18 August 2014

Canberra Op Shop Guide – House Edition

| Heather Lansdowne
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Looking to update your décor? Why not give Target a miss and head to your local op-shop for a fun day of bargain hunting? Today, I’m going to give you a look at some of the cool things I’ve thrifted for my home…

Nanna blankets

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In my opinion crocheted rainbow nanna blankets are one of the best inventions in all of human history, and you will find a plethora of them at any op shop. Considering the time and money that goes into making these things (apparently all that wool is expensive!) paying about $5-$10 for such a snuggly blanky is a ridiculous bargain. Look out for ones that complement your colour scheme for a cosy and fun couch accessory.

Books

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Although books are great for reading, they can also be very pretty (as evidenced by my gorgeous Australia book, bird magazines and illustrated flower book)! Look out for quirky cover art and use them as a statement piece on your bookshelf or coffee table. Most books and magazines will be anywhere from 50c to $5.

Ornaments

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Cute ornaments add a little character to your home, and you can even start a fun collection (but beware of becoming a hoarder, you have been warned!) As you can see, I have a thing for birds like these parrot and flamingo figurines. You’ll also find lots of horses, teddy bears and cars that kids will love to have lining their shelves.

Mirrors

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I’ve found heaps of cool mirrors in op shops, many of them with interesting prints or logos painted onto them. These are perfect pieces to hang on the wall or prop up on your bedside table.

Wall art

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If you lean towards a retro kitschy aesthetic, you will love op shop art. The theme for my bedroom is ‘90s motel room’, so I’ve chosen some pastel prints along with these vintage postcards. You can usually find framed photos and paintings from $5 to $25.

Wooden furniture

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I love a good second hand item, but I tend to draw the line at things like couches that can’t be washed. However, I’ve had a lot of luck with wooden furniture that can be easily wiped down and updated with a quick paint job if necessary. This blue coffee table was a steal at just $10, and it’s held up well despite being subject to the abuses of share house life. Older furniture is just so much sturdier and better constructed than anything you’ll find in Ikea, so I’d really recommend it to students or anyone moving out for the first time.

How about you, have you had any luck furnishing your home with op shop finds?

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Heather Lansdowne9:34 pm 19 Aug 14

There’s a crazy amount of stock in op shops don’t worry about that! From someone who goes pretty often the turnover seems to be very high too. It seems to be more of a problem that the bins are often overflowing with stuff, and as mentioned, the profits from selling these items goes to the needy so its win/win in my eyes!

watto23 said :

I’m in two minds about what sort of people should shop at op/charity shops. I’m happy to donate good quality items to them, but feel if I can afford to buy elsewhere then i should, so that those less well off aren’t deprived. Also i’ve known many many stingy people to shop there and I just feel its not the right thing to do If i can afford to buy elsewhere.

Maybe its a bit snobby of me, I’m not sure. I do shop at commercial second shops though. So maybe my interpretation of the target audience for op/charity shops is wrong.

Op shops are quite pricey now. Don’t worry, really poor people can go to Vinnies with a voucher and get stuff for free. The op shops want your business – there’s an oversupply of second-hand clothes, so they turn donations into money to help people with.

Watto, I think you will find that op shops have plenty of stock. They are happy to sell to anyone (rich or poor) as the profits are all ploughed back into worthwhile projects. Buying from op shops is a positive thing and you wouldn’t be depriving anyone.

watto, if it makes you feel better the profits of op shops run by charities go into helping the less fortunate and needy, including those who can’t afford to shop there.

I’m in two minds about what sort of people should shop at op/charity shops. I’m happy to donate good quality items to them, but feel if I can afford to buy elsewhere then i should, so that those less well off aren’t deprived. Also i’ve known many many stingy people to shop there and I just feel its not the right thing to do If i can afford to buy elsewhere.

Maybe its a bit snobby of me, I’m not sure. I do shop at commercial second shops though. So maybe my interpretation of the target audience for op/charity shops is wrong.

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