Goodwill Home Decor Finds Worth Money: What to Look For
I’ll be honest with you—some of my absolute favorite pieces in our cottage-style home came from Goodwill. Not because I was trying to save money (though that’s a nice bonus!), but because I found truly special, high-quality items that you simply can’t buy new anymore.
Over the years of thrifting for home decor, I’ve learned which finds are worth grabbing immediately and which ones to walk past. Today, I’m sharing everything I know about finding valuable home decor at Goodwill so you can furnish your home beautifully without spending a fortune.
Why Goodwill is a Goldmine for Home Decor
Here’s something most people don’t realize: Goodwill regularly receives donations from estate sales, downsizing seniors, and people who simply don’t know what they have. This means high-end furniture, designer accessories, and vintage treasures end up on the shelves priced at a fraction of their retail value.
I’ve found Pottery Barn sofas for $200, Restoration Hardware side tables for $30, and vintage brass candlesticks worth $50+ for just $3 each. The key is knowing what to look for and being willing to see past a little dust or outdated styling.
The Best Times to Shop Goodwill
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11am) are typically the best times. New inventory is usually put out in the mornings, and you’ll beat the weekend crowds. I also love shopping right after the first of the month when people have cleaned out their homes and made donations.
Monday mornings can be great too, as weekend donations get processed and hit the floor.
High-Value Brand Names to Look For
Not all brand names are created equal at thrift stores. Here are the ones I always grab when I see them:
Premium Furniture Brands
Pottery Barn – Their furniture holds up incredibly well. Look for their classic pieces like slipcovered sofas, wooden tables, and upholstered chairs. Even if the slipcover is stained, you can replace it or bleach it (I’ve done this successfully!). A Pottery Barn sofa that retails for $2,500+ might be $150-300 at Goodwill.
Restoration Hardware – Holy grail finds! Their solid wood furniture, Belgian linen pieces, and metal accents are built to last forever. I once found an RH side table for $35 that retails for $400. Check under cushions and on the back of pieces for RH tags.
West Elm – Their mid-century modern pieces and natural wood furniture are popular right now. Look for items in good condition as their construction quality can vary.
Crate & Barrel – Excellent quality furniture and home accessories. Their wooden pieces and ceramic items are especially worth grabbing.
Ethan Allen – If you find solid wood Ethan Allen furniture, grab it. These pieces were built to last and can be easily refinished or painted for modern cottage style.
Home Decor Brands Worth Money
Anthropologie – Their decorative pillows, unique vases, and quirky home accessories retain value. Even small items like drawer knobs or cabinet hardware are worth picking up.
Serena & Lily – Coastal cottage perfection! Their baskets, linens, and decorative items are pricey new but show up at Goodwill occasionally.
Ballard Designs – Classic, elegant home decor that works beautifully in cottage settings.
Williams Sonoma Home – High-quality linens, kitchen accessories, and decorative items.
Ralph Lauren Home – Especially their bedding, throw pillows, and table linens.
How to Identify Designer Pieces
Look for:
- Tags (even if faded) on furniture undersides and cushion zippers
- Quality construction (dovetail joints, solid wood, heavy weight)
- Unique design details that mass-market furniture doesn’t have
- Superior fabrics and finishes
Pro tip: Download the Google Lens app on your phone. You can photograph items and often identify the brand and retail value right in the store!
Furniture Finds That Hold Value
Solid Wood Furniture
Anything made from real wood (not particle board or MDF) is worth considering. Here’s what I look for:
Dining Tables and Chairs – Solid wood tables can be refinished, painted, or left natural. Even if the finish is worn, the bones are what matter. A solid oak farmhouse table might be $50-100 at Goodwill but would cost $800+ new.
Dressers and Nightstands – Vintage solid wood dressers are treasure finds. You can paint them, change the hardware, or refinish them. I’ve transformed $30 Goodwill dressers into pieces that look like they cost hundreds.
