14 Valuable Collectibles to Look for in Thrift Stores

Pyrex Dishes

Pyrex is still made today, but the vintage Pyrex that comes in a rainbow of colors from turquoise to red to yellow to pink is a favorite of kitchen collectors. These pieces often run close to $50 or more, with extremely rare patterns and designs selling for hundreds and thousands— so if you spot one sitting humbly in a thrift shop, don't let it pass you by.

Crystal Vases

Crystal was once a requisite part of any wedding registry but, as tastes changed, it fell out of favor. All the crystal vases and punch bowls that previous generations cherished made their way to thrift stores, where they often collect dust. However, some people realize that these once-valuable items still have value, particularly as a design element.

"I fill crystal vases with white tulips or white hydrangeas and place them all over the home, especially unexpected places like the primary bath, laundry room, and in hallways," says Kaylee Smith, founder of Kaylee Taylor Interiors. "I collect tall but narrow vases because they only require a few stems to look full and add the same life to a space."

Bakelite

Bakelite was a plastic resin used in the early 1900s for everything from homewares to jewelry, but it's best known for its iconic bangles. These chunky and colorful bracelets are beloved today, and if you find one (or more!) at a thrift store, grab it! Rare Bakelite pieces can sell for hundreds—and in some cases, thousands—of dollars.

Jadeite

The refreshing spring green color of jadeite was first popular in the 1940s when brands like Fire-King and McKee surged in popularity. Today, the pieces command price tags as high as $500 and more in antique stores and online marketplaces like Etsy, though you can occasionally find someone's discarded collection in a thrift store for a steal. If you spot this milky green color on a thrift store's shelves, put it in your cart and make it yours.

Brass Candlesticks

If you buy a solid brass candlestick new or even at an antique store, you can expect to pay a small fortune. Even ceramic or glass candlesticks can add up, depending on the quality. But thrift stores often have an abundance of candlesticks on their shelves, and the prices are usually rock bottom.

Not sure how to use your candlestick finds? "I love adding candlesticks to mantles, dining buffets, and on pianos along with vintage books, trays, and art to create special little vignettes that tell a story," says Smith.

Carnival Glass

The iridescent shimmer of carnival glass is having a moment. Typically found in orange, and less frequently in turquoise and green hues, this unique, rainbow-tinted glass was made throughout the first half of the 20th century. Nowadays, rare carnival glass finds have been auctioned for thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars. Thrift stores often have a mishmash of carnival glass vases, bowls, glassware, and even plates, though the recent comeback in popularity is making it harder to find.

Bamboo and Rattan

"I always say 'no bamboo left behind' when I’m thrifting," says thrifter and content creator Marcie Millholland. She looks for small accent pieces and accessories in bamboo, rattan, and wicker. "I think these pieces add great texture to a space, so I will always pick up wicker lamps and lampshades, bamboo or wicker serving trays, small bamboo boxes, and plant stands." Some items can be pretty valuable—a vintage bamboo two-tier bar cart was recently seen going for $1,295 on 1stDibs.

When you're looking at these items, which often date to midcentury, make sure the natural materials are still in good condition or in a good place to be refurbished. This can be difficult to bring back once they're too far gone.

Handmade Ceramics

If you're at the thrift store looking for a piece of pottery to add to your decor, flip it over to see who made it. Something that's been handmade has a story and that brings value, even if it doesn't translate directly into dollars and cents—although, depending on the maker and if you can find a signature, a piece of handmade pottery might be pretty valuable, in upwards of a thousand dollars, like this handmade ceramic, mid-century-modern vase seen for $1,059. "Handmade ceramics are a go-to. I've repurposed mugs as planters, stored fruit in a huge, colorful lattice bowl, and used weird pots as the finishing touch for a vignette," says vintage seller Chelsea Wilkowitz.

Wood Décor

"Wooden décor items are fairly easy to find, and they offer a simple way to bring vintage warmth and character to a space," says Wilkowitz. "Some of my favorite wooden finds include a bentwood coat rack, a scalloped vanity mirror, and smaller vessels for styling." Wood items can be particularly valuable if they are handmade or crafted from old-growth wood.

Roseville Pottery

Roseville Pottery was made from 1890 to 1954 in Roseville, Ohio, and some pieces fetch hundreds and even thousands of dollars today. The styles vary widely, but they're identifiable thanks to a blue marking on the bottom. Among the most popular is the classic spongeware, which can still be found in thrift stores.

"I love all of the spongeware colors, but specifically the blue and green pieces. The mugs are great and an easy way to add some interest to your kitchenware. The large crocks and plates make for fun storage or decoration, especially when paired with more neutral pieces," says vintage seller Sarah Berger.

Silver Decorative and Serving Pieces

While new silver is exorbitantly expensive, silver that has made its way to the thrift store can be priced similarly to stainless steel flatware, especially if the thrift store doesn't realize it's silver. Multiple full place settings are the ultimate find, but even a random assortment of serving pieces collected over time is a lovely addition to your entertaining supplies.

"Pick up anything with interesting details, like a scalloped edge, engraving, or a monogram. A unique shape or anything that can be used in a variety of ways is also nice," says Berger.

Gilded Frames

Frames are one of those items that are shockingly expensive, but if you check out the art and frame section at a thrift store, you'll be surprised to find gorgeous frames for a fraction of the cost. "I love collecting vintage or antique mirrors and gold/gilded frames for art," says Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz, a content creator who uses thrifted finds throughout her home. "Filling your walls can be daunting and expensive, but you can use thrifted items like ornate mirrors in all sizes or frames that you can fill with your own art." Plus, you never know—your thrifted gilded frame might actually be worth thousands of dollars. Vintage and antique gilded wood frames can sell as high as $25,000.

Marble and Stone Items

"I look for stone pieces that can be used for display or be a substantial accent piece. I love neutral colors and dark greens," says Berger. Anything that's solid stone or marble and has some weight is going to have more value than a lighter weight piece or a plastic imitation. From marble trays to stone vases, look for items that feel hefty in your hand.