When sourcing items for your bedroom, some things should always be purchased new, like mattresses and pillows. But for significant savings and a one-of-a-kind design, thrifted decor pieces are hard to beat.
You can find secondhand bedroom items at your local thrift stores, flea markets, and, of course, Facebook Marketplace. Here’s what to look for.
The Headboard for Your Bed
Beds aren’t cheap—especially high-quality ones. You can score a vintage or real wood headboard secondhand for far less than you’d pay brand new. You can even find a cheap headboard, recover it, paint it, or restain it to match your bedroom’s aesthetic.
It’s also okay to buy the entire headboard and bedframe secondhand; just skip the mattress. Mattresses generally need to be replaced every six to eight years, and buying a previously owned mattress (especially from a stranger) can put you in an uncompromising situation when it comes to bugs, mites, and sweat.
Dressers and Nightstands
After speaking to many designers, we discovered that the key to a well-thought-out, high-end-looking room is avoiding matching beds, dressers, and nightstands. While all items should work together cohesively, skipping the sets is best.
Shopping secondhand on Facebook Marketplace, flea markets, or your local thrift store will enable you to score high-quality real wood pieces that can give your room a designer flare at a fraction of the cost. Modern dressers and nightstands are often cheaply made, so going for secondhand pieces is almost always an upgrade.
Artwork
There’s nothing wrong with mass-produced artwork available at major retailers, but if you want a quality frame or an original piece, hit up your local Goodwill. It may take a few months to hunt down the perfect piece, but you’ll eventually find it.
Lamps and Light Fixtures
Lamps and overhead light fixtures are the jewelry of the room. Vintage chandeliers or shades can give your room a fun look. You can also pull in secondhand lamps to work as accent lighting.
Mirrors
Mirrors define a room’s design style but are often expensive. Purchasing thrifted mirrors can help cut down on bedroom makeover costs and allow you to find vintage or historical pieces. If you’re going for a traditional look, opt for mirrors with thick or ornate frames. Contemporary, minimal, or modern styles can benefit from a sleek mirror with a thin frame or interesting shape.
Picture Frames
If family photos will make their way to the bedroom, skip the aisles of Hobby Lobby and head to Goodwill instead. Finding well-crafted photo frames at a thrift store is much easier than at a mass retailer. Plus, when you score frames for pennies on the dollar, you can experiment with refurbishing them without the worry of wasting a lot of money.
Vases
Fresh flowers add a romantic feel to the bedroom, and a thrifted vase is the perfect vessel for displaying them. At my local Goodwill, the vase selection is vast, with everything from modern clear glass options to intricate art glass.
What NOT to Buy Secondhand for Your Bedroom
While thrifting bedroom items saves money, cuts down on waste, and allows you to experiment with style, there are certain things you should never thrift. Avoid buying baby items, like cribs or bassinets, secondhand. They often have expiration dates or recalls, so you can’t be sure whether the piece you’re buying is safe.
Also, avoid purchasing mattresses and rugs secondhand. It can be hard to tell what kind of damage (or worse, bodily or pet fluids) these items have on them. Stick to non-porous pieces that are easy to disinfect.
