Market, Bermondsey Antique Market, Camden Market
Brick Lane Market, Alfies Antique Market
Flea Markets Outside London: Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair (Nottinghamshire), The Kelham Flea (Sheffield)
Bath Saturday Antique and Flea Market, Vintage Furniture Flea (Various Locations)
Online: Facebook Marketplace, Vinterior, Gumtree, eBay, 1stDibs, Etsy
🇺🇸 United States
Thrift Stores: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Flea Markets: Brimfield Antique Market (Massachusetts), Rose Bowl Flea Market (California), Round Top Antiques Fair (Texas)
Online: Craigslist, Chairish, OfferUp
🇨🇦 Canada
Thrift Stores: Value Village, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Flea Markets: Aberfoyle Antique Market (Ontario), The Old Strathcona Antique Mall (Edmonton)
Online: Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace
🇦🇺 Australia
Thrift Stores: Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul), Salvos (Salvation Army), Red Cross Shops
Flea Markets: Camberwell Market (Melbourne), Rozelle Collectors Market (Sydney)
Online: Gumtree, eBay Australia
🇮🇹 Italy
Thrift Shops: Mercatino dell’Usato (various locations), Di Mano in Mano (Milan)
Flea Markets: Porta Portese (Rome), Navigli Antiques Market (Milan)
Online: Subito.it, Catawiki
🇫🇷 France
Thrift Shops: Emmaüs, Ressourceries, Vide-Greniers (garage sales)
Flea Markets: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Paris), Les Puces du Canal (Lyon)
Online: Le Bon Coin, Selency
🇩🇪 Germany
Thrift Shops: Oxfam Shops, Humana Second-Hand
Flea Markets: Mauerpark Flea Market (Berlin), Flohmarkt am Naschmarkt (Munich)
Online: eBay Kleinanzeigen
3. What to Look For When Thrifting for Home Decor
Furniture
✔️ Solid wood dressers, tables & cabinets (easy to refinish)
✔️ Vintage French-style armchairs (perfect for aesthetic)
✔️ Wrought iron or brass bed frames for elegance
Lighting
✔️ Vintage chandeliers & ornate table lamps
✔️ Brass, glass, or ceramic bases (swap old shades for modern ones)
Textiles
✔️ Persian & Aubusson rugs for a luxe feel
✔️ Vintage embroidered tablecloths (can be used as cushion covers)
Mirrors & Frames
✔️ Ornate gold or wood-framed mirrors for a classic European touch
✔️ Vintage picture frames (paint or repurpose into trays)
4. Styling Thrifted Finds for a High-End Look
Blend Old & New
Pair vintage furniture with modern accessories
For example, use a thrifted gilded mirror as a statement piece in a contemporary room
Keep a Cohesive Palette
Stick to neutral tones with pops of deep blues, greens, or burgundy
Layer different textures like linen, velvet, and wood
Play with Scale & Layering
Combine small decorative pieces with larger statement furniture
Layer rugs for depth and interest
5. DIY & Upcycling for Profit & Personal Use
Painting & Refinishing
Use chalk paint for a matte, vintage finish on furniture
Stain raw wood to restore its natural elegance
Reupholstering
Source high-quality vintage furniture frames and refresh them with modern fabrics
Repurposing & Upcycling
Turn vintage crates into wall shelves
Transform old picture frames into decorative trays.
8. Final Thoughts
Thrifting isn’t just about saving money—it’s about curating a home with personality, history, and style. Incorporating second-hand finds can set your home apart.