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Livingetc
Livingetc
Olivia Wolfe

5 Things You Should Never Buy From a Thrift Store, According to People Who Know About Antiques

A richly ornate artist studio is filled with yellowed books, furniture, postcards, ephemera, and china porcelain kept in an antique cupboard and decorated with handpainted figurative murals.

There is an exhilarating rush that comes from thrifting furniture and homewares. Whether you find a chair that completes an existing set or an original French porcelain piece for hardly anything, it's a satisfying way to adorn your home with plenty of character. But is there a line between treasure and trash?

It's easy to get caught up in the emotion of thrifting — taking home something that caught your eye, only later to find it's actually scratched beyond repair. Trust me, I've had many a fight with the devil on my shoulder while deliberating over a piece of vintage furniture. Knowing how to thrift well comes with practice, time, and patience.

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