The Best Grandmillennial Decor Items to Thrift

If you love Grandmillennial style, here are the best Grandmillennial decor items to thrift.

I’ve compiled this list with my 10+ years of thrifting experience. The items on this list are those that you are MOST likely to encounter. Once in a while, you might just find that one incredible item, but it’s best to keep this list practical.

I like to make thrifting recommendations because you don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey antiques and designer pieces to get the home you want. Here are my eight best decor items that you can thrift to help you get started.

Drapes

Thrifting for drapes can be a challenge, but it can save you a ton of cash if you’re successful. I’ve thrifted countless drapes and let me tell you, it’s all about discovering gems in unexpected places.

First things first though – you need to get some measurements. If you’re designing for a room, you’ll need to know how many drapery panels you’ll need and the best size for your windows.

But, if you do run into drapes that are just a little too short, don’t fret just yet. There are a couple of things you can do to lengthen them. Luckily, I have a blog post on the best ways to lengthen drapes. I promise they won’t look weird if you follow my advice.

I recommend you note down your measurements on your phone. It’s too easy to lose a slip of paper over time.

My second recommendation is to keep a measuring tape with you when you go shopping. This is optional though. If you have a smartphone, some apps can approximate the dimensions of items.

Now, there are a couple of things to keep in mind while thrifting.
When you find a set that catches your eye, give it a good once-over for stains, holes, and other damage.

When it comes to stains, most will come out of fabric if you treat the stains correctly. I have gotten many stains out of clothes, bedding, and curtains. I suggest you learn how to identify different stains to determine whether your drapes are salvageable or not.

However, I will say that if a patterned fabric is faded from the sun, there’s nothing you can do about that. Solid-colored drapery can very easily be dyed to either restore or change its color.

Artwork

My second recommendation for Grandmillennial decor items to thrift is art.

When it comes to decorating your home, artwork can add a pop of personality and character to any wall. But let’s be real, not everyone has a Picasso budget. And that’s where thrift stores come in handy.

You never know what hidden gems you can find. From funky vintage prints to abstract paintings, thrift stores are a treasure trove of affordable artwork.

My favorite artwork to look for when thrifting includes:

• Oil Paintings – Unframed is OK!
•  Lithographs
•  Sets of Framed Floral Prints

And I’m going to group picture frames with artwork because you shouldn’t overlook them!

Ornate frames are always great for framing all that bare art you’ll find at the thrift store. These can get expensive if you purchase them new so keep an eye out for them.

Additionally, don’t skip the frame aisle! Not only may you find ornate frames there, but you’ll definitely find plenty of frames fitting for the Grandmillennial style.

Some of my favorite types of frames to look for include:

• Brass or Gold Frame
• Bamboo Style
• Floral Porcelain
• Crystal

The matting or images in the frames may not be the best, but we’re only looking at the frames here. So try to be discerning when you’re on the hunt.

Tablecloths and Linens

The great thing about decorating in an “old” pastime style is that you can use a lot of secondhand items to achieve the look you’re going for. And it’s no surprise that tablecloths and linens are included in that.

I don’t know where my great luck with floral tablecloths comes from. Maybe people don’t host formal dinners anymore? I don’t know, but the thrift store is THE place to find Grandmillennial style tablecloths.

When you’re shopping for tablecloths and linens, look for patterns that are bright, with floral, paisley, or block print designs. These styles will add immense interest to your tablescapes.

Another item I like to thrift for is napkins. Because I’m drawn to patterned tablecloths, I prefer to go for solid-colored napkins when I find them. However, I do pick up any napkins if they have a matching tablecloth!

And finally, don’t forget to keep an eye out for placemats or chargers. These will make your plates – and tablescape – look great.

Dinnerware

Shopping at the local thrift store is an excellent way to find trendy and affordable dinnerware for your grandmillennial home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when curating the perfect collection of vintage dinnerware from the thrift store.

