Trendy and Affordable Places to Thrift in Toronto in 2020!
Styling a space to be both hip and functional — while on a budget — might seem overwhelming. It can be especially daunting with each new wave of trends that seem to pop up every January. But fear not! For those of you with heady plans to revitalize your home this year, we’re listing our favourite trendy and affordable places to thrift in Toronto in 2020, and some our Top 5 design pointers for the year ahead.
1. What’s Hot in the World of Home Decor This Year?
Home decor blogs and interior design magazines are touting abstract patterns, natural textures (such as unpolished wood), and raw woven materials — like heavy knits and wool — as must-haves. In terms of design: keep it simple, clean, with hard lines and a touch of mid-century modern glamour, and you’ll have the keys to a trendy pad in 2020.
2. Where to Begin?
Don’t rush! Take your time. On the very first day of your redesign, don’t run out and buy a gallon of paint or a bold statement chair (for example!). Just because it’s trendy, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s for you. Sit on ideas and let them percolate until you know .
Take measurements and sketch it out. Without proper planning, you could end up excitedly buying a dresser off of Marketplace, picking it up and getting it home, then finding out it doesn’t fit down your staircase (this is just an example and absolutely did not happen to this writer … eek!). If you’re a thorough planner, you can always use painters tape to physically map out where you’d like to place new furniture.
Pick up paint swatches. Even if you don’t plan on painting, ideating with colour themes for your room(s) will help you devise a cohesive plan.
Create a mood board. This could be physical or virtual (on Pinterest, for example). Conceptualize your ideas then look for like-for-like products that match your style and theme.
3. Why Thrift? Why Not Buy New?
Thrifting and antiquing are economical and environmentally friendly ways to find that hidden gem that will make your space pop!
There are heavy eco-ramifications involved with the rise of ‘fast furniture.’
According to Caring Consumer:
“Fast furniture is a relatively new phenomenon driven by advances in manufacturing techniques and innovations in world supply chains. The speed at which it’s grown has been staggering, with two million tons of furniture being produced in the United States in 1960 and doubling by 1980. It reached 12 million tons by 2018, and fast furniture shows no signs of slowing down. The environmental impact associated with home furnishings has increased accordingly, with an estimated nine million tons of furniture being thrown out in 2018 in the US.'”
Thankfully, there are plenty of antique markets and thrift shops in Toronto. This means that you can successfully avoid contributing to this environmental nightmare while scooping up a unique-to-you piece — and on a budget.
4. Our Top Affordable Places to Thrift in Toronto.
1. St. Lawrence Antique Market
2. Aberfoyle Antique Market
3. Ransack the Universe
4. Door Number Two Vintage
5. The Handwork Department
Beyond the shops listed above, there’s an abundance of pop-up markets in Toronto, including the Trinity Bellwoods Flea and the Leslieville Flea (to name just two).
Thrifting for budget-friendly pieces to revive your space can be a fun process, especially with so many options at your fingertips.
5. If you’re not planning a major revamp, these simple design tips and tricks might help!
Whether it’s a house, apartment or dorm room, changing one key item in a space can be a simple and affordable way to freshen things up for the new year.
Work with what you already have. For example, you could redo a pre-existing mirror with a vintage frame. This will help create the illusion of space while adding a focal point to a room that might be lacking a bit of depth or pizazz!
Add textiles to the mix. Throws are a great addition to any living room or bedroom. They’re an easy, affordable way to add a pop of on-trend colour while serving a practical purpose. Wall hangings, needle points, macramé, and tapestries are a hot home decor trend this year. They help soften the design of a feature wall, while adding a unique and trendy flare.
Paint a feature wall! Did you know that most paint stores offer mis-tints? This means you’ll find colours that were mis-matched or unwanted by another customer. The benefit to you? A cheap (like, really cheap!) can of paint. This Linda Holt Creative post will help you to decide which wall to paint for your desired effect.
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Our Takeaway
With retro themes being key factors to this year’s trends, handmade and vintage shops are the place to be! Check out stores like Vintage B. (housed on the lower level of every Arts Market location and boasting 20+ independent vintage dealers in each spot), and visit our Top Affordable Places to Thrift (from the links above) and you’re sure to find something truly unique for a fraction of the price. An extra special bonus: shopping at stores like these allows you to support your local community of sellers!
