E es on t e prize
Charity shops are laden with secondhand gems – but there are some items you may want to snap up quicker than others. So, next time you’re in a jam-packed op shop struggling to see the wood for the trees, keep an eye out for these prized goodies.
Retro kitchenware There’s something to be said for long-lasting kitchenware, especially when it also looks cute as all heck. Snap up Bakelite storage containers and well-preserved glass casserole dishes and bowls – bonus marks if they’re real-deal vintage Pyrex.
Frames and wall art Even if paintings of buxom women in the woods or small crying children don’t float your boat, it’s worth checking out the artwork in an op shop for the cheap and characterful frames alone.
Vintage suitcases They’ll haul your luggage across the globe, or stack up in a pile to create lovely-looking storage. If a Wes Anderson vibe is your cup of tea, just make sure to open the suitcase first to check for dampness or musty odours.
Old books Whether your end goal is reading, home-decorating or collage art, op shops are a smorgasbord of beautiful old books. You may get lucky and stumble across a first-edition gem, but there are also plenty of handy gardening manuals, kids’ stories and collectable cookbooks.
Silverware Keep your eyes peeled for precious metal buried in a pile of stainless steel knives and forks. You’ll know it’s real silver if it has a slightly tarnished look, and makes a faint ringing sound when you tap it.
Mid-century furniture From wooden cabinets to upholstered armchairs and glass-topped tables, furniture from the late ’40s to early ’70s never goes out of style. Look for clean lines and classic shapes, usually crafted from solid wood. Australian-made brands like Parker and TH Brown are especially covetable.
Classic clothing Forget fast fashion – save your op-shop pennies for timeless clothing items. Smart blazers will serve you well for years to come, as will good-quality denim, a well-cut dress, woollen coats and leather handbags.
Rattan and cane Secondhand cane and rattan furnishings can cost a bomb online, so if you stumble across a ’70s-style plant stand, mirror or bedside table at an op shop, snap it up while you can.
All the ceramics Fun vases! Retro crockery! Kitsch knick-knacks! Novelty teapots! There’s a whole world of potted goodness on the op shop ‘bric-a-brac’ shelf. (Extra-large high fives if you come across brands like Kathie Winkle, Crown Lynn, Hornsea Pottery or Johnson of Australia.)