Monday, July 16, 2018

16 Must Have Home Decor Thrift Store Staples

A round-up of 16 of the most common thrift store items that can be transformed into home decor using a few simple changes.

After 5 years of scouring thrift stores for diamonds in the rough, you start to notice a trend in the typical common staples, the other-man’s-junk-taken-for-granted kind.

So when I was looking around our house the other day (okay, actually cleaning up a billion LEGOs) thinking about how much of our furniture and wall decor and accents and kitchenware were just a couple of bucks at the local thrift shop, I thought maybe it would be fun to compile a big list of the best items to look for to find the greatest potential for your home on the cheap.

A round-up of 16 of the most common thrift store staples that can be transformed into home decor using a few simple changes. #thrifting

16 Must-Have Thrift Store Staples:

1. Brass sconces and light fixtures
You can chalk paint anything, and the dusty 70s/80s brass is definitely one of them.  You can make candle holders, sconces, and chandeliers look like something from today’s Restoration Hardware using this tutorial.
must-have thrift store staple : aged brass sconces
must-have thrift store staple : aged brass sconces transformed with chalk paint
2. Picture frames
Picture frames are one of my favorite things to buy at thrift stores, and they’re always in abundance.  Even if a frame has a piece of art in it that isn’t your style, remove it and put in your own (like this pressed lavender craft).  Paint it or leave it as-is.  And if it’s a little rough, wood filler can patch it right up.
must-have thrift store staple : old picture frames transformed using aging wax and DIY art
must-have thrift store staple : old frames transformed using aging wax and DIY art
3. Lamps
There are always lamps in thrift stores that only need a coat or two of paint to make them look good as new.  If you find a matching pair, that’s even better.  (I got lucky with this pair I painted to look like pricey Baroque lamps.) Pick up a more modern looking inexpensive shade at Walmart, or keep an eye out for shades in the thrift shop that could fit and maybe just need a little spot cleaning.
must-have thrift store staple : old lamps
must-have thrift store staple : old lamps
4. Mirrors
There never fails to be at least a couple of mirrors in the thrift store every time I shop.  Paint the frame or leave it or collect a mix of them to create a gallery wall. Rub n Buff can work wonders on mirror frames to give them an antique look.
must-have thrift store staple : old mirrors
must-have thrift store staple : old mirrors
5. Christmas villages
All white Christmas villages and Putz houses have become a trend in Christmas decor lately.  Just take an old, cheap set from the thrift store and give it a couple of coats of white spray paint.  Use them in centerpieces or on buffet tops or on your mantel.
must-have thrift store staple : old Christmas villages
must-have thrift store staple : old Christmas villages
6. Porcelain/ceramic figurines
Figurines are great for spray painting or adding concrete-look craft paint to use as accents in vignettes. Attach them to wooden blocks, and they can become unique book-ends.
must-have thrift store staple : ceramic and porcelain figurines
must-have thrift store staple : old ceramic and porcelain figurines
7. Trays
I constantly see trays at the thrift store, even though they’re usually dated or have crazy colors.  It’s usually nothing spray paint can’t fix.  And they’re so versatile for setting on coffee tables (for holding TV remotes and books) or centerpieces or using for good ol’ breakfast in bed.
must-have thrift store staple : old trays
must-have thrift store staple : old trays
8. Pitchers and vases
If you keep your eyes peeled, you can usually find a few vintage vases while thrifting.  Pitchers are my favorite because they can double as vases for holding flowers or be useful in the kitchen.
must-have thrift store staple : old pitchers and vases
9. Suitcases
– Every now and then, you can find a really cool, old suitcase.  They can add interest to a room but also make great storage.  We keep special family photographs in ours.
must-have thrift store staple : old pitchers and vases
10.  Books
The thrift store I visit usually charges 50 cents for paperbacks and $1.00 for hardbacks.  Two or three are always good to use as decor risers… but I usually keep my eye out for ones I’ll actually read too.
must-have thrift store staple : old books
11. Dishes
I found a set of simple white coffee mugs at the thrift store several years ago, and they’re still my favorite ever, especially for having company over in the cold months when we brew a big pot of coffee.  You can sometimes find matching sets, and white is always versatile, but collecting an eclectic mix of vintage patterns can be fun too.
must-have thrift store staple : old dishware
12. Coffee tables
Coffee tables are so easy to transform because you don’t have to worry about broken drawers like dressers have sometimes, and you don’t have to be concerned about bed bugs that might be lurking in upholstered furniture. If you want an ottoman instead, use a coffee table to make one. 
must-have thrift store staple : old coffee tables
must-have thrift store staple : old coffee tables
13. End tables
End tables are great too for the same reason.  And you can have all kinds of fun by playing with stencil patterns. 
must-have thrift store staple : old end tables
must-have thrift store staple : old end tables
14. Baskets
There are always baskets at the thrift store every time I visit.  We like storing throw blankets, toys, shoes, and whatever other odds and ends throughout the house.
must-have thrift store staple : old baskets
15. Toys
“Santa Claus” shops at the thrift store fairly often for Olivia.  We’ve found a play kitchen, a doll stroller, and even a dollhouse we fixed up and painted.
must-have thrift store staple : old toys
16. Table Linens
They typically need a good run through the washing machine and ironing, but there are often cute table runners and placemats at the thrift store, if you’re willing to dig for them.
must-have thrift store staple : old table linens
There are way more common thrift store finds that I’m forgetting about, I’m sure, but those 16 are my favorites.  Do you have any others that you constantly score?
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A round-up of 16 of the most common thrift store staples that can be transformed into home decor using a few simple changes. #thrifting

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