Secondhand Style: Decorating My Bookcase with Thrifted Finds

Who says you need a big budget to create a stunning bookcase? My secret? Thrifted finds and a little creativity!

From vintage books to quirky decor, I’ll share my top tips for styling a bookcase with thrifted finds. Whether you’re a thrifting pro or just starting out, these secrets will help you create a look you’ll love.

Styling Secrets: How I Used Thrifted Finds on My Bookcase

I’ve always loved the thrill of thrifting—there’s nothing quite like finding a hidden gem for just a few bucks. When I decided to refresh my living room bookcase, I knew thrifted finds would play a starring role. Paired with a few DIY projects and items I already owned, I created a look that’s both stylish and budget-friendly. Today I will walk you through my process and share my best styling tips.

My Mini Thrift Haul: What I Brought Home

After weeks of slim pickings at my local thrift stores, I finally hit the jackpot at Savers! I walked out with a handful of unique pieces that are perfect for giving my bookcase a fresh, on-trend look—all for under $20. Here’s what I found:

1. Cornhusk Wreath: A natural, textured piece that adds a touch of rustic charm. Perfect for bringing in those earthy vibes. $3
2. Rattan-Look Metal Candlesticks: These are a double win—they mimic the trendy rattan look and add height and interest to the shelves. $3.50
3. White Target Vase: A classic piece that’s versatile enough to style in any season. (Who doesn’t love a good Target find, even secondhand?) $4
4. Cape Cod Print: A small but charming piece from a popular spot down the Cape. It adds a personal, coastal touch to the bookcase. $2
5. Ceramic Covered Dish: The neutral color and unique shape make it a great decorative piece or even functional storage. $3
6. Brown-Rimmed Stoneware Dish: I plan to use this as a tray to corral smaller items or display a curated vignette. $2

Each piece has its own character, but together, they’re going to create a cohesive, stylish look for my bookcase. And the best part? I stayed under budget while scoring some serious decor wins. Thrifting for the win!

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The “Before” Bookcase

My bookcase is a tall, modern piece that’s become a focal point in my small living room. With its sleek metal frame and warm wood shelves, it’s the perfect blend of industrial and cozy. Positioned on the back wall, it naturally draws the eye upward, adding height and balance to the space.

But lately, it’s been feeling a little… blah. The shelves are a mix of random decor, books, and odds and ends that don’t quite work together. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely not living up to its full potential. I knew it was time for a refresh—one that would give it a polished, intentional look without being tied to a specific season.

That’s why I decided to style it for a year-round vibe. While Spring is in the air (and I’ll definitely incorporate some fresh, natural elements), I want this bookcase to feel timeless and versatile. No seasonal decor that needs to be swapped out every few months—just a cohesive, stylish look that works no matter the time of year.

Planning the Styling: Creating a Catalog-Worthy Look

When it comes to styling my bookcase, I wanted to achieve that effortless, catalog-worthy vibe—think Studio McGee or Pottery Barn. You know the look: perfectly curated shelves that feel both stylish and lived-in, with a mix of textures, heights, and personal touches.

Design Elements for a Catalog Look:

To get there, I focused on a few key design elements that make bookcase styling work:

Styling Tips for a Polished Bookcase:

I also kept a few styling tips in mind as I planned:

By focusing on these elements and tips, I aimed to create a bookcase that feels timeless, intentional, and full of personality—just like something you’d see in a catalog, but with my own unique twist.

Step-by-Step Decorating: How I Styled My Bookcase

Styling a bookcase is all about layering, balance, and personality. Here’s how I transformed my shelves using my thrifted finds, DIY projects, and a few favorite pieces I already owned:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before getting started, I pulled together everything I wanted to use:

• Thrifted Finds: Cornhusk wreath, rattan-look candlesticks, white Target vase, Cape Cod print, ceramic covered dish, and brown-rimmed stoneware dish.
• Books: A mix of vintage books and coffee table-sized books for texture and color.
• Greenery: A few houseplants to add life and freshness.
• DIY Projects: Framed moss art (here’s the tutorial) and a black vase I upcycled from a thrift store find.
• Large Objects: A round seagrass basket from a vintage bazaar to add height and visual interest and a teak root bowl
• Smaller Objects: A small pottery bud vase, coral, and a few other decorative pieces for layering.

