Treasure Hunting: A Designer’s Guide to Thrifting Must-Haves

According to Jennifer Davis of Davis Interiors, your next favorite home find could be waiting at the thrift store—here’s what to look for

Photos by Spacecrafting  

Antiques pictured in this article were sourced from Victory Vintage, Loft Antiques, and Etsy.

Thrifting has become the ultimate pursuit for design lovers looking to discover one-of-a-kind, hidden gems for their space. Seasoned thrifters will tell you it requires patience, persistence, and a keen eye to uncover the best finds—but which items should you simply not pass up? As a frequent vintage and antique shopper, Jennifer Davis, founder and principal designer of Davis Interiors, shares her top must-buys to snag when you spot them at the local thrift.

Antique Books

“[Antique books] are an absolute must-buy,” Davis says. “Whether stacked on a coffee table, lined up on a bookshelf, or layered into a styled vignette, they add instant texture, depth, and a sense of history. We [the Davis Interiors team] love collecting them and often use them to bring warmth and personality to a space.”

Vintage & Antique Prints

Davis has a personal passion for collecting vintage prints to display throughout her home. “Whether it’s a charming landscape, a delicate botanical, or an old etching, these pieces add so much character to a space,” she notes. “Often, the frames themselves are just as interesting—if not more so—than the artwork inside.” In fact, one of Davis’ favorite hacks involves purchasing vintage prints solely for their timeworn frames or mats. Then, the artwork can be swapped out to suit the needs of the space. She continues, “The patina and craftsmanship of antique frames bring an added layer of depth and authenticity that’s hard to replicate.”

Unique Vessels & Trophies

“We’re always on the hunt for interesting pieces with history and character,” Davis adds. “Some of our favorites are antique English biscuit barrels, patinated silver bowls, aged pottery, and vintage trophies. These pieces are not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile.” And if you’re wondering how to incorporate them into your space, she recommends using them for “floral arrangements, organizing everyday essentials, or simply as standalone decorative elements.”

No posts to display