Wooden Chairs – Ladder-back chairs, Windsor chairs, and simple wooden dining chairs can be painted, re-caned, or reupholstered. Even mismatched chairs work beautifully in cottage style—I actually prefer the collected-over-time look!
Bookshelves – Solid wood bookshelves are getting harder to find new. If you find one in decent shape, grab it. They can always be painted or stained to match your decor.
Upholstered Furniture
I’m more selective with upholstered pieces, but here’s what’s worth it:
Slipcovered Sofas and Chairs – If the frame is solid (sit on it, bounce a little, check for squeaks), you can always replace or wash the slipcover. I’ve had excellent luck with slipcovered Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware pieces from Goodwill.
Wing Chairs and Armchairs – Classic shapes with good bones can be reupholstered. Even if you pay $200 for reupholstery on a $40 chair, you’re still getting a quality piece for less than new.
Ottomans and Benches – These are easy DIY reupholstery projects if the stuffing is in good shape.
What to Check:
- Sit on it—does it feel sturdy?
- Smell it (yes, really)—if it smells musty or like smoke, walk away
- Check for stains you can’t live with (some are removable, some aren’t)
- Look for pet damage, especially on wooden legs
Vintage Items Worth Grabbing
Vintage home decor is hugely popular right now, especially for cottage style. Here’s what I always grab:
Brass and Copper Items
Brass Candlesticks – I cannot emphasize this enough. Vintage brass candlesticks are GOLD (pun intended). New ones cost $20-50 each. At Goodwill? Usually $2-5. They might be tarnished, but that’s easy to fix—or leave them for that perfect aged patina.
Brass Planters and Cachepots – Perfect for styling plants throughout your home.
Brass Picture Frames – Great for creating gallery walls with vintage charm.
Brass Hardware – Cabinet pulls, drawer handles, hooks—all valuable for DIY projects.
Ironstone and Stoneware
White Ironstone – Vintage white ironstone dishes, pitchers, and serving pieces are cottage perfection. Look for pieces stamped with “ironstone” on the bottom. These can sell for $15-50 per piece online, but I occasionally find them at Goodwill for $2-5.
Stoneware Crocks – Perfect for storing utensils, holding flowers, or styling shelves.
Mixing Bowls – Vintage mixing bowls, especially yellow ware or stoneware, add instant charm.
Glass and Crystal
Vintage Glass Vases – Clear glass vases in interesting shapes are always useful. Colored glass (especially amber, green, or blue) is having a moment.
Crystal Candlesticks – Like brass, but with different styling potential.
Glass Bottles – Vintage bottles make beautiful bud vases or shelf styling. Wide mouth bottles can make great terrariums.
Baskets
Woven Baskets – Natural woven baskets never go out of style. Look for tightly woven, sturdy baskets without major damage. These retail for $30-100+ but show up at Goodwill for $5-15.
Vintage Picnic Baskets – Perfect for storage and cottage charm.
Textiles and Linens Worth Money
This is an area where you can find incredible deals if you know what to look for.
Bedding and Throws
Linen Sheets and Duvet Covers – Real linen bedding is expensive new ($200-400 for a duvet cover). At Goodwill, I’ve found them for $10-20. Check for the fiber content tag—you want 100% linen.
Wool Blankets – Vintage wool blankets, especially Pendleton, are valuable. Even if they’re a bit worn, they add cozy texture to sofas and beds.
Quilts – Handmade vintage quilts are treasures. Even imperfect ones add character and warmth.
White Cotton Bedding – High-thread-count white sheets and duvet covers can be bleached and used for years.
Pillows and Pillow Covers
I rarely buy used pillows (for hygiene reasons), but I always grab pillow covers in:
- Linen fabrics
- Interesting patterns (ticking stripes, checks, florals)
- Designer brands (Pottery Barn, West Elm)
- Vintage needlepoint or embroidered covers
Table Linens
Linen Table Runners and Placemats – Pure linen table linens can be expensive new. Goodwill is a goldmine for these.