Step 2: Clear and Clean the Shelves

I started by clearing off the shelves and giving them a quick wipe-down. This gave me a blank canvas to work with and helped me see the space with fresh eyes.

Step 3: Anchor with Large Pieces

I began by placing the largest items first to create a strong foundation:

• Woven Basket: I placed this on the top shelf to add height and draw the eye upward.

Step 4: Layer in Thrifted Finds

Next, I incorporated my thrifted treasures:

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Step 5: Add Greenery and DIY Projects

To bring in life and personality, I added:

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Step 6: Fill in with Books and Smaller Objects

• Framed Moss Art: This DIY project added a unique, earthy element to the shelves. I’ve layered it with other art on the shelf. Keeping in mind the rule of 3’s (vase, moss art, framed print)

Finally, I filled in the gaps with:

• Smaller Decor: A few curated objects like figurines, shells, and trinkets to complete the look.

• Vintage Books: Stacked both vertically and horizontally for visual interest.

DIY faux clay bead garland tutorial

Step 7: Step Back and Adjust

Once everything was in place, I stepped back to assess the balance. I moved a few items around to create better flow and ensure each shelf felt cohesive but not overcrowded.

 The Big Reveal: My Fully Styled Bookcase

After a couple of hours of planning, thrifting, and styling, I’m thrilled to share the final result! My bookcase has gone from cluttered and uninspired to a polished, catalog-worthy display that perfectly reflects my style. Here’s a look at the fully styled shelves and some of my favorite details:

My Favorite Sections

1. Top Shelf with Rattan Tray
   • The round rattan tray (found at a local vintage bazaar) adds height and a natural texture that ties in with the grapevine orb ($6.50 antique store find!) and cornhusk wreath. It’s the perfect anchor for the top of the bookcase.
2. Second Shelf with Thrifted Vases
   • The white Target vase adds a modern touch. Paired with a few vintage books and orb, this shelf feels fresh and timeless.
3. DIY Framed Moss Art
   • My framed moss art adds a unique, earthy touch that ties in with the natural elements like the cornhusk wreath and teak root bowl. It’s a great conversation starter!
4. Third Shelf with Ceramic Dish
   • The ceramic covered dish and stoneware tray add texture and functionality. I love how they ground the lower shelves while still looking stylish.

Challenges and Solutions

Styling a bookcase isn’t always smooth sailing! Here are a few challenges I faced and how I worked through them:

• Challenge 1: The bookcase felt too heavy on one side.
  • Solution: I redistributed the larger items (like the rattan tray and vases) to create better visual balance.
• Challenge 2: Some shelves felt cluttered.
  • Solution: I removed a few smaller items and left more negative space to let the decor breathe.
• Challenge 3: Incorporating thrifted finds without it looking mismatched.
  • Solution: I stuck to a cohesive color palette (neutrals with pops of green) and repeated similar textures (like rattan and ceramics) to tie everything together.

Why It Works

The key to this bookcase’s success is the mix of thrifted finds, DIY projects, and personal touches. By layering textures, balancing heights, and sticking to a cohesive color scheme, I created a look that’s both stylish and functional. Plus, the year-round vibe means I won’t have to redecorate every season—just swap out a few small items if I want a refresh.

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Styling a Bookcase with Thrifted Finds

Styling my bookcase with thrifted treasures and DIY projects was such a rewarding experience. Not only did I create a fresh, year-round look for my living room, but I also stayed under budget—proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish, catalog-worthy vibe.

From the thrill of finding hidden gems at the thrift store to the satisfaction of seeing it all come together, this project reminded me why I love decorating with secondhand finds. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and full of personality. Plus, incorporating my own DIY projects made the space feel even more special.

If you’ve been hesitant to try styling your own bookcase, I hope this has inspired you to give it a go! Start with what you have, add a few thrifted pieces, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, the best decor tells a story—and yours can be filled with unique finds and creative touches.

What’s your favorite thrifted find? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your treasures!

For more styling tips and DIY projects, don’t forget to check out my other blog posts:

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