Who doesn't love a bargain? If you can get the same item for half the price, then we're all for it! But, if the merchandise is half as sturdy and half as useful, is it still worth it?
Here is a list by Apartment Therapy of the things that you should leave behind in a thrift store when shopping items for your house design:
Anything just because it's cheap
The standard rule is, anything you wouldn't want at full price, is not a good deal. Don't buy something just because it costs less than it would normally price in regular shops. If it is not your style, it's not going to add value to your space and you will just end up throwing that back in the donation box.
Textiles that can't be cleaned
If you are considering buying upholstered items from a thrift shop, first makes sure that it is made from a textile that can be sanitized. The worst thing that could happen is bringing home more than you bargained for like a ball of pet hair, bedbugs, or stains from who-knows-what.
Overly ambitious projects
Don't waste money on an item that still needs work to be usable if you know you wouldn't have the time and energy to do it. Be real and know your own capabilities; are you really going to scrub rust off that bicycle or are you ever going to replace that chipped veneer on a sideboard? The truth is, most items in a thrift store ended up there for a reason - someone just wasn't up to deal with the same repairs you are subjecting yourself for.
Kid's products
Safety is not something worth risking for. Though you can choose to get toys (if they are washable) from a thrift store, other products are just a no no. For instance, cribs can be expensive, but buying one from a thrift store is not the wisest decision knowing that such product often faces safety recalls. Another thing is car seats; with technology improving so fast, why would you want to buy a dated one? Don't be tempted to pick up those bike helmets too; this product is designed to withstand one big impact and it's hard to tell if it's internally damaged just by looking at the outside.
