There I was scoping out my favorite Savers aisle when I spotted it: a lonely, shapely vessel begging for a Pottery Barn-worthy glow-up. Fast-forward to me obsessively studying PB’s newest textured vases, clutching a $2 tiling tool, and whipping up my faux-artisan secret weapon: joint compound. The result? A luxe indigo beauty that perfectly ties into my blue-hued living room… and costs less than my coffee order.
Thrift Store Vase Makeover: How to Get the ‘Designer’ Look for Cheap
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I can’t resist scouring the vase section at my local Savers. I’m always hunting for interesting shapes with ‘good bones’ pieces I can transform with a little texture and paint. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Pottery Barn’s collection (especially that stunning white combed-texture vase!), but with my new blue rug anchoring the living room, I wanted something deeper. Enter: indigo chalk paint, a tub of trusty joint compound, and the cheapest tiling tool from the hardware store. Today, I’m sharing how I created a high-end textured vase for under $16—no pottery wheel required!
Before: The Thrifted Vase
Meet my $6 Savers score (I had a 20% discount coupon, so it was closer to $5)! I zeroed in on this vase because of its generous curves—that wide belly and tapered neck just scream ‘expensive ceramic’ with the right makeover. The best part? That smooth, blank-slate surface (no weird ridges or logos!) meant my joint compound would adhere perfectly.
Why This Vase Had Potential:
- Shape: That voluptuous silhouette (wide base + graceful neck) mimics high-end artisan vases
- Surface: Smooth, unblemished ceramic = perfect texture canvas
- Sturdiness: Heavy enough to handle aggressive texturing without tipping
- Inspection: Held it up to check for hairline cracks (dealbreakers!)
Thrifting Tips for Newbies: How to Spot a Diamond in the Rough
(My 10+ Vase Makeovers Taught Me This)
LOOK FOR:
- Weighty pieces (thin glass/ceramic won’t hold texture)
- Simple shapes (avoid fluted edges or ornate details)
- Neutral colors (easier to paint over than neon glaze)
- Wide openings (if you want to actually use it for flowers!)
AVOID:
- Cracks (enough said, don’t buy it if you see hairline fractures)
- Plastic (joint compound or paint won’t adhere well)
- Super glossy finishes (unless you love sanding)
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Thrifted Vase Makeover: Step-by-Step
Oh, I forgot to show you the pieces from Pottery Barn! Here are the 2 vases that I am drawing my inspiration from today:
Materials You Will Need
- Joint compound (for texture)
- Plastic tiling tool with teeth (or any comb-like tool for texture)
- Chalk paint or Matte Acrylic (I’m doing an indigo blue)
- White chalk (for aging/distressing)
- Paintbrushes (I used a large & a small detailed brush)
- Matte Spray Topcoat or this one (recommended)
Note: Joint compound and spackling are different; do not use spackling for this project.
Step 1: Apply the Joint Compound Base
Grab your vase by the unpainted rim (this is your handle!) and start slathering on joint compound like you’re frosting a cake—thick enough to hold texture, but not so heavy it slides.
Pro tip: Use a putty knife to scrape off excess globs as you go, aiming for an even coat (no perfection needed here—organic is the goal!)
**Use a damp paper towel to help smooth out the joint compound after removing the excess**
Step 2: Create The Textured Pattern
Now for the magic! Take your $2 toothed tiling tool and drag it through the compound in 2-inch sections, changing direction each time (think: north, then southwest, then east—like an abstract puzzle). Avoid overlapping wet sections to keep the texture crisp. The key? Let the grooves feel random but intentional—just like Pottery Barn’s ‘artisan’ look!
You will want to save the neck and opening of the vase for last so you have something to grip onto if needed.
Embrace the Imperfections!
This technique is meant to look artisan, not machine-made—so don’t stress over ‘mistakes.’ Uneven grooves? Wobbly lines? They add character! If a section truly bothers you:
- Smooth it out with your finger or tiling tool
- Add fresh compound and re-texture that spot
- Step back—you’ll notice most ‘flaws’ disappear once painted!
Step 3: Refine & Dry
Once fully textured, gently run your fingers over the vase to knock down any sharp ridges (unless you want a more dramatic look). Let it dry overnight—this is when the joint compound hardens into a faux-ceramic feel.
Step 4: Painting The Vase
Now for the fun part – color! While you can use any shade you love, I highly recommend chalk paint or matte acrylic craft paint for the best results. These adhere beautifully to the joint compound without compromising your hard-earned texture
For my vase, I mixed up a custom moody indigo using:
- Waverly ‘Night Sky’ chalk paint (my Walmart craft aisle favorite)
- A splash of black chalk paint to deepen the tone
Pro Tip: Mix your color in a disposable cup first – it’s easier to adjust the shade before committing to the vase!
Grab a generously loaded brush—this isn’t the time for dabbing! A thick coat of paint prevents the bristles from catching on the texture and lifting the joint compound. Work in sections, pressing the paint into grooves.
After the first coat dries, inspect your vase under bright light. You’ll likely spot thin areas in the crevices (texture loves to hide paint!). Use a small detail brush to carefully fill these gaps, almost like you’re ‘coloring inside the lines’ of those gorgeous grooves.
Step 4: Distressing with Chalk Dust(The Magic Touch!)
Time to make that fresh paint job look deliciously timeworn! Grab a white chalk stick (yes, the dollar-store kind) and crush it into a powder. Either put the chalk stick in a plastic baggie or between paper towels, then use a hammer (I used my meat tenderizer on the flat side) and pound it until it crumbles to create a pile of chalk dust.
The Technique:
- Press the dust into texture grooves with your fingertips (don’t be shy – pack it in!)
- Let it sit for 2 minutes to settle
- Dry brush away excess with a soft paintbrush.
Watch as the chalk:
- Clings to high points for natural wear patterns
- Softens the indigo in grooves for dimension
- Mimics decades of patina in 5 minutes flat
Step 5: Lock In Your Look (Optional But Smart!)
If you plan to actually use your vase (say, for Trader Joe’s palm fronds or fresh flowers), grab a matte clear sealer spray. One light coat protects the chalk finish from moisture while keeping that perfect weathered look.
My Go-To Method:
- Take it outside (seriously- never use indoors)
- Hold 12 inches away and spray in sweeping motions
- Let dry upside-down on a cardboard box (prevents drips!)
Why bother?
Saves your chalk distressing from water splashes
Prevents paint rub-off if you rearrange often
Adds wipeable durability (dust? Just gently brush it!)
The Big Reveal: From Thrifted to Designer
I filled my creation with towering palm fronds (Trader Joe’s $5 special!) and added it to my mantel. The textured indigo plays perfectly off the woven wall baskets behind it (another PB dupe—my $65 version of their $500 display
Who knew a $6 vase, some joint compound, and a $2 tiling tool could rival Pottery Barn’s textured ceramics? This project checks all my boxes:
- Budget-friendly & easy to find supplies
- Surprisingly easy (no fancy skills required)
- Instantly transformative (that indigo chalk paint? Chef’s kiss)
Now it’s your turn! I’d love to see your spin on it. Will you go moody blue like mine, or pick another color? (P.S. If you need more inspo, check out some of my other vase makeovers for even more thrifted magic.)
See your projects featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my other DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
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Jennifer
This turned out great. I plan to share on DRA. Great job.
Thanks so much Rachel!!
Looove this DIY! The color is so pretty!
Thanks friend!!