BUY THIS, THRIFT THAT | a home decor buying guide for furniture, lamps, art, bedding, and more!

Shop my Kotn selects here: kotn.com/ethangaskill and use code ETHANGASKILL15 for 15% off.
In today's video, I'm sharing some of my thoughts (and maybe a hot take or two) on what home items you should consider buying new versus thrifting or buying secondhand. We'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both options, covering everything from upholstered furniture and bedding to wooden furniture and decorative items. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, I'll guide you to make the best choices for your home and lifestyle. Special shoutout to our sponsor, Cotton, for their beautiful and sustainable home textiles.Grab a coffee or tea, get comfortable, and enjoy.
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00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:38 New vs. Thrift: The Debate
03:47 Buy New: Upholstered Furniture
06:12 Thrift: Leather Sofas and Chairs
07:47 Buy New: Bedding and Textiles
11:40 Thrift: Wooden Furniture
13:55 Buy New: Technology and Appliances
15:19 Thrift: Decorative Items
16:11 Buy New: Rugs
17:52 Thrift: Coffee Table Books
19:17 Buy New: Lamps and Lighting Fixtures
22:02 Thrift: Art and Frames
23:19 Conclusion

[@StephenHeigh]

I'm glad you brought up art and frames. Vintage frames are the best and there's so many out there. You have to make that separation of art and frame and have it become a mindset. You have to at times look past the art in the vintage frame because if it's not for your taste you can and envision something in the frame that you like. The frame is such a difference maker. Just disassemble the art from the frame and measure the opening and figure out if you want a matted new piece or something that goes edge to edge. They are often standard frame sizes and if it's not a standard size then do some of your own art that fits. The frame is an accessory and an eclectic touch that can make an impact. This is the same thing to do if you find a piece of art with a frame that does not match your taste. It's an easy fix.

[@jennifernichols509]

I would love a part 2. Hope you get better quickly!

[@ethangaskill]

I am fully recovered! This video was filmed a week and half ago so I'm much better now - thank you for supporting the channel

[@renniarodney6899]

not one to comment usually but just wanted to say i love your content! it's really helpful and provides a ton of inspo while just being chill/not clickbait-y. keep it up!

[@ethangaskill]

you're so sweet - I appreciate you taking time to watch and hang out :)

[@Laneythekid]

I agree with almost all of this! I prefer leather for the durability in general but it can be so expensive that it's honestly unattainable if it's not secondhand. And pottery/books can be crazy expensive new as well. The only things I'm okay with are vintage lighting (because my husband is an engineer who can rewire it all) and buying new art from artists that I love. It's an investment to buy new handmade art (don't get me wrong, I love a thrifted piece too) but as an artist myself I find that filling my home with art that inspires me is key to feeling creative. Right now for me that means buying prints from artists who are still alive or buying vintage art and thrifting frames! Getting things professionally framed is such a sticker shock that I was not prepared for... luckily it's not super hard to thrift a professional frame and swap the art.

[@96llm]

Agree on the art! I feel like a lot of interiors channels talk about buying art secondhand and that is definitely a step up from buying HomeGoods or Target mass produced imagery, but there is something so cool about buying art from an artist you've met, knowing you're supporting them. It's not celebrity artists just for super rich people, there are lots of small gallery openings when you're in a big city and pieces are often less than you'd think. There's also student art sales and the option of going for prints if you can't afford an original. Maybe it's just because I have multiple artist and illustrator friends, but it's just so special to know you're directly supporting an artist's livelihood.

[@ethangaskill]

Oh, professional framing is crazzzzyyyy expensive. I remember a long time ago (when I knew nothing about design or decor) I found a couple art prints from a website I loved for I think around $50-$60 each. I went to get them framed and the framing alone was around $300 per art print. I ended up doing it anyway cause their dimensions basically made me need to get custom framing but I couldn't believe how pricey it was... beautiful results though!

[@CaitiSM]

While I understand your first point about "used" upholstery fabric, current sofa construction is NOTABLY worse than in the past. From an article on Dwell: "sofas made in the past 15 years or so are absolute garbage, constructed of sawdust compressed and bonded with cheap glue, simple brackets in place of proper joinery, substandard spring design, flimsy foam, and a lot of staples." And it's not just Wayfair, but more expensive brands like Resto Hardware. Whereas old pieces are still around for a reason. If you need a sofa, it's best to learn the basics of sofa construction/quality to ask the proper questions if you choose to buy new, or to be able to evaluate older pieces.

