Ready to turn secondhand finds into statement pieces? Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting your furniture flipping journey, our Thrifted Treasures series walks you through every step of the process — from spotting the right piece at the thrift store to styling it beautifully in your home.
We’re thrilled to launch our very first Thrift to Chic highlight! You’ll learn what to look for while thrifting, how to tackle common repairs, prep like a pro, and bring your vision to life with paint. This is the first of many — you can look forward to a new Thrift to Chic project in the last newsletter of every month. We hope it inspires you to roll up your sleeves and give new life to old furniture!
Fix or Forget? A DIYer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Secondhand Piece
(The first step: deciding whether it’s even worth bringing home)
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the thrift — that moment when you spot a forgotten piece of furniture and imagine what it could become. But let’s be honest: not every thrifted find is worth the time, money, or elbow grease. Before you load it into your car and start dreaming up paint colors, take a second to ask yourself: Fix or forget it?
In the first installment of our Thrifted Treasures series, we’re sharing the real-life thought process we use while shopping secondhand. This is the in-the-aisle decision-making moment — before the sanding, before the paint, before the makeover magic.
👀 What We Look For While Shopping
🟢 The Green Flags:
- Solid bones – Sturdy structure, no major wobbles, and good craftsmanship.
- Timeless shape – Clean lines or unique features that will shine with a makeover.
- Minimal repairs – A quick drawer fix or loose leg is fine, but nothing too overwhelming.
🚩 The Red Flags:
- Water damage or strong odors – These can be tough (or impossible) to fix.
- Laminate or pressboard in poor condition – These materials can be flipped, but it depends on the extent of the damage.
- Mold or signs of bugs – Check carefully for soft, spongy spots, termite holes, or mildew. If you see or smell mold, or notice tiny exit holes from insects, it's often better to pass.
- Missing too many parts – Broken drawers, lost hardware, or warped doors might not be worth chasing down replacements for.
⚠️ A Note on Lead:
Older furniture may contain lead-based paint, which can pose health risks. When buying secondhand, be aware that you might be taking a risk with lead exposure. In the next part of our series, we’ll cover how to identify lead in your furniture and steps you can take to stay safe.
🎥 Follow Us Thrifting
We’re filming our trips too — so you’ll get to see exactly how we make those yes-or-no calls in real time. It’s a mix of instinct, experience, and knowing what makes a project realistic — and fun.