1. Check for cracks and chips.

Before you buy any used dinnerware, make sure to inspect it for any cracks or chips. While a small chip might not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause the plate to break when you use it. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a nasty cut.

2. Look for signs of wear and tear.

Another thing to look for is signs of wear and tear. If the plates are scratched or discolored, they might not be worth your money. However, if they’re a very good deal, they may be worthy of consideration.

3. Consider the style of the dinnerware.

When you’re thrifting, you’ll likely come across all sorts of different styles of dinnerware. It’s important to consider the style of the dinnerware before you buy it. After all, you want your dinnerware to match the rest of your décor.

Don’t know which style will work with your Grandmillennial home? I’ve compiled a list of the best Grandmillennial plate patterns to thrift.

4. Don’t forget about utensils!

When you’re thrifting dinnerware, don’t forget about utensils! You’ll need forks, knives, and spoons to eat your meals. If you can find a matching set of utensils, that’s even better.

Decorative Pieces

When looking for the best Grandmillennial decor to thrift, you’ll find an abundance of decorative items at secondhand stores.

Vases, bookends, decorative boxes – these are some of the many things you can use to add a special touch to your space.

While you can take the “I like it so I’ll buy it” approach, you want to keep a few things in mind.

1. Crystal pieces may cost you a bit more – especially if the thrift store knows what they have – but it’s generally worth it. An $8 pre-loved vase may sound like a lot to some people, but if it’s crystal, it’s worth it to me.
2.  Also, heavier materials like marble and brass are worth the extra money.

You have some leeway with decorative pieces as they come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials and you can use them in just about any corner of your home.

For Grandmillennial homes, I would suggest focusing more on motifs and colors. If you like Chinoiserie, you’ll want to keep an eye out for foo dogs or pagodas. Or if you want a touch of contemporary, then you’ll want something simple in its design.

Here is a list of my favorite materials to use in Grandmillennial style homes:

• Crystal
• Brass
• Lacquerware
• Rattan/Wicker

Pillows

I have to say, one of my favorite Grandmillennial decor items to thrift is pillows.

Decorative pillows are great items to thrift. I usually get them for under $2, and they tend to be in great condition. Not to mention you can throw them in the washing machine and they’re good to go.

I prefer feather-down inserts as they tend to retain their shape over time. If they do get flat, you need only fluff them up a bit and they’re as good as new.

Feather-down pillows can be washed in the washing machine, so that’s a plus. However, I have found that some feather-down inserts acquire an odd smell after washing and drying. When this happens, I set my pillows outside in the hot sun and that generally takes care of the odor.

When thrifting pillows, you want to keep an eye out for fabrics that coordinate with your space. These can include florals, geometric patterns, solid colors, etc.

And I rarely skip out on a needlepoint pillow. They are a perfect combination of color and texture, which makes them a great layering piece.

Furniture

We all know they don’t make furniture like they use to. Well, they do. It’s just expensive if you want something of quality.

But you can find quality furniture at the thrift store if you’re patient and persistent.

Here are some of my tips to get you started:

The first step in searching for pre-owned furniture is to decide what you need. Make a list of the rooms in your home and the furniture that you would like to have in each room.

And most importantly – get measurements!! This step is crucial. It will help you to narrow down your search and make it easier to find the perfect pieces. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a piece of furniture that is too big or too small for a space.

When you start searching, check out thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for great deals on gently used pieces.

My favorite marketplaces are OfferUp, Invaluable, and Facebook Marketplace.

When you find pieces that you like, take the time to inspect them before making a purchase. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, stains or loose pieces. Keep in mind that there’s some damage that can be repaired, like surface scratches and small chips. You’ll have to decide whether you’re up to addressing that damage or not.

Here are some characteristics I look for when thrifting furniture for a Grandmillennial home:

• Wood
• Marble Tops
• Round or Soft Shapes w/ Curves
• Brass Details (Inlays, Hardware)
• Chinoiserie Lacquerware

And that wraps up my list! I hope you got some ideas for your next trip to the thrift!