:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1093686266-da7f1191f9ee499ab6a0108da3064038.jpg "10 Brands to Always Look for at the Thrift Store")
Whether you’re a casual thrift store shopper or a seasoned pro, there’s no denying that buying secondhand is a great way to bring home unique and high-quality works for a fraction of the price. However, perusing thousands of pieces of furniture and home décor in search of buried treasure can be exhausting if you don’t know where to look.
Not all furniture is created equal, and some brands hold their value, last longer, and are better quality than others. Spotting certain labels and designers can be like winning the secondhand lottery, though—so we’ve made it a bit easier for you. Here, we spoke to the pros to find out which brands should always be on your radar.
Lane Furniture
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Lane Furniture is known for both Brutalist-influenced and midcentury pieces, often made in rich shades of walnut. According to New York-based interior designer Jarret Yoshida, Lane’s midcentury pieces, in particular, are underrated, especially when compared to more popular peers like Knoll. If you can’t score a Lane piece at your local thrift store, you’ll likely be able to find one online.
Willy Guhl
Furniture isn’t the only brand-name item to look for while perusing secondhand stores. Planters, especially those designed by Willy Guhl, are also a top-tier find. An hourglass Diablo planter like the ones shown above can fetch thousands of dollars. “Guhl is an icon in midcentury design, celebrated for his pioneering use of materials that shaped a rugged, organic-modern aesthetic,” says interior designer Becky Shea. The designer’s planters are timeless and truly unique, and they blend the creativity and artistry of design with everyday functionality.
Pace Collection
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Pace Collection is a brand that was at the height of its popularity in the ’80s, but finding a piece secondhand is like digging for buried treasure. “Pace produced sleek, high-quality pieces that give any space an elegant, modern edge to this day,” says interior designer Victoria Holly. The brand strived to reflect luxury, and pieces were often made from lucite, glass, and brass.
Milo Baughman
Milo Baughman is a designer best known for making furniture with clean lines, and for his unique use of materials. “He was important in evolving midcentury modern with designs that still feel relevant today,” says Holly. Baughman frequently collaborated with Thayer Coggin, another well-known furniture brand—his pieces mixed seemingly unlikely materials like chrome, glass, and caning for dining tables.
Wedgwood
It’s easy to order brand-new Wedgwood dishes online, but there’s nothing quite like the antiques. These pieces are exquisitely handmade, says Yoshida, and they’re typically cheaper than buying dinnerware from CB2 or even IKEA. You can’t throw them in the dishwasher, but they’re so beautiful that you won’t mind handwashing them instead. Keep an eye out for other Wedgwood collectibles as well, like the Jasperware vase shown above.
Sergio Rodrigues
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Sergio Rodrigues is known for making furniture that’s comfortable and playful; bold yet inviting—it can bring a room to life. “I love incorporating his work into the homes we design—including his iconic Mole sofa and Vivi armchair—as well as the Franco sofa and several others,” says Shea. Keep an eye out for warm woods and rich leather, which are common materials used to make these timeless and welcoming pieces.
Karl Springer
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If bold, sculptural furniture is your style, then make sure to be on the lookout for Karl Springer during your thrift store visits. His pieces are frequently made from materials that are synonymous with luxury, like lacquer, parchment, shagreen, and brass. “He often collaborated with companies such as Pace Collection, and his designs brought high-end glamor to postmodern interiors,” says Holly. “His pieces are still highly coveted today.”
Sambonet
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Used in Michelin-caliber restaurants, Sambonet stainless-steel flatware is elegant, timeless, and beautiful. “Snap this up immediately if you see it,” says Yoshida. Despite its prestige, Sambonet is still somewhat under the radar, especially when compared to other high-level brands like Christofle. If you want to create a luxurious dining experience right in your very own home, then keep an eye out on your next trip to the local secondhand shop.
Pierre Jeanneret
Pierre Jeanneret is a Swiss designer best known for his modernist style, including his architectural work in the city of Chandigarh, India. Jeanneret also designed furniture, including chairs that he made by using fasteners instead of precise joinery, as per Shea. These works have been replicated by various other brands, but originals are definitely worth scooping up if you can find one. “Authentic Jeanneret pieces have a distinct craftsmanship,” she says. “From the seamless joinery to the intricate caning patterns, these details showcase his dedication to both form and function.”
Vladimir Kagan
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Furniture designer Vladimir Kagan is perhaps best known for his more sculptural pieces—in particular, his eye-catching curved sofas. “Kagan’s work redefined comfort and style, and many of his pieces became iconic examples of the postmodern look,” says Holly. While you can still buy a Kagan piece brand new, you’re likely to get a pretty substantial discount if you can find one secondhand; given the quality, it will last for many years, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
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