[@Laneythekid]

I've heard SUCH bad things about RH furniture and can't believe they are able to charge around 10K for a sofa... Personally I'm keeping my eye out for something vintage and leather with solid wood construction

[@ethangaskill]

That's a valid point! I based my opinions and talking points on my own personal experiences and those of people close to me. It seems like we both agree that vintage furniture often has superior craftsmanship so we're definitely on the same page there.. Still, while the construction quality of many modern sofas may be lacking, my focus in this video was more on the external materials. Nonetheless, thank you for watching and offering your perspective ◡̈

[@TamishaFordDesign]

Great episode, Ethan! I agreed with every single one of your ‘new’ vs. ‘used’ categories!

[@christinaslocum8761]

Part 2 for sure. This was very informative.

[@user-qn1gs7rb3o]

Would love a part 2 Ethan! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences re: buying new vs used. This is very helpful. Hubby and I are new to vintage/antique shopping and we’re enjoying it.

[@l.m.n.2338]

I so agree about used electronics and appliances. I lucked out with one vintage lamp that was a designer steal and I've had it for over twenty years. But any other tech or appliance I have bought second hand was a gamble. I recently purchased an Ikea lamp and it looks vintage so I'm cool with that. For coffee table books don't overlook your local library. No, you can't keep the books but you can switch out your curation frequently at no cost. People tend to forget libraries have art books. I'm a librarian, trust me on this. And be really careful with bed linens. I ordered a linen set from Quince and the sheets have literally ripped and have huge holes. They did not hold up and I've barely had them a year. If anyone knows of another source for good sheets, I want cotton percale this time in a rich dark blue or dark green, let me know. I still find the only great ones I ever owned were Macy's Hotel Collection so I may go back to those if I can't source anything else.

[@Laneythekid]

I've had a really good experience with Piglet in Bed and I've heard a lot of people love Brooklinen. Piglet is expensive and definitely more of an investment than I would've liked but their linen is SO nice (they have cotton options as well but I can't speak for those). I've had my sheets/duvet cover for a little over three years and they are only more soft than when I got them. My cat literally zooms around/gets stuck/hangs off of them and she physically wasn't able to put any holes in them. The color is completely retained and I was even able to get a wine stain out of the light striped fabric without messing up the pattern. If you're only thinking about cotton because of a bad linen experience, I'd give Piglet a try!!

[@ethangaskill]

I honestly had no clue libraries carried coffee table books! I'll have to go check them out. The ones I show in this video from Kotn are incredible but I also plan on doing an entire video all about my favorite bedding, bed care products, tips + such!

[@aricamccarthy1421]

I’ve had good luck with schoolhouse, but if I remember correctly they mostly have patterned sheets? Could be wrong though, also $$$ however

[@nishababezz]

Yes on part 2. I enjoyed this video

[@PhilGuidry]

Part 2, please!

[@cholaybrown]

Thank you! I’ve spent months potentially years in the loop of trying to figure this out. Stuck in a loop of guilt from consumerism but never quite finding what I need or looking for second hand.

[@carolina92861]

I get my freak on quite often on my fabric sofa, so no, I'd never buy a used fabric anything.

[@ethangaskill]

Oh-

[@LeCrenn]

Agree with much of this,, but you can replace the wiring of a lamp yourself for very little money. Hardware stores sell kits with all the parts you need. It’s pretty easy.

[@williamhodgson1428]

The chief benefit with leather is it can be professionally cleaned and conditioned to look as new, and as you point out it develops a beautiful patina as it ages. I did ponder getting rid of my Italian leather sofa, but it’s cognac colour is beginning to age nicely so I’ve changed my mind and saved myself around $2000.

[@jacobbwalters8133]

Part 2 requested!

[@steamdecknation7908]

What is the name of the lighting brand based in New York you mentioned?

[@stephenbarr773]

always enjoy your videos, especially like your microphone, it looks vintage.

[@ethangaskill]

hahaha, it isn't vintage but I love that it gives that vibe. Appreciate you watching and supporting the channel ◡̈

[@CaitiSM]

Also, please take your lamp to be rewired. Professionals exist to do this very thing, and it doesn't cost much. In the past we as a culture had a much better commitment to repairing instead of just throwing away and buying something new.

