If you’ve ever wondered how to sprinkle a bit of Fall magic into your home without breaking the bank, you’re in for a treat. In my ultimate guide to thrifting for Fall we’ll go on a thrifting adventure together. We’ll explore the art of thrift shopping, and my thrifting strategies, and share with you why I love secondhand shopping so much. And the best part? We’ll see how these hidden gems can transform your space into a cozy Fall haven, all while being kind to your wallet.
Tips and Tricks for Finding Affordable and Unique Items
Thrifting for home decor has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people look for unique and budget-friendly ways to decorate their homes. With Fall starting this week, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to cozy up your living space for the cooler months ahead.
Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or new to the game, this ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need to know about thrifting for Fall home decor.
By shopping secondhand, you not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact by giving new life to pre-loved items. With a little creativity and some patience, you can find beautiful and unique pieces that will add character and warmth to your home.
In this guide, you’ll learn where to thrift, what to look for, and how to style your finds to create a cozy and inviting space for the Fall season.
This post may include affiliate links; you can read my disclosure policy here.
Understanding Thrifting
Thrifting is the process of buying second-hand items, usually at a lower price than new items. Thrifting has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its affordability and sustainability. Plus, it’s just fun!
Where to Thrift
Thrifting can be done in a variety of places, including thrift stores, antique/vintage/consignment shops, flea markets, garage sales, and online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, thrift stores may have a wider selection of items, but they may also be more crowded and disorganized. Consignment shops may have higher-quality items, but they may also be more expensive.
Also, depending on where you live in the country plays a big part in your thrifting options! Where I am in New Hampshire I only have 2 thrift stores near me but lots of antique shops and vintage/flea markets! My Facebook Marketplace is pretty limited in what is available because we have such a small population here! My entire county has fewer people than some of my friends’ cities!!
What to Look For
When thrifting for Fall home decor, it’s important to keep in mind the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Look for items that fit your personal style and color scheme. Some popular Fall decor items to look for include:
- Rustic picture frames
- Vintage candle holders
- Wooden bowls and trays
- Woven baskets
- Table linens
- Vases or Jugs
It’s also important to inspect items carefully before purchasing. Look for any damage or wear and tear that may affect the item’s usability or aesthetic appeal.
Tips for Successful Thrifting
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when thrifting for fall home decor:
- Set a budget before you start shopping
- Bring a tape measure to ensure items will fit in your space (I have a tiny one that I keep in my bag at all times)
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices (at vintage/flea markets)
- Check for any sales or coupon discounts (some thrift stores have special discounts for email/text subscribers)
- Consider repurposing items for a unique look, think outside of the box!
By following these tips, you can make the most of your thrifting experience and find some great Fall home decor items at an affordable price.
Why Choose Fall for Home Decor Thrifting?
Fall is the perfect season for home decor thrifting. With the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures, it’s easy to get inspired to update your home’s decor. If you are new to secondhand shopping I think the Fall season is the perfect time to start!
There are several reasons why Fall is the ideal time to go thrifting for home decor.
It’s the season of change. It’s the time when people start to transition from summer to winter, which means they are more likely to be getting rid of old items and looking for new ones. Which is good for us thrifty shoppers!!
I find August/September and February to be the best times to thrift for home decor. There’s something about getting back in the school groove that makes people want to clear out their stuff! Same with after the holidays, in January people start purging…which is great if you are a thrifter!!
Secondly, Fall is the season of cozy! As the temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors, making their homes a warm and inviting place to be. So it’s fun to decorate your spaces because you will be enjoying them more in the Fall.
Finally, Fall is the season of holidays. From Halloween to Thanksgiving there are plenty of opportunities to decorate your home for the season. Thrifting is a great way to find unique and affordable decorations that will make your home stand out and feel festive.
But honestly, I think anytime is a good time to go thrifting!!
Essential Tips for Thrifting Fall Home Decor
Thrifting for Fall home decor can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your thrifting experience.
