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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:
The post 16 Must Have Home Decor Thrift Store Staples appeared first on Bless'er House.
No comments:
Post a Comment