6 Things Even Pro Thrifters Always Buy New

Maneuvering through the aisles of a thrift store is a fun experience in itself: admiring quirky objects and hunting through baskets and a winding maze of shelves. Even still, nothing beats the feeling of finding exactly what you were looking for.

However, not every type of item is best scouted out at a thrift store—some are better left on the shelves. To create a quick list of things not to thrift, we spoke to two thrifting experts on the items they always buy new.

Sheets and Bedding

Starting off with the most important spot in your bedroom: your bed. The sheets and soft goods you choose are critical to getting a good night’s sleep, and it’s better to pass on finding these components at a thrift store.

“Bedding overtime wears out, and starting off with something already worn in might not be the best base for a great night of sleep,” says thrifting expert Jane Shapiro. “Buying new allows me to be picky about the material, thread count, manufacturing practices, and design.”

She does have an exception: When it comes to topping your bed with the perfect textile, Shapiro loves investing in a well-cleaned quilt or afghan blanket.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Pillows and Mattresses

In the same realm as bedding, mattresses, pillows, and other soft goods should also be avoided. The hygiene issues these items pose are never worth the risk.

“I’m also cautious about thrifting pillows and blankets, unless they’re in excellent condition with no pilling, stains, or odors,” says thrifting expert Janda Shamess.

However, if she spots a pattern she likes, she might buy it just to repurpose for projects like mats or picture frames.

“With pillows and blankets, quality matters a lot,” Shapiro adds. “Pilling or staining can detract from their look and comfort, so I prefer new or gently used pieces that pass a thorough inspection.”

Over-Budget Impulse Buys

There are a few ways to stick to your budget mindfully. First, compare across several shops. While you might be tempted to snag something the second you set your eyes on it, it’s better to price check. Shamess recommends looking at thrift stores and new shops alike for the best price.

“It’s easy to get carried away, so knowing your limits keeps thrifting fun and sustainable,” she says. “The thrill of a good deal can sometimes lead to impulse buys that end up collecting dust or waiting to be DIYed indefinitely.”

It’s also a smart move to do thorough inspections of the items you’re considering. This way, you won’t miss damage, odors, or broken parts that make the object worth leaving behind.

“If you have to think about it, it’s usually not worth getting,” Shamess says.

Nonstick Cookware

As far as other thrifted home decor items go, there are several kitchen-based picks to ignore. One of those is nonstick cookware.

The issue with used nonstick cookware is that you’re unaware of how long the pot or pan was used for, and it’s not always easy to see the damage or imperceptible scratches it has. Damage can cause these chemicals to leak out, so it’s simply not worth it.

“If you want to thrift your pots and pans, look for stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel, which can all be excellent thrift-store finds,” says Shapiro.

She sticks to new stainless steel and a secondhand cast iron pans to ensure her cooking isn’t impacted by old or chemical-laden cookware.

Everyday Dishes

“I love vintage ceramics and glassware, but a large portion of pieces made before the ’70s contain lead in the glass, paints, and glazes,” Shapiro says.

Although at-home testing kits are available, she says it’s better to forgo your vintage finds and buy new from modern-day companies with transparent values and practices.

That’s not to say that you can’t use any antique plates, platters, or kitchen goods. Shapiro uses these objects for unique occasions and for display purposes.

Cutting Boards

Similar to nonstick cookware, cutting boards may see a lot of wear and tear before they end up at a thrift store. Whether they’re wood, plastic, or another material, the scratches and loss of protective coating make them germ magnets.

If you do spot a unique board you like the look of, you can always repurpose it into decor or an object fit for a display cabinet as opposed to a functional item you use daily.

Home Items Worth Thrifting

Now that you know what to avoid, it’s always fun to know the best items to thrift. Shamess shared her favorite objects that she tends to seek out when she’s thrifting.

“Thrifting lets me find character-filled, high-end looking pieces that add warmth and personality to any room without breaking the bank,” she says.

• Well-crafted furniture: Some eras of furniture making produced high-quality pieces that are still durable today. Look for solid wood pieces, like tables or bookshelves.
• Decorative baskets: “Baskets add texture and natural warmth to a room, and their neutral tones complement a wide range of design styles—from rustic to modern,” Shamess says.
• Vintage hardcover books: Forget buying brand-new books for your coffee table. Seeking out old books gives these surfaces a unique, decorative twist.
• Neutral glass bottles: Shamess looks for brown and olive green styles, and repurposes them to hold liquid soaps or kitchen oils.
• Faux florals: “The savings can be huge compared to fresh flowers and even new faux florals,” Shamess says. “You can mix and match different blooms to suit your decor or the season.”