8 Home Decor Finds That Always Fly Off the Shelves, Pro Thrifters Say

Thrifting is a great way to save money and score unique pieces for your home. From vintage linens and everyday necessities to collectible memorabilia and eclectic oddities, thrift stores have something for everyone. While you might always head out to the thrift store with a product in mind—like a lamp for your desk or vintage utensils to serve at all your upcoming dinner parties—have you ever wandered the aisles of a thrift store and wondered what seasoned thrifters actually keep an eye out for? If so, you’re not alone. 

We asked three thrifting professionals what items consistently sell out, and some of their answers surprised us. According to the pros, here are the top eight items they can never keep stocked—and why you should keep an eye out for them next time you shop secondhand.

Brass

For home decor aficionados and experienced thrifters, this one likely won’t come as a surprise. Brass items (especially genuine vintage pieces) are timeless and are becoming increasingly popular in modern interiors. Their warmth and natural patina add charm and character to any room. 

“From candlesticks to animal figurines and bookends, heavy brass pieces don’t last long on the shelves,” says Willow Wright, owner and curator of Urban Redeux. 

If you’re looking for some brass pieces at the thrift store and want to make sure you’ve found the real thing, Wright says that testing them with a magnet is a sure way to verify their authenticity. “Brass won’t attract a magnet, so if it sticks, it’s likely just brass-plated,” she says.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Metal Mixing Bowls

While vintage brass might be harder and harder to get your hands on now that it’s so popular, metal mixing bowls are a dime a dozen in many stores. Even still, Shannon Erickson, thrift store manager at Delivering Dreams of Arizona, says that they always sell quickly—no matter how many are found on shelves. “I am not sure if they just scream ‘professional chef’ or if they really do make cooking better, but as soon as they hit the floor, someone grabs them,” she says. 

While plastic and glass bowls are great, we can’t deny that a good metal bowl will always come in handy. Plus, you’ll find them at super affordable prices at the thrift store (and usually in great shape, too). It’s a win-win.

Pyrex

Pyrex is extremely popular in the thrifting world, so it’s no surprise that thrift stores have a hard time keeping it in stock. It’s become a desirable collector’s item, with vintage patterns in especially high demand. “Pyrex in good condition, meaning it hasn’t suffered paint loss from dishwashing and years of mishandling, never lasts long. Add to that a desirable pattern, and it may barely hit the shelf before someone snags it,” says Wright.

If you’re new to the world of Pyrex, there are a few ways to tell if you’ve found a rare, collectible piece. First: the pattern matters. Some patterns are more valuable than others, based on the year they were released and the number in circulation. Second, always check the back stamp, which will give you an idea of the manufacturing date. “Older Pyrex is spelled with a lowercase ‘p,'” says Wright, “a hint that you’ve found an early piece,”

Vintage-Colored Glassware

Similarly, thrifters go wild for vintage-colored glassware, according to Erickson. “Vintage glass in general is a fast seller, but add a little color and we can’t keep it in stock,” she says. 

But it’s not just the colors that people are drawn to. Vintage glassware is crafted well, often with thick silhouettes and a heaviness that indicates its quality. They don’t make regular glassware like that anymore, Erickson says.

Candles

A scented candle can make any room feel warm, luxurious, and inviting, but there’s no denying they can get pricy. Luckily, thrift stores often receive donations of unused candles, allowing you to find some great prices on your favorite scents. That is, if you can get your hands on them before they sell out. “Whether it’s plain candles for hurricanes or unused candles from stores like Bath & Body Works or Anthropologie, they don’t stay long,” says Erickson. 

Baskets

When it comes to baskets, there’s no better place to buy them than the thrift store. Not only are they affordable and often in great condition, but you can also find unique shapes and sizes that may be harder to find in standard retail stores—and they instantly add charm and warmth to any space.  Thrift stores stock baskets by the dozen, and according to Erickson, they sell just as quickly. “There is always something you can use a basket for, whether it’s holding your magazines or making a gift basket… Many people use them for accents in a room or to organize an area in their house,” she says.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The experts we spoke to agreed: Mid-century modern pieces always sell quickly. From furniture to decor and glassware, this iconic style has a chokehold on the design world and it’s not set to wane in popularity anytime soon. “Mid-century modern pieces sell almost immediately after reaching the sales floor. This also has to do with current trends in interior design, but the timeless nature of these pieces helps them sell year-round,” says David Landsberg, President and CEO of Goodwill South Florida. 

Vintage Christmas Decor 

Wright says that regardless of the season, vintage Christmas items are always in high demand. This is especially true for the iconic Shiny Brite bulbs, which have become highly desirable collector’s items. “While tens of millions of these glass baubles were made from the 1940s to 1960s, ornaments from this era are highly collectible,” says Wright. If you’re wondering why they’re such a hot commodity, she says that’s because “glass breaks and we only have a finite amount left of them.”