Secondhand Summer: 8 Viral Thrift Store Finds You Should Hunt for Right Now

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Summer 2025 is heating up—and so are the thrift store aisles.

If you’re anything like me, you already know the real seasonal gems aren’t found in big-box stores—they’re tucked away on secondhand shelves, waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, styling your porch, or prepping for a summer gathering, now is the perfect time to score budget-friendly, secondhand treasures that feel totally on-trend.

woman decorating her outdoor area

Here are the 8 thrift store finds going viral this summer—and exactly how to use them to create your best thrift-rich season yet.

8 viral thrift store finds

1. Wicker and Rattan Everything

Summer 2025 is all about light, airy textures—and rattan is the star of the show. These woven beauties bring a breezy, beachy vibe to any space. Keep an eye out for:

  • Wicker plant stands
  • Rattan headboards and trays

Woven storage baskets

rattan type of sofa and vase

These timeless pieces instantly add warmth and a coastal flair to your home. They’re perfect for patios, porches, and boho-chic interiors. For a laid-back summer aesthetic, pair your finds with natural materials like linen, terracotta, and jute.

Don’t miss my tutorial for how to age terracotta with a lime wash!

2. Colorful Glassware for Outdoor Entertaining

Amber, emerald, ocean blue—vibrant vintage glassware is trending hard. These colorful cuties are showing up all over Pinterest and Instagram and are ideal for:

  • Summer tablescapes
  • Garden party cocktails
  • Candle holders or bud vases
different glass wares

Thrifted wine glasses, goblets, and tumblers can easily be mixed and matched to create a curated-yet-eclectic look straight out of a boutique.

Pro Tip: Vintage punch bowls are making a comeback! Grab one now to elevate your next backyard bash before they disappear!

punch bowl

3. Low Lounge Furniture and Floor Cushions

Patio season means creating cozy corners for lounging—and low-profile furniture is making a serious comeback. Keep an eye out for:

  • Vintage ottomans
  • Cushioned benches
  • Outdoor chairs you can re-cover with waterproof fabric
vintage outdoor furniture

Floor cushions and oversized pillows can transform your backyard into a festival-worthy chill zone.

Pro Tip: Mix and match thrifted cushions to create a cozy, boho-style floor lounge around your fire pit or picnic area.

4. Lightweight Linen and Cotton Clothing

Linen is the fabric of summer—and your local thrift store is full of it. Look for:

  • White button-downs
  • Wide-leg trousers
  • Midi dresses
  • Earth-toned, breathable fabrics

Neutral, flowy pieces are stylish, comfortable, and perfect for transitioning into fall. Don’t forget to check the men’s section—oversized linen shirts make excellent beach coverups or layering pieces.

5. Vintage Floral Prints for Tablecloths & Curtains

Romantic florals and cottagecore vibes are dominating 2025 decor trends. The fabric and linen aisle is full of hidden gems like:

  • Flat sheets with dainty floral patterns
  • Lace and embroidered tablecloths
  • Retro tea towels
ditsy floral dress

Use them as table runners, picnic blankets, curtain panels—or repurpose them into unique DIY projects.

Pro Tip: A vintage floral sheet can become a summer dress, throw pillow, or even a beach wrap. The possibilities are endless!

6. Y2K and ‘90s Accessories

Fashion flashback alert! The Y2K revival is still going strong. Look for accessories that take you back to the early 2000s:

  • Bucket hats
  • Clip-on earrings
  • Straw bags
  • Tiny backpacks and sling bags
different earrings

These throwback pieces are the perfect way to add personality and playfulness to your summer outfits.

7. Outdoor Dining Finds: Melamine & Picnic Supplies

Hosting outdoors this summer? Thrift stores have everything you need. Explore the kitchen section for:

  • Vintage melamine plates (they’re lightweight and unbreakable)
  • Picnic baskets
  • Serving trays and drink dispensers
outdoor dinnerware

A $3 thrifted tray can easily become your patio drink station. Plus, mismatched plates in bright colors offer a relaxed, eco-conscious alternative to disposables.

Outdoor Lighting

Longer days call for magical evenings—and thrifted lighting can help set the mood. Look for:

  • Solar lights
  • Lanterns
  • Candle holders and candles
  • Lamps (cut the cord and use battery-operated bulbs!)
outdoor patio at night

Don’t miss my solar powers chandeliers!

Bonus: How to Thrift for Summer Like a Pro

Want to level up your secondhand scores? Use these tips to become a pro thrifter:

  • Shop midweek—stores restock after busy weekends
  • Hit up estate and garage sales for vintage patio furniture and garden decor
  • Always bring measurements, especially for furniture or planters

Think ahead—now’s the perfect time to thrift for fall layering pieces while they’re still cheap

Don’t miss my top 10 list of what to thrift for FALL!

outdoor look after

Ready To Hunt?

Thrifting is the ultimate way to refresh your summer space and wardrobe—on a budget and with a purpose. Not only are you scoring one-of-a-kind finds, but you’re also helping keep beautiful secondhand goods out of landfills.

If you spot one of these trending summer thrift items in the wild, I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram [@TheRuralLegendCo] and use #SecondhandSquad or #ThriftRich to share your finds. This community is full of creative minds, and I can’t wait to see what you discover and transform!

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xoxo, L

what you should be thrifting for summer