[@ethangaskill]

I will! Rest assured, I am definitely not throwing this lamp away haha

[@user-ny3ww9cw2g]

As far as your lamp goes... Check out how to rewire a lamp on KZbin... It takes about 15 minutes and everything is available at your local hardware store....

[@-.-.-.-.-..]

@@ethangaskillThey sell lamp kits, it’s not that difficult. Good luck.

[@Teetee554]

I'm always cautious of what I purchase from thrift stores, I've been lucky to find a few art pieces like a water coloring and a lithograph. Please share where you purchased your bookshelf beside you?

[@ethangaskill]

The bookshelf is the stories bookcase from design within reach!

[@cd2659]

I had a very old 4 arm chandelier re-wired and it cost $30. I also have re-wired many lamps from the thrift myself and I am a terrible instruction reader. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Buy the used/vintage/antique lamps!

[@BBrianAguilarr]

Where did you got that coffee mug

[@ethangaskill]

thrifted it ◡̈

[@lenettasmith-murray2145]

Goodwill is horribly expensive. You might as well go buy brand new, as far as clothes go. Great seeing you. Hope puppy is doing good. Have a great summer 🌞.

[@Anthony-fr8tj]

Why do you turn around all your books?

[@briannawilliams8779]

I know that a lot of people do it for the simplicity in tone and aesthetic

[@6r4nd0n]

Please rewire your lamp! It’s so easy. Just watch a couple KZbin videos and it will take five minutes, and it will make you so happy once it’s fixed. 😁

[@masonvp1407]

YEAHHH PAIGE WASSEL MENTIONED

[@ethangaskill]

always! I love her sm

[@janelledwards6084]

* you need to remove the hyphen at the end of your Kotn link

[@ethangaskill]

ahhh, thank you!

[@joshualindner6255]

bro you can get vintage lamps rewired so easily lmao. any vintage lamp probably should be rewired if its actually vintage too

[@eily_b]

Yeah, certain KZbinrs and TikTokers ruined thrift stores for people who actually rely on them...

[@ethangaskill]

I'm not sure if this comment is directed at me, but I believe there's plenty of overflow in landfills for everyone to make use of thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales. Encouraging people who can afford to buy everything new to do so doesn't seem practical or environmentally sensible to me.

[@AlicedeTerre]

Love love love your icks tiktok series but gotta personally disagree with every buy new point lol. Sustainability and ethical sourcing is at the top of my list, and nothing beats 2nd hand for that, especially big ticket items that take enormous amounts of resources like electronics, large furniture, rugs, etc. I've gotten 2nd had all the things you said to not: bedding, upholstered furniture, electronics, lighting etc, but to be fair I've been in the thrifting game a while and have gotten really good at evaluating the condition of things from pictures or in stores as well as leveled up my repair and renovation skills. The deals you can find if you're willing to invest the time and effort to clean a piece is well worth it for anyone. For example, I bought linen sheets to replace my cotton ones. The one I got 2nd hand was the same price of one I got new but the quality is soooooo much better, it's thicker, softer, with a higher thread count, whereas the new linen sheet I got was so thin it was transparent. If you thrift or buy vintage clothes, there's no difference to 2nd hand bedding. If you stay in a hotel or somewhere else, you are sleeping on "2nd hand" sheets. You can wash fabric if you're doing laundry already. And as far as electronics go, remember to test the product and evaluate it carefully, but you can find some amazing deals on appliances that people grew tired of. My hot water heater, Vitamix, food processors, sound bar all work great. I buy refurbished cell phones to avoid contributing to the slavery and labor exploitation in areas where they mine the minerals. With all the trash being sent to landfill and the horrendous worker and land exploitation, I always always always encourage to people to shop 2nd hand first, and then consider other options if they can't find what they're looking for.

[@bonbonS1969]

this man is so hot wtf🥵😭

[@steamdecknation7908]

So are you still single or nah?

[@melissaspurlock2321]

Aren’t you a cutey patooty! New subscriber and am enjoying your content but I have to be honest. Please lose the background jazz music. It’s distracting from what you’re sharing with us. Not throwing shade. Just trying to be helpful.