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Designers look for key outdoor decor items at thrift stores to inject a custom, curated look into outdoor spaces.
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Look for patinaed accent pieces, statues and figurines, glass bottles, and mason jars for your outdoor space.
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Flower pots, wicker furniture, lanterns, and trays and serveware can also be great thrift store finds.
Shopping secondhand for outdoor decor won’t just save you money—It will give your porch, patio and yard a custom and curated look that you won’t find if you limit your search to the big box stores.
“Thrifting is an amazing way to add character so your patio doesn’t end up looking like a showroom featuring the latest, or last season’s, collection,” says designer Ellie Stein of Stein Studio.
While it’s always fun to show up to a flea market and let the thrift gods surprise you with finds, having a little direction on what to look for will prevent you from coming home empty-handed.
We asked three designers which outdoor decor items they never turn down at thrift stores, so let their answers guide your next search.
Meet the Experts
Old Statues and Figurines
Flea markets and thrift stores are treasure troves when it comes to finding concrete statues, and Amy Peltier of Peltier Interiors almost always sources these pieces secondhand. It shouldn’t take you long to collect enough to create a statue garden in your backyard, and these pieces look timeless next to blooming plants.
While larger statues can cost quite a bit, smaller versions are almost always a steal of a deal and make just as big of an impact.
“I always keep an eye out for whimsical small statues,” she says. “It’s those unexpected details that make a backyard feel curated and loved over time.”
Gargi Joglekar of Modern Design Homes also looks for miniature figurines, particularly ceramic gnomes.
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Patinaed Accent Pieces
Rust and faded colors are never a good sign on items where structural integrity matters or mildew can form (such as on outdoor chairs with upholstery). But when it comes to outdoor accent pieces, Stein always has her eyes peeled for anything with a patina.
“I always look for decor first—things like pots, fireplace tools, or even a statement side table since they are more forgiving when it comes to wear from being constantly exposed to the elements,” she says.
“For example, I would never thrift an outdoor upholstered piece because the chances of it being in great shape are slim, whereas an iron table or overgrown moss pot can show wear that tells a story.”
Glass Bottles and Mason Jars
You can find glass bottles and mason jars in abundance in almost any thrift store. If you typically glance over the shelves stocked primarily with these pieces, this idea by Joglekar may inspire you to pay more attention next time.
“I’ve found glass bottles and old mason jars that I’ve transformed into creative solar lights for my entryway that you can never find at a home decor store,” she says.
Flower Pots
Blowing your outdoor decor budget on new plants is easy, but all those petunias and geraniums you invested in have got to go somewhere. If you need new flower pots, you can usually find them at a bargain at your local flea market.
“Thrift store planters are definitely cheaper than at your regular home decor stores, but it’s not just about the money,” Joglekar says. “It’s about the charm that adds that unique feel to your space.”
Just make sure to wash any old flower pots you find well to keep your new plants healthy.
Wicker Furniture
Thrift stores are great places to find gently used patio furniture. Peltier is particularly enamored with vintage patio pieces that show off great lines and a timeless shape, especially wicker furniture.
“Anything wicker will always have my heart and be at the top of my list because it’s so lovely yet can hold up beautifully over time,” she says. “I’m drawn to anything with classic structure that just needs a little refresh. There’s something so satisfying about giving an older piece a new home, especially when it adds character and charm to a space.”
While wicker in its raw, natural form is beautiful in its own right, painting over worn wicker or previously painted wicker is a fairly easy DIY project.
Outdoor Lanterns
When the sun sets, ambient outdoor lighting is crucial to keep gatherings going. Stringed lights are great for casting and overhead glow, while lanterns cast additional pockets of light similar to indoor table lamps.
That’s why Stein won’t pass up outdoor lanterns she finds at flea markets, even if they aren’t in working order. She’s been known to rewire them or retrofit them for candles or a battery-powered light.
“The craftsmanship is to die for,” she says.
Enamel Trays and Other Serveware
Busting out your fine China or expensive wine glasses is never a good idea for an outdoor gathering. Thrifting a beautiful mix-matched set will allow you to skip the disposable plates and cups, but still not worry about a potential breakage.
Plus, some serveware, such as trays, can double as outdoor accent table decor when not in use. Or, you can store them on a shelf or bar cart on a covered patio.
“I am a complete sucker for a great serveware find,” Stein says. “Think enamel trays, vintage glassware, a rattan wrapped pitcher—the kind of items that can really add a personal touch and make a get-together feel curiously collected.”
Read the original article on The Spruce
