When it comes to staging a home for sale, not everything needs to be brand new. In fact, professional stagers often turn to thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces for certain secondhand items that add warmth and style without breaking the budget. These tried-and-true pieces help create that polished, lived-in look buyers love.
We reviewed interviews with staging experts, insights from the Real Estate Staging Association, and recent home-staging trend reports to find out which used items consistently make the cut.
Neutral Area Rugs
A good rug can anchor a room and soften hard flooring—but it doesn’t have to be brand new. Stagers regularly buy gently used neutral rugs from places like Facebook Marketplace or estate sales. As long as the rug is clean, odor-free, and in good shape, it can help define a space and create that “homey” feeling buyers respond to. Area rugs are among the top secondhand scores for stagers due to their high retail prices and easy washability.
Dining Chairs (Mismatched Sets)
Professional stagers often seek out mix-and-match dining chairs to create visual interest and a cozy vibe. Secondhand wooden or upholstered chairs can be cleaned, re-stained, or painted to match a neutral palette. According to staging pros at Living Etc, mismatched chairs can give a dining area personality while still looking coordinated when kept within a similar tone or style.
Large Mirrors
Used mirrors are a staging staple. They reflect light, make spaces feel bigger, and add a touch of elegance. Oversized framed mirrors, especially in classic gold or black finishes, are frequently found secondhand for a fraction of retail price. As HomeLight notes in its home-staging guide, mirrors are key in small rooms, hallways, or entryways—making them a worthwhile secondhand buy.
Books
Yes—books. Specifically, hardcover books in neutral tones, which are used to style bookshelves, coffee tables, and nightstands. Professional stagers often buy them by the box at thrift stores or library sales. According to staging consultant Kristie Barnett (The Decorologist), color-coordinated spines can subtly elevate a room’s style without distracting from the space itself.
Console Tables
Entryways and behind-the-sofa setups often need a narrow table—and stagers don’t mind if it’s secondhand. These pieces are usually painted or styled with trays, vases, or baskets, making minor blemishes easy to hide. In fact, HGTV recommends console tables as a must-have for staging tight or transitional spaces, and many pros source them from local thrift shops or Craigslist.
Decorative Lamps
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to modernize a space, and stagers love secondhand lamps for their affordability and charm. Whether it’s ceramic, glass, or wood, a stylish lamp base with a new shade can completely refresh a room. Just be sure the wiring is safe. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, lighting is one of the top five visual upgrades buyers notice immediately.
Art Frames (With or Without Art)
Artwork doesn’t need to be expensive to look good. In fact, stagers often buy used frames and replace the art with printed photography, pressed botanical prints, or abstract designs. Frames in neutral finishes or natural wood tones are always in demand. Professional stager Tori Toth recommends searching secondhand stores for oversized or unique frames that can become inexpensive focal points.
Woven Baskets
Stylish and functional, woven baskets are everywhere in staged homes—for storing throws, hiding cords, or adding texture to a bare corner. Many stagers buy these secondhand, especially at flea markets or consignment shops. Baskets add warmth and a natural touch, and as Real Simple’s home staging experts note, they’re ideal for quick decluttering before showings.
