Common Thrift Store Finds, New Decor for Your Home
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If you love decorating with character but not with a hefty price tag, this collection is for you. The Thrift Store Decor Team is wrapping up the year with common thrift store finds that start with items you can usually find in abundance at your local shops. Many of these pieces are items that most people would walk right past. Please scroll through the collection and click on each project to see how we transformed simple secondhand finds into functional, beautiful home decor.
I love being part of the Thrift Store Decor Team. Why? I enjoy rescuing and reimagining the ordinary donated items at my local thrift stores. If you’re an avid thrift store shopper, you will recognize the following items that you may see every time you walk into your favorite store.
First, I will highlight one of my favorite projects from the past year. Then, I will share a favorite from each of the team. There will be two links for each friend. The name of their blog will take you to the project I chose. Their “favorites” article will be linked at the end of their project snippet in bold.
At the end of this article, you will find a thumbnail list of over fifty Thrift Store Decor projects to inspire you for your next shopping trip.
Wicker Baskets are a Very Common Thrift Store Find
Regular thrifters know that every store has an abundance of wicker baskets. They come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve often wondered what the baskets were initially used for. My friend bought the smaller basket, while I snatched up the large one for only three dollars!
Clearance Spray Paint
Because I’m a bargain hunter, I love buying random colors of spray paint on clearance. I used three shades of spray paint on this basket.
Use Painter’s Tape to Transform a Wicker Basket
After a thorough cleaning, I used painter’s tape to determine where the stripes would go.
I love colorful spray-painted projects, as well as how easy a makeover can be for a common thrift-store find. Not only was this painted wicker basket an easy makeover, but it was also quick to complete.
Painted Wicker Basket
Although I styled it with my favorite ferns, I keep it indoors because I didn’t want to leave it outdoors. The basket is at The Hideaway, my warm-weather retreat. Currently, it holds a few Ryobi batteries and tools. It may find a new use in the Spring. See the full tutorial here: Boho Farmhouse Wicker Basket
Related Content: Picnic Basket Makeover Large Basket With Handles
As noted above, this article focuses on common thrift-store finds. I love painting baskets; they’re so functional.
I know this is a lot to take in, you can save it and share it on Pinterest by clicking here.
Now, let’s review the projects from the rest of the team.
How to Get the Look of Amber Glass
Glassware is plentiful at any second-hand shop. Occasionally, you might find some colorful glass, but I find those pieces sell quickly. Not only that, but Kristen from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia knows that Amber Glass can be pricey. The materials list for this project is small, and supplies you likely already have on hand.
Kirsten’s instructions are clear and easy to follow. If Amber Glass isn’t your favorite, this technique can be used to achieve other glass colors. She certainly gave these simple thrift store bottles a beautiful new look.
Kristen’s Favorites: Thrift Store Makeovers for Budget-Friendly Home Decor
Related Content from My Repurposed Life: Spray Painting Glassware and Vases
Unwanted Thrift Store Furniture
I love a great furniture rescue, and so does Sue from Shop at Blu. Many thrift stores price furniture pieces too high, even items that no one wants. I’ve always had a $5 limit for my furniture flipping projects, so I was thrilled to see that Sue got such a good deal on this sad table. Like Sue, I feel the need to rescue the unwanted pieces and breathe new life into them. She did just that on this mahogany table that was less-than-perfect, especially the leather tabletop. Sue will walk you through her thought process and share her materials list, with clear, precise directions for rescuing old furniture.
Sue’s Favorites: Favorite Thrift Store Finds and Makeovers
Related Content from My Repurposed Life: How I Dealt With a Less-than-perfect Tabletop
Ten Dollar Painted Goodwill Mirror Makeover
Artwork, frames, and mirrors are common thrift-store finds. Because they are so plentiful, you can usually get a good price. This large painted mirror is no exception; at only $10, Christy from Our Southern Home was thrilled to give this gal a new look.
Christy warns you not to be overwhelmed by the directions and the material list. She assures us that this is a beginner-friendly project. Her guidance will help you with your next furniture restoration, whether it’s a mirror, chair, or table.
Christy’s Favorites: Budget Home Decor Makeovers: Before & Afters
Related Content from My Repurposed Life: Vintage Oak Table Makeover
Amazing Plastic Bowl Transformation
Kim from Exquisitely Unremarkable loves thrift shopping as much as the rest of us. However, one item that has eluded her is a vintage pitcher-and-basin set. She has the perfect pitcher and was looking for a basin when she found this plastic bowl in her sister’s donation pile. Kim had a plan! She took it home and painted it.
I won’t give you all the details; you will have to visit her site to see the amazing makeover and the whole story. I seriously can’t wait to try this, because we all know cheap plastic items are very common at thrift stores. Kim is one of our newest members of the Thrift Store Decor team. Please tell her how you found this awesome project.
Kim’s Favorites: Thoughtful Thrift Store Gift Ideas
Related Content from My Repurposed Life: Spray Painted Dollar Tree Christmas Village
One of my favorite things about thrift store decorating is how often the best ideas start with the most ordinary finds. When items are plentiful, affordable, and easy to refresh, you can take creative risks and end up with decor that feels truly yours. I hope this end-of-year collection inspires you to slow down in the aisles, look for good bones, and imagine the possibilities. These easy thrift-store decor ideas show that a bit of vision and a simple update can turn everyday secondhand pieces into a home that feels collected, cozy, and full of story.
Over 50 Common Thrift Store Finds, New Decor for Your Home
