Interior designers dish out six types of dining room items—from decor to tableware—they frequently shop for at thrift stores.

It's not unusual to have a lot of empty wall space in a dining room, so introducing small furniture items that sit to one side can add a focal point, as well as space to display decor.

Look for an easy upgrade, splurge on something unexpected ... such as the collection of photogravures by Lorna Simpson she installed on her dining room wall. But she also values something more ...