7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)

We all have a few of those thrift store stories—the ones where we walked away from something… and still think about it weeks (or years) later.

Whether it was a too-good-to-be-true price or a piece I just couldn’t justify at the time, these are the seven thrifted finds I regret not buying—and what they taught me about trusting my vintage-loving instincts.

Maybe you’ve got a few of your own?

7 Thrift Store Finds I Regret Not Buying

Each of these thrift store finds caught my eye at the time—but for one reason or another, I walked away. And I’ve been thinking about them ever since. From vintage decor to antique furniture, here are the seven thrifted treasures I regret not buying—along with the lessons I’ve learned (and won’t forget next time I’m out treasure hunting).

1. The Parisian Blue Worker Coat (That Everyone Was Wearing but Me)

While antiquing in Paris, I kept spotting these incredible vintage blue worker coats—faded in all the right places, worn soft with history, and priced surprisingly low. I hesitated… maybe because it was a bit big on me, I didn’t want to carry it home, or I thought I’d grab one later. Spoiler: I didn’t.

Then, we visited the Antoinette Poisson shop, and the owner was wearing one. Suddenly, I saw it for what it was—absolutely perfect—a little French utilitarian charm with endless style possibilities. I even saw someone wearing one in an Instagram reel recently while making jewelry in Paris, and I instantly felt that same pang. I wish I had bought one. Or two. Or three. I could’ve worn it gardening, styled it in a blog post, or just let it hang beautifully on a hook by the door.

What I learned: If it sparks that much curiosity (and especially if it’s in Paris!), just buy it.

2. The Framed Country Landscape That Belonged in Vermont

While antiquing in Maine last summer, I spotted a beautiful framed painting of a quiet country scene—just the kind of piece that would’ve felt right at home in our Vermont house. The colors were soft, the mood was peaceful, and the frame alone was a showstopper. I stood there for the longest time admiring it, but ultimately, I walked away because of the price.

Looking back, I wish I had at least asked if the seller would be willing to work with me on it. Even if the price stayed firm, I now think it was absolutely worth it. That painting had heart—and it would have brought so much warmth to our space.

What I learned: If a piece speaks to you and you can picture exactly where it belongs, don’t be afraid to ask, negotiate, or sleep on the splurge. Sometimes it’s not just decor—it’s a feeling.

3. The Half Dozen Ironstone Soda Fountain Syrup Tubs I Couldn’t Commit To

While antiquing at the Eagle Bridge Antique Center in upstate New York, I stumbled on a set of about half a dozen antique ironstone syrup containers—and they were absolutely stunning. I already have two of these little beauties in our Maine kitchen, where I love displaying them on the counter. But this collection stopped me in my tracks. The price was around $400 for all of them—not cheap, but fair considering their rarity and condition. The catch? They had to be sold as a set.

I walked away, overwhelmed by the number and the price tag, thinking I didn’t need all 6 of them. But not a week later, I saw someone online styling a row of similar jars with evergreens for Christmas, and another with wildflowers in the summer. They can be tucked onto shelves, filled with wooden spoons, grouped in windows, or placed on a mantle. The possibilities were endless, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since.

What I learned: If the only reason you’re hesitating is quantity—think creatively. You can always gift, share, or rotate pieces seasonally, but it’s hard to go back and find rare vintage like that again.

4. The Pair of White Wrought Iron Beds I Passed On

One day on Facebook Marketplace, I came across two antique white wrought iron beds—and not just any beds. These had once been used in a hospital, but they weren’t clinical or cold. They were filled with charm, featuring curved lines, simple frames, and a vintage character. The seller had styled them in a cozy coastal Maine bedroom, and I could instantly picture them in our upstairs attic bedrooms.

The price? Just $200.
The reason I didn’t buy them? I already had beds—and I wasn’t thinking ahead…

Now, today that we’re wallpapering these same attic rooms in Maine, I so wish I had scooped them up. They would have been perfect side by side, bringing a little storybook feel to those tucked-away guest spaces. And of course, I haven’t seen another pair like them since.

What I learned: If something feels unique and speaks to your home’s future—not just its present—make room for it.

5. Salvaged Tabletop Greenhouses from Vintage Market Days Vermont

At one of my favorite events—Vintage Market Days in Vermont—I came across two absolutely charming tabletop greenhouses made from salvaged windows and weathered wood. They were full of character, beautifully imperfect with their chippy paint and farmhouse charm. I remember standing there thinking, “I don’t have a spot for these,” and walking away. But of course, I haven’t stopped thinking about them since.

Looking back, I know I would have found the perfect place—our porch, a sunny nook, anywhere really. They were homemade, affordable, and full of soul. And now they’re one of those finds I wish I hadn’t passed up.

What I Learned: If something really speaks to you—especially if it’s one-of-a-kind and handmade—don’t let the “I don’t know where I’d put it” hesitation stop you. The right piece always finds its place, and sometimes regret takes up more space than the thing ever would.

6. Vintage Blue Dishes Paired with Ironstone (That Still Haunt Me)

It was about four years ago at Vintage Bazaar New England when I stumbled upon a vendor booth that stopped me in my tracks. A dreamy display of vintage blue dishes, delicately marked and likely French in origin, was styled just so with stacks of creamy white ironstone on a vintage rack. The soft blue hues paired with that classic ironstone patina—it was like a love letter to European farmhouse style.

At the time, I told myself I didn’t need any more dishes. But looking back now, I realize these would’ve made the perfect start to a blue and white vintage collection—something I’ve since fallen in love with. Every time I update a blog post and come across that photo, I get that little pang of regret.

What I Learned: If something truly speaks to you, especially something as timeless and collectible as vintage blue dishware, listen to that little voice. You don’t need a reason to start a collection, and mixing blue transferware with vintage ironstone is always a classic combo that looks beautiful year-round. Next time, I won’t talk myself out of it.

7. The Cedar Shake Birdhouse That Got Away

It looked like the sweetest little church-turned-cottage, complete with cedar shake siding, a chimney, and charming windows lining the front. But it wasn’t a home, it was a birdhouse! And it would have matched our cedar-shake home in Maine perfectly. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it would have made such a darling replacement for the old birdhouse at our front door, one I gave to my parents over 25 years ago that’s now getting on in age.

I recently found an old mailbox that pairs beautifully with our home’s cedar shake siding—and that one I didn’t leave behind, although I almost did. What a great, unique addition this little birdhouse would have been—its matching cedar shakes and rustic details would’ve added so much curb appeal. Mixing pieces like this—a birdhouse here, a mailbox there—all with that New England cottage charm, brings such a welcoming and cozy feel to a home’s exterior. Discover more in this Unique Mailbox Creative Curb Appeal Design Ideas post.

Lesson learned: When a vintage find feels like it was made for your home, don’t overthink it—just grab it. That little cedar shake birdhouse would have added the perfect touch of charm to our Maine home. Now I know to trust those moments of inspiration before they flutter away!

Conclusion: Learning from Thrift Store Regrets

Every vintage lover has a few thrift store regrets—the pieces we walked away from that still linger in our minds. Whether it was an antique painting, a charming pair of iron beds, or a dozen ironstone jars, these missed opportunities have one thing in common: they taught me something.

Thrifting and antiquing aren’t just about what you bring home—they’re about trusting your gut, recognizing rarity, and sometimes embracing the beauty of a splurge like this chippy apothecary that I surely don’t regret.

I hope these stories inspire you to lean in when something truly special catches your eye. Because when it comes to thrifted and vintage finds, it’s often the one you don’t buy that sticks with you the longest.

What’s your biggest thrift regret? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

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