- Dr Theresa Phillips
- Dec 11, 2024
- 4 min read
Nina Derwin According to ExpertsFrom décor to cookware, secondhand shops are filled with treasures for the heart of your home.
When shopping at thrift stores, you likely spend time combing through aisles of gently used clothes, accessories, and furniture. Kitchen items may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but you're missing out if you skip over the kitchen section. Thrift stores are filled with affordable kitchen finds, many of which are even better than their brand-new counterparts.
From décor to cookware, shopping secondhand can add character and charm to the heart of your home. To help you shop, we turned to food and design experts to determine which kitchen items you should always buy secondhand.
White Enamelware Trays
Serving trays, particularly classic white enamelware trays, can be pricey if you buy them new. However, you can save hundreds by buying them secondhand, and chances are you’ll find a wider variety to choose from. “I use them in my fridge for placing meat as it thaws, to organize ingredients for cooking classes, and to serve,” says culinary instructor and food writer Marcia Smart.
When shopping for kitchen items secondhand, be careful that anything that comes in contact with your food is food safe. Avoid items that may contain lead or any other harmful materials.
Vintage Cookbooks
Don’t skip the book aisle at your local thrift store when shopping for kitchen items. Vintage cookbooks offer a treasure trove of long-forgotten recipes, but they’re also great for styling open shelving in your kitchen. “Even if you don’t cook from them, they look cool stacked up or on a shelf and bring a little character to the kitchen,” says architect and designer Matthew Coates.
Pyrex Cookware
Many secondhand stores are home to an assortment of Pyrex cookware in all different shapes and sizes. “They don’t stain, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon those beautiful vintage colors that look amazing as display pieces, too,” says recipe developer and author Krystin Merkley. Plus, you’ll typically find them in great condition because they’re virtually indestructible.
A Guide to Collecting Vintage Pyrex—Plus, How Much It's Worth
White Ironstone Water Pitchers
Known for its durability and weight, ironstone pottery is a thrift store steal for those in the know. White ironstone water pitches, trays, and bowls are Stone's go-to pieces for serving food. “They are classic and look beautiful on any table,” she says. Ironstone pieces are heirloom quality, and they’ll never go out of style.
Salad Servers
Nothing makes a meal feel more elegant than using a pair of sophisticated salad servers. Instead of buying them brand new, visit your local secondhand store and hunt for buried treasure. “I’ve found beautiful vintage servers,” says Smart. “Some I’ve used as props in my cookbook.” They’ll also add a nice touch of décor to your kitchen when stored in a crock on the counter.
Glassware
Secondhand stores are often bursting at the seams with unique, beautiful, and colorful glassware. “Vintage glassware, jars, and containers are perfect for organizing or for pantry storage, and they look cool, too,” says Coates. These pieces are incredibly versatile, and buying them secondhand is typically more cost-effective.
Copper Pots
If you spot a copper pot at your local secondhand store, scoop it up immediately, especially larger ones—particularly copper jam pots. “Even if you’re not cooking in them, you can use them to serve food in—big green salads, grain salads, roasted veggies—or to chill wine and drinks,” says Smart. They can even double as décor when they’re not in use.
Cake Stands
Elevate your baked treats with a vintage cake stand, which is easy to find secondhand. “I love finding cake stands at thrift stores because they’re way more affordable, and you get to build a fun, mismatched collection,” says Merkley. Thrift stores are far more likely to have variety when it comes to color, texture, and shape, making your cake presentation extra special.
Antique Crocks
Search for an antique crock during your next thrift store haul to give your kitchen rustic charm. Merkley uses thrifted crocks for everything from storing wooden utensils to holding fresh flowers. While new ones may be shiny and pristine, thrifted crocks have character and charm.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Easy to swap out depending on the occasion or season, salt and pepper shakers can be fun, elegant, and sometimes even both. “I have a few different ones I’ve collected over the years,” says Smart. Thrift stores are the perfect place to find unique and rare sets, and they’ll certainly be cheaper than buying them brand new.
Wicker Baskets
No thrift store trip is complete without perusing the often abundant assortment of wicker baskets. The baskets in a thrift store always have more character than brand-new ones, and they’re often cheaper. “They’re super functional and add a natural vibe to the space,” says Coates. Use them for storing fruit and veggies, like lemons, apples, onions, and potatoes, that don’t need to be refrigerated.
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