'Frames are art in themselves' – this is the one thing designers always tell me to thrift to create a more interesting home on a tight budget

Dining room with long wooden table and bistro chairs and gallery wall with vintage frames and paintings.

As an avid thrifter, whenever I speak with designers on any topic, I always throw in a question about what they look out for at the thrift store, as personally I just like to be in the know for my next shopping trip. And recently I am noticing I am getting the same answer over and over – frames.

You will always find an array of picture frames at the thrift store, usually all leaned up against each other and you need to do some digging. But I have been pleasantly surprised by pieces I have found since hunting for secondhand frames.