Shana's Thrifting 101

If there’s one thing I’ll always stand by, it’s that vintage pieces bring so much character to a space. Mixing old and new elements creates a story—and instantly makes a room feel more layered and interesting. I know a lot of people love the idea but aren’t sure how to start, where to shop, or what to look for. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite thrifting tips to help you dive in with confidence!

No matter what your looking for, thrifting is part art, part strategy, and part pure luck. I honestly think the key is patience. Don't expect to fill a whole house with one trip. But if you follow these tips, over time you'll get the hang of it and will start adding things to your space that bring in those interesting layers that I so often talk about.

1. Go Often—and Stay Curious

Inventory at thrift shops changes constantly. The more often you go, the better your chances of scoring something amazing. Some days will be a total bust, and others? You’ll feel like you hit the jackpot. The key is to stay curious and open-minded. Look beyond surface grime or outdated hardware—you might be one scrub and a coat of paint away from something beautiful.

2. Get to Know the Good Spots

Not all thrift stores are created equal. Some shops have better furniture, while others are goldmines for art, books, or dishware. Estate sales and church rummage sales can be surprisingly great too. Ask locals where they go, and don't sleep on small-town shops—they often have the best finds at lower prices.

3. Think Outside the (Dusty) Box

See a gorgeous frame with ugly art inside? Swap the art- one of my favorite things to do is frame art prints taken from art books that you may have laying around. Love the bones of a chair but hate the upholstery? Recover it. That old cabinet with dated knobs? It’s nothing a few modern pulls can’t fix. Train your eye to see potential, not just the present condition.

4. Learn to Spot Quality

Flip things over. Feel the weight. Look for solid wood (not laminate), dovetail joints, and well-made construction. Avoid pieces that are falling apart unless you’re confident you can repair them. Quality doesn’t always scream loudly, so slow down and inspect.

5. Have Measurements Handy

This one’s huge. Know the dimensions of the spaces you’re shopping for and keep a measuring tape in your bag. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a piece that doesn’t fit through your front door.

6. Haggle with Kindness

Negotiating is totally acceptable, especially at flea markets and estate sales—but do it with respect. A polite “Would you consider $X?” goes a long way. And remember: a friendly attitude can score you better deals than a pushy one.

7. Have a Wish List (But Be Flexible)

If you’re hunting for something specific, jot it down. That said, the magic of thrifting is in the surprises. Don’t be afraid to stray from the list if something totally unexpected catches your eye.

8. Get to Know the Staff

Many thrift stores up here in the Hudson Valley know my name by now and I'm not ashamed by that! Get to know the sales staff at thrift stores, they may gladly hold something for you should you see something you want on their Instagram (this actually happened to me!).

Enjoy the process! Decorating your home with unique finds should be a fun and inspiring experience. But if you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t worry—I'm here to help. Reach out anytime, and I’ll be happy to create a custom interior design package tailored just for you! Get in touch here..

Below are some of my favorite finds-

Follow me at @shanaluther and if you're a Pinterest fan, I'm always checking in there too!