Knowing What to Look For
Before heading out to the thrift store, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for. Make a list of the items you need, such as vases, baskets, or seasonal decorations. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by other items.
When looking for Fall home decor, keep an eye out for warm colors. Look for items made from natural materials like wood, wicker, and wool. Vintage items like brass candlesticks or old china can also add a cozy touch to your home.
On my last thrifting trip, I found some fantastic pieces to use for Fall makeovers and decorating. Each of these thrifted finds was $3.49 each!
Best Time to Go Thrifting
The best time to go thrifting for Fall home decor is at the beginning of the season. This is when stores are most likely to have a good selection of seasonal items. Thrift stores begin putting out Fall merchandise in August.
Try to hit the thrift stores early in the morning, I find that they get busier as the day goes on which makes it hard to take your time and check items out. The same goes for flea markets and vintage bazaars…the early bird really does get the best things! It is worth waking up early and getting there as soon as they open. There is no worse feeling than getting there 5 minutes late and missing out on a great piece!
Negotiating Prices
Thrifting is all about finding good deals. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but I personally only do this at flea markets. Usually, if you are buying a couple of things you can ask for a bundled price. If they say no, don’t push it.
Some stores may also have a loyalty program or offer coupons, so be sure to ask about any available discounts. I shop at Savers thrift store and get emails with extra discounts all the time.
Types of Fall Home Decor to Thrift
When it comes to Fall home decor, there are many types of items that can be found while thrifting. Some of the most popular types include vintage pieces, rustic elements, and natural materials.
Vintage Pieces
Vintage pieces are a great way to add character and charm to any home. When thrifting for vintage fall decor, look for items such as:
- Old Books
- Antique mirrors
- Vintage signs
- Old frames & artwork
- Decorative plates and dishes
These items can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Rustic Elements
Rustic elements are another popular type of Fall decor that can be found while thrifting. These items can add warmth and texture to any space. Some examples of rustic elements include:
- Wooden crates
- Woven baskets
- Burlap table runners
- Rustic candle holders
- Metal lanterns
These items can be used to create a rustic and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Natural Materials
Natural materials are a great way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. When secondhand shopping for Fall decor, look for items such as:
- Pinecones
- Feathers
- Berry Bunches/branches
- Wreaths made from natural materials
These items can be used to create a natural and cozy atmosphere in any room.
Overall, thrifting is a great way to find unique and affordable fall decor for your home. By keeping an eye out for vintage pieces, rustic elements, and natural materials, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for the fall season.
Incorporating Thrifted Fall Home Decor into Your Space
Mixing Old and New
When incorporating thrifted Fall home decor into your space, it’s important to strike a balance between old and new items. Mixing old and new pieces creates a unique and eclectic look that adds character to any room.
One way to achieve this balance is by pairing vintage items with modern pieces.
Recently, I styled my large bookcase for Fall by mixing thrifted and secondhand pieces like the wicker orbs and frame with modern touches like a black clay planter and the DIY sculptural piece.
Another way to incorporate thrifted Fall home decor is by using it to add texture and depth to a space. For instance, a collection of vintage books can be displayed on a shelf to add visual interest.
Thrift stores are a great spot to look for interesting coffee table books or colorful books to fill a shelf. Check under the dust jackets of the books!
Antique shops usually have a neat selection of vintage books, I love flipping through them!!
Easy Arrangements
For a seasonal arrangement on a budget add a few dried hydrangeas to a secondhand container. Really simple Fall idea that looks pretty all season long!
It was the perfect accent for a small end table along with vintage books and rustic touches like the wicker pumpkin and small broom.
Creating a Fall Theme
By incorporating thrifted Fall home decor into your space, you can create a unique and personalized look that reflects your style and personality.
To add to your Fall theme be sure to mix in seasonal elements such as pumpkins, leaves, and acorns along with your thrifted finds. My current favorite is dried gourds and pods!
