Thrift stores can be great places to find unique items to decorate your home. Let me show you how to decorate with thrifted finds to create a cozy home.
I love finding unique items for my home, but buying new decor can be expensive. That’s why I’ve turned to thrifting to find one-of-a-kind pieces that fit my style and budget.
One of the benefits of thrifting is the thrill of the hunt. You never know what gems you’ll find in a thrift store or at a yard sale or flea market!!
I’ve found everything from vintage vases to antique mirrors, all at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. Plus, by buying second-hand items, you’re helping to reduce waste and give new life to old things.
When it comes to decorating with thrifted finds, it’s important to have a plan. Think about the style and color scheme you want to achieve in your home and look for items that fit that vision.
Mixing and matching different textures and materials can add depth and interest to your decor. And don’t be afraid to get creative – a little paint or DIY can transform an outdated piece into something that fits your style perfectly.
Some of my thrifted home decor stays as is but I do upcycle and makeover some of my finds too like this free dumpster vanity table that I turned into a French country-style potting bench for my garden.
The thrift store is my main spot to find the items that I use in my DIY projects and Pottery Barn dupe ideas.
Why Thrifted Finds Are a Great Choice for Home Decor
Unique Pieces at Affordable Prices
I love decorating my home with thrifted finds because it allows me to find unique pieces at affordable prices. Shopping at thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales is a great way to find pieces that are one-of-a-kind and won’t break the bank.
I’ve discovered vintage chairs, dishes, vases, and even lamps that add character to my home without costing a fortune. When I look around each room in my home so many of the items were from either the thrift store or a vintage shop!
Thrift Store Chair
One of my most used thrift store finds was a $2 chair! I’ve used it outside on my front porch or in my garden every year since I scored them! Perfect for creating a cottage-style look.
When thrifting, it’s important to keep an open mind and think creatively. A little spray paint or a fresh coat of paint can transform an old piece of furniture into something modern and chic.
One of my recent thrift store flips was a lamp that I upcycled. I’ve been looking for a new table lamp for my small entryway table and everything new was so expensive and just not the right vibe that I was going for!
So every time I was out thrifting I was on the lookout for a lamp to makeover. It took a few visits until I found the perfect shaped ceramic lamp base and I gave it a makeover with stone spray paint and matte green paint. This project only cost me the price of the lamp (and I had a 20% off discount so the lamp was only $5.60) and I had the paint and lamp shade already.
I’ve also found that mixing vintage items with more modern pieces creates a unique and eclectic look that is all my own. Like mixing a vintage oil painting with a modern-style brass candlestick holder.
Everything in the above picture was from either the thrift store or a yard sale! Except for the mirror but I got that on clearance for $20 at Lowes.
Adding Character and Story to Your Home Decor with Thrift Store Finds
Another reason I love decorating with thrifted finds is that it adds character and story to my home decor.
Each piece I find has a history and a story behind it. Whether it’s an antique tool or a vintage dish, each piece tells a story and adds a personal touch to my home.
I also love the challenge of finding pieces that fit my decorating style. It takes patience and a little bit of luck to find the perfect piece, but the end result is always worth it.
In addition to being budget-friendly and unique, decorating with thrifted finds is also a sustainable choice. By giving old pieces new life, I’m doing my part to reduce waste and make my home more eco-friendly.
One fun project that I did was to take a super outdated orangey coffee table and breathe a little modern-looking life into it! On the table, I tried the oven cleaner method of stripping furniture and I loved the natural coastal vibe of how the table turned out!
Overall, thrifting is a fun and rewarding way to decorate your home. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you can find unique pieces that add character and story to your home decor without breaking the bank.
Over the years I’ve stumbled across some pretty cool vintage finds! One of my favorites was a milk jug from Nepal that I bought for $15 at an antique store in Maine.
Not only did I love the natural wood but it also had such a great shape to it and the old piece of rope around the rim just added to its appeal.
The milk jug found a spot on the tall bookcase at the back of my small living room.
The bookcase is styled with mostly thrift and vintage finds. The brass planter was a DIY upcycle from a metal container that I found thrifting that was turned into a dupe for one that I wanted from Magnolia.
Tips for Successful Thrift Store Shopping
01. Keep an Open Mind
When it comes to thrifting, you never know what you might find! So, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different sections of the store.
When I hit the thrift store I take my time strolling down the aisles checking out the merchandise and trying to think of ways that I could upcycle pieces to fit with my homestyle. Don’t limit yourself to just one area or style.
Don’t forget the book section too! You can find good prices on coffee table books or look under the dust jackets for old linen-covered books to use as decor.
02. Look for Quality Items
Just because an item is second-hand doesn’t mean it has to be low-quality. Look for items that are well-made and in good condition.
Check for any signs of damage and pay attention to the material and construction of the item. A quality piece will last longer and be a better investment in the long run.
You will always find me in the china/dish aisle flipping everything over to check for the maker’s stamps! I’ve come across so many collectible pieces of Johnson Brothers lately and lots of ironstone…if only I had the time to set up an eBay shop I could be making a few bucks!!
