Thrifting can be a great way to get fantastic home items for a fraction of the price. You can find out what secondhand shoppers recommend you look for when you go thrifting this year. While browsing, remember there are many creative ways to transform items into newfound objects. Kapris Castillo of the Building Castillos says, “If you are into DIY, imagine what it could be.” It may only take a little cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, or a different use to transform it into something unique and personal. I have been known to use wooden risers for candle holders!

Are you feeling extra motivated to go shopping for thrifty goodness? What to look for in your local store

Candlesticks

Makenzie Ervin of Kenzie Marie Homes loves to thrift for brass candlesticks. Even more tarnished items can be brought back to life with some TLC. Ervin says that the patina on brass is natural and can be removed by Brasso or another brass polish. Castillo loves all things brass, and she searches thrift stores for it. “A small accent of brass can transform the look of any room.”

Book

It would be best if you didn’t have to break the bank when you buy books. You can find books at thrift stores for both entertainment and decoration purposes. Kate Dreyer of Kate Decorates says that finding hardbacks with a particular color, even on Etsy or other discount book sites, can be expensive. For this reason, I spend a lot of time in the book section at all the thrift shops I visit, removing the jackets to check if they are the right color. Dreyer points out that thrift store books are often only a few dollars each.

Glassware

You don’t need to spend $10 on wine glasses when you can get a stylish set for a couple of dollars. Amy Hughes, a style expert and owner of Maplewood Mercantile, says that she loves crystal and cut-glass tumblers and wine stems. The aisles are complete–and the prices start at around $0.50 per glass! Hughes shares a tip that will help you avoid bringing home damaged glass. She suggests gently running your finger along the base and rim of the glass to check for any chips. “I haven’t cut myself in years and I do this every day.”

Having an extra or two glasses on hand is a good idea when shopping for Glassware. Hughes suggests that you look for four or six glasses sets but also eight or more. But be sure to grab the matching straggler for insurance against future damage.

Wooden Bowls

Castillo is always drawn to wooden dining accessories in the thrift shop. She says that because wood costs so much, she immediately adds it to her cart if she sees it in a thrift shop. I always find sizeable wooden salad bowls, trays, and bowls.

You can also find out more about the following:

Wooden Furniture has become a huge trend this year. You can embrace it without spending a fortune. Solid wood furniture is one of Ervin’s favorite thrift store finds. Even a slightly worn piece can be refinished to a high standard. Ervin says, “I always keep in mind that paint and stain are easily changed, but if it has a solid structure, then I think it’s a good piece.” “I give my furniture flips an excellent wipe down and cleaning, and of course, sanding removes any gunk on the piece.”

Serena Appiah of thrift diving likes thrifting for metal cabinets and wood furniture. When shopping for wood furnishings, she recommends looking for heavy pieces. Solid wood is likely more severe than particle board, which will appear more often. You can tell quality from junk if you look at the drawer joinery. Dovetails are a sign of high-quality Furniture.

Vases

Castillo also loves to thrift for vases. She says that thrift stores are full of vases. You’ll be surprised by how many you can find for a low price.

Artwork and frames

Unique artwork doesn’t need to be expensive. Hidalgo says big box stores sell mass-produced artwork, which thousands of people already have in their homes. Thrift stores are full of original, one-of-a-kind pieces. Unique art always makes a great conversation starter when family and friends come over.

You can easily upgrade a piece with a frame needing some at home. Castillo says that cleaning the frame only takes a couple of minutes. Castillo says, “You can use paint and a toothbrush to show off your painting skills. You can also add colors that suit your style.”