Let me show you how I used my latest secondhand finds to create some fun looks for Fall.
Leaf Dish
The first quick makeover I did was on this silver metal leaf dish. Silver doesn’t really go with my homestyle this Fall so I did the easiest thing that you can do to transform something…painted it!!
Since we are all about budget-friendly around here I grabbed a can of ColorShot spray paint in a metallic bronze color. You can find it at Walmart and it comes in a ton of colors, the best part is that it was $4.97. I don’t know if you have seen the price of spray paint lately but Rustoleum (with the nice handle) is $11.97 a can…I just can’t!
Once the paint dried I filled the now bronze leaf dish bowl with a handful of dried Chinese lantern pods. Don’t you love the bright orange color of the pods?
Thrifted Metal Planter
Another cool find I scored at the Savers thrift store was a metal planter for about $7.
Affordable Art Idea
Check the fabric section at the thrift store. When I spotted a bundle of fabric samples I honestly had no idea what I would do with them, but at $2.49 I grabbed them!
Now this part was so easy, all I did was pull the fabric taut around the backing of a frame and I taped it in place ( I didn’t want to glue the fabric in place because I will probably only use this for the Fall).
The entire project took about 5 minutes and I think the pattern and texture are so fun for Fall!
Wooden Fall Tray
Trays are so useful for collecting items. Here I gathered a few extra coffee mugs and napkins. When you have a small dining area you have to get creative with storage.
BTW, I got the napkins last year at the thrift store, they were brand new too.
Even this pottery leaf bowl was thrifted! Although I love real plants, I opted for a faux plant because I can guarantee I would forget to water it up here!
With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform your space into a cozy and inviting retreat for the Fall season.
Other Thrifted Looks For Fall
This Fall, my small entryway is decorated with all secondhand finds that I have collected.
The vase was a great find! As soon as I saw the shape I knew it would be perfect to make a Pottery Barn-looking vase. It was an easy upcycle project using spray paint and a quick chalk paint pattern.
This console cabinet area was decorated with all thrifted finds for a curated look that didn’t break the bank! Secondhand finds add character that you really can’t get by decorating with all brand-new items.
Check out the rest of this DIY Fall thrifted look to get all of the details!
Want more of my thrift store tips? Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting for all of the secrets!
Thrifting for Fall home decor can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips and tricks that I shared today you should be well on your way to creating your own thrifty magic!
Remember to keep an open mind and be patient when searching for treasures. It may take some time to find the perfect piece, but the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun!!
With a little creativity and patience, you can find unique and stylish pieces that will make your home feel cozy and inviting all season long!
xo, Jennifer
See What My Friends Found This Month
I’m lucky enough to have friends who also love thrifting and vintage shopping! See what they found this month.
Stacy | Bricks n Blooms
This month Stacy is showing us how to use plants and thrift store finds to create pretty Fall looks.
Lora | Create & Ponder
Lora is the queen of vintage shopping! She finds the coolest things and styles them in such pretty ways. This month she is sharing a mantle that she just styled for Fall.
Beautiful ideas! I just went to my favorite (recently expanded, so nearly double in size!) antique store and saw so many great things! There is truly something about the beginning of fall that inspires me to go thrifting and find things to cozy up my home! (Not that I NEED more things, but you know😂🍁🍂!)
Thanks for sharing!
LOL, I just walked through my basement and thought that I should open my own thrift store!
Thanks these were some wonderful Fall items and the use of them was great. Lots of ideas.
Thanks so much, Marlene!!
Great tips for living the thrifted life:) I’m crushing on your framed fabric; just makes the whole vignette pop; you’re so creative. Pinned!
Thanks Lora! We love our thrifty finds, don’t we??
Love the container for your dried hydrangeas! Looks so pretty!
It was cute, right?! Good thrifting finds lately.
Beautiful finds, my friend. I love the hunt. It’s my favorite pastime. Happy Fall!
I know, that’s the funnest part,isn’t it??