I’ll let you in on one of my secrets…use your Google Lens feature on your phone to find out more info about pieces you come across. You can use it to learn about a specific items worth, the name of a pattern, or the stamp on the bottom of a dish. It’s pretty cool!
02. Inspect Items Carefully
Take the time to inspect each item you’re interested in thoroughly. Look for any defects or flaws that may affect its usability or appearance. Test out electronics and appliances to make sure they work properly. My thrift store has lightbulbs and plugs available to test out lamps and appliances.
03. Check for Deals and Discounts
Many thrift stores offer discounts on certain days of the week or month. Check the store’s website or ask a sales associate about any current promotions.
At Savers, they give you a 20% off coupon when you donate merchandise.
Additionally, some stores may offer loyalty programs or email discounts. Take advantage of these deals to save even more money on your thrifted finds.
04. Be Patient
Thrifting can be a bit of a treasure hunt, so it’s important to be patient. Don’t expect to find everything you’re looking for on your first trip. It may take several visits to find the perfect piece.
I was legit looking for the right lamp to upcycle for months!! There’s always a list of things that I am on the lookout for running through my head.
Overall, thrifting can be a fun and rewarding way to decorate your home on a budget. With a little patience and some savvy shopping skills, you can find some amazing vintage and second-hand items that will add character and charm to your space.
DIY Projects with Thrifted Finds
Refinishing Furniture
When I’m looking for thrifted furniture, I always keep an eye out for pieces that have good bones but need a little love.
Refinishing furniture is a great way to give new life to an old piece and make it fit perfectly in your home. With a little elbow grease and some paint or stain, you can turn an outdated piece into a stylish addition to your home.
My living room end table was a scratched-up dark wood thrift find that I updated with a combo of paint colors: darker brown on the top and a bronze green on the bottom. For about $10 I made a table to fit the style of my living room. Plus the old table is solid wood…so much better quality than most of the end tables sold online now.
Sprucing Up Home Decor Items
Sometimes all it takes to refresh a room is a few small updates to your home decor.
Thrift stores are a goldmine for finding unique glass vases, baskets, and candlesticks.
Glass vases are some of my favorite things to upcycle! They are the beginnings of some of the most popular projects on this website.
Upcycled Vases
DIY’s to Try
Creating Unique Pieces
Thrift stores are also a great place to find materials for DIY art projects. Look for large frames that you can repurpose to create a stylish gallery wall. Sometimes all they need is a fresh coat of paint or (my favorite) a little antique gold rub and buff to create a vintage look.
Pottery and containers can also be repurposed into unique planters. Get creative and see what you can come up with!
That’s it for my tips on DIY projects with thrifted finds. Remember, there’s no need to break the bank when decorating your home. With a little creativity and some thrifting know-how, you can create a beautiful and unique space that reflects your personal style.
Incorporating Thrifted Finds into Your Home Decor
Choosing the Right Pieces for Your Style
When it comes to thrifted finds, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items at thrift stores, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your home. Are you drawn to vintage pieces or more modern items? Do you prefer a minimalist or eclectic look?
Once you have a sense of your style, focus on finding pieces that fit within that aesthetic. Look for unique pieces that have character and tell a story.
Keep an eye out for items like chairs, dishes, vases, lamps, and end tables. These items can add a lot of personality to a room and can often be found for a fraction of the cost of new items.
Displaying Thrifted Finds in Your Home
Once you’ve found the perfect thrifted pieces, it’s time to display them in your home. One of the best things about thrifted finds is that they often have a lot of character and can be used to create interesting displays. Consider grouping items together by color or theme.
Another way to display thrifted finds is to mix them with modern decor. This can create a unique and eclectic look that is both stylish and budget-friendly.
Creating Cozy Spaces with Thrifted Finds
Thrifted finds can also be used to create cozy and inviting spaces in your home. Consider adding plants to vintage pots or displaying books on a vintage end table.
Vintage frames and cloches can also be used to create interesting displays.
Conclusion
Incorporating thrifted finds into your home decor is a great way to add personality and style to your space without breaking the bank. By choosing the right pieces, displaying them in interesting ways, and mixing them with modern decor, you can create a unique and inviting space that reflects your personal style.
So next time you’re at the thrift store, keep an eye out for those hidden gems!
xo, Jennifer
Hi!
Eight months ago we combined two households into one two- bedroom condo. As we’re an older couple, we each had many things we had collected, inherited, found at estate sales, and/or bought at thrift stores. Everything he brought in was subject to my approval which made it hard for me to say no.
Our solution has been to expand space vertically utilizing book cases, cabinets, and even plastic crates to make a unit of 10 spaces to hold our treasures. His model tall ships adorn the top.
Our home is warm and cozy and we find ourselves very content and happy here.
Thank you for validating our choice!
Betty & David
I love it!! Glad you found me Betty!!
Great post, friend! I’m going to come out to the Hamp and thrift with you! Love that thrifted lamp!
Yes!! You would have so much fun at all of the antique stores up and down the coast too!!
Jennifer,
You know this is my kind of decorating. Love all your projects.
We are both junk sisters!!
Thrifted finds are the best! Nothing better than a great make over, and you sure have done so many great ones.
you found some great stuff! xoxo