The 3 Thrift Store Sections Most Shoppers Forget to Check

2 min read

Any avid secondhand shopper will tell you that not every single trip to the thrift store is going to be a huge success. But if you feel as though you’ve been striking out one too many times as of late, it could be that you’re not turning your focus to some of the more overlooked sections of the store. Below, two thrifting experts share three less picked-over sections that you should always plan to sift through while in search of treasure.

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1. The Linens Section

It’s important to approach these stacks of pre-loved sheets and blankets with an open mind. “I don’t think you necessarily have to use something for its original purpose,” says Lindsay Miller, a content creator in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rather, “Look at the linens like they’re fabric, because they are,” she instructs. “If I find an old comforter, curtain panel, tablecloth, or anything else with a fabric I really love and that can be cleaned, I’m immediately thinking about what else I could make out of it.”

Katie Zamprioli, the content creator behind Candy Colored Home in Salisbury, Maryland, agrees, noting that it’s easy to transform bed linens into pillows, curtains, or even art, should you so desire.

2. The Lamp Section

Both Miller and Zamprioli agree that the lamp section of the thrift store is a must-visit. One caveat, though? “Ignore the lampshades,” Zamprioli says.

Though not every piece at the thrift store will actually be vintage, Zamprioli is always pleased to encounter older lamp bases during her shopping trips. “You can find unusual silhouettes and materials that are difficult to find in mass-market lighting,” she notes.

Don’t be afraid to take on a bit of DIY at home, either. Miller recounts that she once purchased a gigantic lampshade for $5 and then opted to re-cover it in fabric with the help of a pro. “It turned into this completely custom lampshade that I love,” she shares.

3. High Shelves

Finally, Zamprioli advises, do not forget to look up during your thrift trips. “It’s easy to get focused on what’s sitting on the shelves and completely miss the things happening above you,” she explains. “I’ve found some of the best vintage lighting and interesting artwork simply by remembering to look [beyond] eye level.”

Which is precisely why she’ll often record quick video footage of the thrift store on her phone. “I’ll watch it back while I’m still there, because somehow I always spot something in the video that I completely missed during my first pass,” she says. “It’s basically a second set of eyes.”