Vintage Tablecloths – Even if they have small stains, vintage tablecloths add charm. I cut them up for fabric projects or use them as-is for casual dining.
Cloth Napkins – Especially white or neutral linen napkins. I’ve found sets of 8-12 for just a few dollars.
Decorative Accessories to Snag
Artwork and Mirrors
Vintage Frames – Even if you hate the art, vintage wooden frames (especially ornate or unique ones) are worth grabbing. You can paint them, leave them natural, or use them as-is.
Vintage Mirrors – Ornate mirrors, simple wooden frames, or unique shapes all work in cottage style. I’ve found mirrors for $5-15 that would cost $80-150+ new.
Original Art – Sometimes you find signed original paintings or prints. Even if the frame is ugly, the art might be valuable.
Decorative Objects
Wooden Bowls and Trays – Solid wood dough bowls, serving trays, and decorative bowls add warmth to any space. Perfect for coffee table styling or kitchen displays.
Ceramic and Pottery Pieces – Handmade pottery, vintage planters, and unique ceramic pieces add character. Look for maker’s marks on the bottom.
Vintage Books – Old books with beautiful covers are perfect for styling shelves and coffee tables. Leather-bound books are especially valuable.
Cutting Boards – Vintage wooden cutting boards (especially if they’re thick and well-made) can be used or displayed as decor.
Botanical Prints – Vintage botanical or bird prints are perfect for cottage gallery walls.
What to Avoid at Goodwill
Not everything is worth buying, even at thrift store prices. Here’s what I skip:
Furniture to Avoid
Particle Board Furniture – It won’t last and can’t be refinished. You’re better off saving for something solid.
Badly Damaged Upholstery – Large rips, extensive staining, or strong odors usually aren’t worth the hassle.
Broken or Unstable Pieces – Unless you’re handy and know you can repair it, skip furniture that wobbles, has missing pieces, or requires major repairs.
Outdated Electronics – That built-in entertainment center from 1995? Leave it.
Decor to Pass By
Fake Flowers – Unless they’re exceptionally realistic, they tend to look cheap and collect dust.
Heavily Themed Decor – Items covered in words, sayings, or specific themes (sports, holidays) are harder to incorporate into cohesive design.
Poor Quality Reproductions – Mass-produced “vintage-look” items that aren’t actually vintage or well-made.
Damaged Dishes – Chipped or cracked dishes aren’t safe to use and don’t look good displayed.
How to Spot Quality Pieces
The Touch Test
Quality items feel substantial. Pick them up:
- Heavy weight usually indicates better materials
- Smooth finishes on wood and metal show craftsmanship
- Tight weaving in baskets and textiles means durability
- Sturdy construction that doesn’t flex or wobble
The Visual Inspection
Check for:
- Maker’s marks, tags, or stamps (photograph them to research later)
- Solid wood vs. veneer (look at edges and backs)
- Quality of joints and construction
- Original hardware and details
- Signs of quality craftsmanship (dovetail joints, hand-finishing, etc.)
The Smell Test
This is crucial! If something smells musty, smoky, or otherwise off, it’s very difficult to remove those odors. Unless you’re willing to invest serious time in odor removal, walk away.
The Potential Test
Ask yourself:
- Can I use this as-is or with minimal cleaning?
- If it needs work, am I willing to do it?
- Does this fit my style and color scheme?
- Is the price worth it even if I can’t resell it?
My Best Goodwill Finds Ever
Let me share some of my favorite Goodwill scores to inspire your own treasure hunting:
The Restoration Hardware Sofas
I found two matching Restoration Hardware Belgian Track Arm sofas at an estate sale that was donating unsold items to Goodwill. I actually negotiated the price to $35. each (retail: $4,000+ each!). The slipcovers needed washing, but the frames were perfect. These sofas are now the centerpiece of our living room and have held up beautifully.
