This article was adapted from the original video published through her You Tube channel @texastomilandiyitaly

Hey friends! Looking back on one of my all-time favorite thrifting adventures in Lake Como. If you love vintage finds, home decor, and unique little treasures, you’re going to love this one. Every time I visit this thrift shop, I find the most incredible pieces, and this trip was no exception. So grab a coffee (or an espresso, Italian style), and let’s dive in!

Lake Como’s Exotic Vintage Shopping

Thrifting in Lake Como is like digging through an old attic, you never know what treasures you’ll uncover. You’ll find second-hand shops and antique markets filled with charm and history. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt, and I never know what I’ll come across—maybe a set of hand-painted Italian ceramics, some beautifully aged kitchenware, or even an old mirror that’s been around for decades. There’s something magical about finding pieces with a story. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique home decor item or just love the thrill of discovering something unexpected, Lake Como’s thrifting scene has plenty of surprises waiting.

What You’ll Find in Lake Como’s Thrift

The Magic of Vintage Trays

One of the first things I spotted were these adorable little trays, perfect for serving espresso. Before moving to Italy, I had no idea how essential they were. Here, when you have guests—whether it’s family, friends, or even the electrician fixing your lights—you always offer them a coffee. And by “coffee,” I mean a tiny, strong espresso. A small tray like this makes it so much easier to serve with a spoon, sugar, a cookie (if you have one), and a little napkin. If they don’t want coffee? No problem! You bring them a glass of water (and still, a cookie if you have it). Who knew such a small thing could be so useful?

The Cutest Little Bar Cart

Italian homes tend to be on the smaller side, so when I saw this adorable two-tiered bar cart, I knew it was a great find. These carts are super popular because they add extra storage while keeping things stylish. I seriously had to stop myself from buying it on the spot!

Teapots Everywhere! A Collector’s Dream

This shop always has a fantastic selection of teapots—ceramic, metal, you name it. In Italy, teapots aren’t really used in homes as much as they are in hotels and restaurants. If you order tea at a café, they’ll probably bring it in a cute ceramic teapot. If you’re a collector, this is the place to be! I saw so many gorgeous ones that I had to take a moment to admire them all.

The Beauty of Italian Dish Sets

One of my favorite things about thrifting in Italy is how often you find full dish sets. And when I say full, I mean everything—plates, soup bowls, fruit salad bowls, little dip bowls, the works! If you’re looking for a beautiful, coordinated set, these thrift shops are gold mines. I also found the cutest ceramic canister with a lid, which would be perfect for storing sugar or coffee.

The Prettiest Decorative Glass & Decanter Bottles

Italy is known for its glasswork, and thrift shops are full of beautiful vintage pieces. I found some lovely decorative glassware and a few gorgeous decanter bottles. If you love unique drinkware or need a fancy bottle for your olive oil, these are such a great find!

Vintage Printing Blocks, Shoe Molds & More

Thrifting always brings surprises, and this trip was no different. I stumbled across vintage printing blocks, old shoe molds, and even little wooden boats—such cool, unexpected pieces! Then there were the plant stands, an antique typewriter (yes, really!), and a stunning framed mirror. I love how every piece has its own story.

Tips for Thrifting in Italy 

If you’re planning a thrifting trip in Italy, here are some handy tips:

• Check for hidden flaws – Many thrift shops tape lids onto ceramic pieces, which can hide chips or cracks. Always ask them to remove the tape so you can inspect the piece before buying.
• Look for complete sets – Italian thrift stores often have full dish sets, which can be a great deal if you’re looking for matching pieces.
• Explore different regions – The style of furniture and decor can vary a lot depending on the city or village. If you’re not finding what you like, try another location!
• Be mindful of space – Italian homes are smaller, so compact storage solutions (like bar carts) are always a great find.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate – While prices are usually reasonable, some places may allow a little bargaining, especially for larger items.

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The One Thing I Did Buy

After all that browsing, I only took home one thing—a vintage tin box with a ship design. Francesco’s sister actually picked it out as a gift for him, and he loved it. But he also declared, “This is my last tin. No more tins.” We’ll see how long that lasts!

That’s a wrap on this thrifting trip! I had such a great time exploring, and I can’t wait to go back. Do you love thrifting as much as I do? Have you ever found an amazing vintage treasure? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

Want to see the full adventure? Watch the YouTube video here:

Amazing Thrifting in Lake Como! + thrift haul

Until next time, happy thrifting!