Three secondhand pros share their secrets—how to snag the best finds

1. Cast-iron pans, special spatulas, and linen tablecloths get Satu Koivisto excited

Food writer and influencer Satu Koivisto aims to buy nearly everything secondhand.

“I’d rather go without something if I can’t find it secondhand,” she says.

Satu points out that she has picked up thin-bladed spatulas from thrift stores, which are unbeatable for frying pancakes. She also believes used cast-iron pans are a great find.

“Some of my pans were purchased up to 20 years ago—cast-iron pans last forever if you care for them properly. It’s easy to find cast-iron pans at flea markets, so you don’t really even have to hunt for them.”

Satu sewed her own dress from thrifted curtains, calling it her “curtain dress.” She’s also discovered lovely dishes at secondhand shops.

Satu loves finding vintage linen or half-linen tablecloths and cloth napkins. “The best ones feel sturdy, and the fabric is tightly woven.”

2. Miia Johansson has bought nearly everything used, from Dior sunglasses to bras

Color analysis trainer and social media influencer Miia Johansson says that a few years ago, she got a bit too enthusiastic about buying clothes secondhand and ended up with more than she needed. Then she learned to understand her own style.

“Nowadays, I only buy items from responsible brands on online secondhand platforms and in vintage shops.”

Miia has made great clothing finds especially through online secondhand apps. For example, she found the Dior sunglasses she had been craving at a quarter of their original price.

“People often react with shock at how pricey my secondhand purchases are. However, they last for years, and I often think about how lovely my clothes are,” Miia says.

Miia bought these Understatement brand bras used. “I got horrified reactions on Instagram when I said I had bought my bras at a flea market. But I knew this model and size would be perfect for me.”

3. Katja Rinkinen isn’t bothered by worn paint, but rickety chairs she leaves to others

Interior and lifestyle entrepreneur Katja Rinkinen became really enthusiastic about flea markets and furniture makeovers when she moved into an old house.

“I’ve learned that at home you can turn even your secondhand finds into something wonderful, as long as you learn how to do it. If it doesn’t work right away, you’ll get better with practice.”

Katja suggests weighing whether you’d rather pay for a piece of furniture that’s in good condition or spend time fixing up one that’s in rough shape. She typically opts for the latter.

“For chairs, for example, check the glue joints: does the chair wobble? If the joints are completely worn, it might be hard to fix. If it’s just the paint that’s chipped, I can always sand or repaint it.”

The Thonet chairs around the large dining table were found at an auction for 30 euros (about 35 dollars) each.

Old mirrors often have more soul than new ones, according to Katja. “I often think at flea markets, will I regret it if I don’t take this?”