Congrats! You’re moving into a new space or maybe just modernizing the interior design of your current crib. Either way, it’s time to get shopping.
Whether you’ve just parted ways with your longtime roomie (who adorned your pad with empty pizza boxes and beer cans) or have just finally decided to retire that tattered Bob Marley poster in the living room, it’s never too late to step into a sleek, mature look.
Having adult digs is possible, even on a second-hand budget. Aside from saving, decorating your new pad with thrift-store scores is a great way to make your home uniquely yours.
Here’s a shortlist of local second-hand stores to get you started, room by room. And be sure not to rush the hunting process. It’ll eventually come together, one distinctive piece at a time.
Furniture
Bluedoor Antiques and Elements
946 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids
bluedoorgr.com, (616) 456-7888
Behind the signature eye-catching door of Bluedoor Antiques and Elements on Fulton Street lies a treasure trove of matchless furniture finds. Giving off an old French European vibe, the two-story antique shop is filled with reclaimed, recycled and re-purposed furnishing selections for every room in your home.
Walking in, you are immediately met with the shop’s not-so-classic takes on vintage. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home and don’t mind spending a little bit more on quality antique pieces, Bluedoor Antiques might be worth a visit. The store gives you options for the living room, dining room, bedroom and more. Although it’s known for its furniture, Bluedoor also stocks an impressive lighting collection: European chandeliers, sconces, school lights and more. The store, which is speckled with fantastic art pieces, also boasts an assorted selection of home décor – you may discover an antique mirror with a rad gold frame or an old world map that’ll be the cherry-on-top of pulling your home together.
East Fulton Art and Antiques
959 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids
(616) 774-3320
Just a quick walk across the street from Bluedoor and you’ll find yourself at East Fulton Art and Antiques. Another gem. If you’re looking to score dining sets this is the place to be. In addition, it stocks a great selection of bedroom furniture, living room furniture, end tables and chairs.
Electronics
Comprenew
1454 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
comprenew.org, (616) 243-5310
453 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids
(616) 451-4480
5157 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids
(616) 226-6638
11379 E Lakewood Blvd., Holland
(616) 355-4229
Scrounging for used electronics can prove to be a little bit tricky, but Comprenew makes that search a bit easier. Holding the highest level of certifications in the United States for electronic recycling and data security, the electronic thrift store offers a wide variety of technology and manufacturers including: Sony, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba and Apple.
And its selection is all over the place. Its affordable electronic finds include desktop computers, laptops, printers, flat screen TV’s, DVD players, stereos and projectors (for snazzy home movie theaters).
Every location has a Digital Digg’s section, offering electronics that have not been fully tested and are sold as-is, without a warranty. The stores do have pre-purchase testing areas for these gadgets.
Housewares
New 2 You
2929 29th St. SE, Grand Rapids
(616) 942-2929
The old saying may go, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but you won’t find any trash here. New 2 You is an upscale thrift store with quality items at reasonable prices. The store has a decently sized housewares section, including a collection of kitchen dishes, appliances, linens and more. New 2 You General Manager Karen Witte works with the stores committed volunteers and donors to offer the high-quality, affordable finds and keeps new products arriving at the store daily.
Home Decor
Eastown Antiques
1515 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
facebook.com/Eastown.Antiques
(616) 776-1076
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring the shelves at Eastown Antiques. It’s been open for more than 10 years, has two floors of antiques and more than 45 dealers. Browsing the sundry store, you’ll see a large, gold wall mirror fit for Versailles, colorful vases to hold spring flowers, even a vintage rocking horse. This place is also filled with a unique collection of both living room and bedroom furniture, but it’s the little details that’ll draw you in.