Vintage Brass Collection
Over the years, I’ve collected dozens of brass candlesticks from Goodwill, usually paying $2-5 each. I now have a collection worth several hundred dollars that I use throughout our home. They’re perfect for adding warmth and elegance to cottage-style spaces.
The Pottery Barn Slipcovered Sofa
I found a Pottery Barn sofa for $150 that just needed a new slipcover. Even buying a brand new replacement slipcover, my total investment was under $400 for a sofa that retails for $2,500+.
Ironstone Collection
My white ironstone collection (pitchers, bowls, platters) came almost entirely from Goodwill. Each piece was $3-8, and I now have a collection that adds so much character to our kitchen and dining room.
Antique Wooden Chairs
I found four mismatched wooden dining chairs for $10 each. After painting them all the same soft cream color, they look intentionally curated around our farmhouse table. New similar chairs would have been $100+ each.
Tips for Successful Goodwill Shopping
Go Often
The inventory turns over constantly. What you see today will be completely different next week. I try to stop by weekly, even if just for a quick walk-through.
Bring Measurements
Keep key measurements in your phone:
- Doorway widths
- Ceiling heights
- Specific furniture dimensions you need
- Wall spaces for artwork
Bring Tools (Sometimes)
For serious shopping trips, I bring:
- Measuring tape
- Flashlight (to look under furniture)
- Small screwdriver (to check if pieces are stable)
- Cleaning wipes (to wipe off dust and see true colors)
- Phone fully charged (for research and photos)
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
At some Goodwill stores, if an item has been there a while or has minor damage, they’ll negotiate on price. It never hurts to ask politely!
Shop Multiple Locations
Different neighborhoods mean different donations. Wealthier areas typically have higher-end items, but you’ll also find treasures anywhere. I rotate through 3-4 different Goodwill locations.
Follow on Social Media
Many Goodwill stores post their best items on Facebook or Instagram. Follow your local stores to get first dibs on great finds.
Be Patient
You won’t find amazing things every time. Some trips I leave empty-handed. But when you do find that perfect piece, it makes all the searching worthwhile.
Trust Your Instincts
If something speaks to you and the price is right, grab it. I’ve regretted the things I left behind far more than anything I’ve bought and didn’t use.
Making Goodwill Finds Work in Cottage Style
The beauty of cottage style is that it celebrates collected-over-time pieces. Goodwill finds fit perfectly into this aesthetic because:
Mix High and Low – Combining Goodwill finds with new purchases creates depth and interest. A thrifted brass candlestick looks beautiful next to a new linen pillow.
Embrace Imperfection – Cottage style celebrates patina, wear, and character. That slightly worn vintage chair? Perfect.
Natural Materials Shine – Goodwill is full of real wood, brass, linen, and other natural materials that form the foundation of cottage decor.
It’s Budget-Friendly – You can create a beautiful cottage-style home without spending thousands. Most of my favorite rooms feature at least 50% thrifted items.
Start Your Goodwill Treasure Hunt
Finding valuable home decor at Goodwill is part skill, part persistence, and part luck. But now that you know what to look for, you’re equipped to spot those hidden gems.
Remember, the goal isn’t to furnish your entire home from Goodwill (unless you want to!). It’s about finding those special pieces that add character, save money, and make your space uniquely yours.
The best part? Every Goodwill find has a story. When someone compliments that brass mirror or vintage chair, you get to say, “Thank you! I found it at Goodwill!” There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a beautiful home through treasure hunting rather than just clicking “add to cart.”
So grab your measuring tape, clear some space in your car, and happy hunting! Your next favorite piece might be sitting on a Goodwill shelf right now, just waiting for you to discover it.
Have you found any amazing home decor at Goodwill? I’d love to hear about your best scores! Share in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin this post so you can reference it on your next thrifting adventure!
Related Posts You’ll Love:
