5 thrift store finds that will transform your living room, suggested by interior designers who love vintage

You'll often find me lingering around the endless shelves of miscellaneous treasures that thrift stores have to offer, be it textiles, ornaments, or vintage art. And I am usually shopping with one room in mind – my living room. This is the space I am always on the hunt for vintage pieces to give more character and personality. It's the room I find the easiest to introduce second-hand buys into, as it doesn't have all the practicalities of a kitchen or potentially limited space like a bathroom.

So, in order to make my shopping more streamlined and focused, I asked interior designers exactly what second-hand pieces to buy at a thrift store to elevate my living room. The answers were so insightful, and varied so I've created a list of the top five thrifted finds designers promise will level up your lounge.

1. Coffee or side tables

Unsurprisingly, many designers mentioned that coffee tables were one of their favorite things to thrift for the living room. Cropping up amongst this year's vintage furniture trends, a coffee table is one of the most-used pieces that can ground a living room scheme, so it makes sense that the designers are always on the lookout for this essential piece to create an unusual centerpiece.

Interior designer Shani Core designed the living room pictured above. It's a refreshingly contemporary take on the coastal living room idea, and it features tons of unexpected thrifted finds, from the scattered coral decor to the large central coffee table. Shani explains, 'Everything from the scalloped turquoise planters to the pencil reed coffee table and the pieces of real coral atop the rattan wall brackets were found at thrift stores.'

Coffee tables are integral to living room furniture ideas, but the beauty of thrifting a table for your living room is the element of surprise. While going in with a clear vision of a particular piece is unlikely to be successful, you might find something you may have never considered. Designer Rebecca Hughes says she likes to buy old chests and trunks as coffee table alternatives. 'They're perfect as coffee tables or side tables, vintage trunks offer both function and flair. Many come hand-painted or with aged detailing that adds rich texture and character to a room.'

2. Vintage armchairs

No living room is complete without an armchair. They are a staple that any style of scheme will appreciate, and a piece that designers say is really easy to thrift.

Rebecca says armchairs are a great way of mixing decades in interior design, explaining, 'Mixing furniture from a range of periods is a brilliant way to create a layered look, making a home feel like it has organically evolved over time. This juxtaposition offers the best of both worlds – the coziness of traditional style and the crispness of contemporary design all in one harmonious space.'

While finding an armchair in pristine condition at the thrift store is unlikely, don't be put off by a minor stain or a frayed skirt; often a deep clean or even reupholstering can transform a piece. Rebecca likes to decorate with vintage fabrics, saying, 'Reupholstered in a fresh fabric, vintage armchairs bring instant character and comfort to a space. The silhouettes and proportions of older pieces are often far more distinctive than many modern designs.'

3. Antique mirrors

As someone who's discovered plenty of vintage mirrors at the thrift store (I admit I was elated when I found my Murano mirror hiding amongst rails of clothes), I can corroborate that a vintage mirror will transform your living room, no matter how big or small.

The beauty of decorating with mirrors is their versatility. You can go big and opt for a wall of mirrors, or play it safe and go classic by hanging a small but mighty treasure above a mantel. Rebecca says, 'A large, decorative mirror can open up a room while adding a sense of history. I’m especially drawn to the unique patina and gentle foxing that naturally develops in old glass – it adds such charm.'

Vintage enthusiast Margo Roth knows a thing or two about sourcing thrifted pieces for the home. She says, 'If you are struggling with a dark or small living room space, it can be surprisingly helpful to add an antique mirror to a wall or above a mantelpiece. This will add light to the space and make it feel more open and airy! We found several at our local Goodwill for under $50. You can also find them regularly at estate sales. If you don’t like the frame, you could even wrap it in fabric for added detail!'

4. Soft furnishings

Whether you're decorating with antique textiles and hanging a tapestry on your living room wall, or scattering some farmhouse-style printed cushions along your sofa, thrift stores are filled with an array of soft furnishings.

Margo says, 'Some of my favorite (and cheap) things to thrift that add instant charm and character to a space are soft furnishings like throw pillows, vintage quilts or blankets, or curtains.' Margo suggests looking out for drapes too, 'A piece that doesn’t discount the thrift store for a high-quality set of curtains! I found my iconic green gingham set of eight curtain panels at the Goodwill outlet for $20!'

Margo adds, 'I’ve also found many throw pillows (with washable covers) at the thrift store, and I always check estate sales for handmade quilts. If you have an older sofa that you dislike, you can consider throwing a large antique quilt over the top and tuck it in to give it a quick makeover.'

5. An antique wardrobe or cabinet for hiding a TV

Despite being vital to many of our living rooms, many of us, of course, want to stylishly hide the TV. Margo says the answer lies in thrift stores.

Margo says, 'I am personally of the opinion that TVs shouldn’t be the focal point of the living room; however, I know that they are also a necessity in many homes! Our solution for this was to tuck our TV into a large and beautiful antique wardrobe. We found the English pine cabinet on Facebook Marketplace for only $200, and it has completely transformed the space. It adds warmth, visual interest, style, and is the perfect hiding spot for the TV.'

If you're local thrift store doesn't offer big pieces of furniture, online marketplaces like Chairish and Etsy are a great option if you're hunting for a specific piece, like a vintage wardrobe or cabinet. If you'd rather not hide your screen, consider a vintage console or trunk to position your TV on top of, as these will bring a similar eclectic feel without dominating the room.

Shani rightly says, 'As long as you have vision and an open mind, almost any item may be transformed from a thrift store eyesore into a beautiful piece for your own living room.'

Instead of heading to the high street, we should turn to thrift stores for living room decor. Second-hand pieces are the answer to creating a characterful space, they are often a more affordable place to shop and better for eco-conscious shoppers too.

Just be aware that there are vintage and antique decor to avoid, so always consider the age and condition of pieces before you purchase for a truly lasting living room scheme.