Thrift Store Finds + Makeover Ideas

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It’s Thursday…and I’m so excited! “Why are you excited, Hilary?'“…I’m sure you’re asking. Because it’s time for #thriftythursday!! If you’ve been here for long, you know that one of the ways to my heart is through thrifting. I love the thrill of the hunt, rescuing pieces that could possibly end up in a dumpster…and better yet, the endless possibilities awaiting me! I’m teaming up with Brooke from The Junk Parlor this week to share our thrifty finds and inspiration!

Every Thursday I go virtually thrifting over on Instagram with another second-hand shopping loving account. I always share what I’m finding and then a way you can use the items in your own home or how you can give them a makeover. I want to share the info here…for easier reference, but if you want to join in the fun, you can find me on Instagram HERE.

*When you’re done reading this post, I’d love to know what your best thrift store score has been!!

This kitty cat is a little bit terrifying as is…but has so much potential! I actually intended to buy it, but the line at Goodwill was ridiculously long and everyone had so much stuff. I didn’t have the patience to wait…and now have non-buyer’s remorse…

At Home With Ashley always uses adorably whimsical pieces in her styling…like that pink poodle on the top shelf! I just know that thrift store kitten could have been just as cute! (Image is from At Home With Ashley—Instagram)

I see ice buckets all the time at the thrift store! While I actually like the look of this ice bucket (not pictured—it has a great acrylic handle), I don’t have a use for it. However, it has lots of potential…especially considering it has a lid!

I love this idea from Better Homes and Gardens to turn an ice bucket into a small trash can. They’re using it here in a laundry room, but I think it could be used anywhere you need a little cute storage. Paint it and add a label…and you have a great option for closed storage without spending a lot of money! (Image courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens via Pinterest)

Canisters are plentiful at the thrift store! This particular group would be a major haul for someone, especially if they need a lot of storage! I don’t mind the current look of them, actually, but they could definitely look better with a bit of a makeover.

Prodigal Pieces shared a makeover on some canisters that would look great in any space! The canisters are not exactly the same as those I pictured above, but hopefully you get the idea. I love the thought of color blocking and you could choose to not add labels, if that’s not your personal style. (Image courtesy of Prodigal Pieces via Pinterest)

Lamps are a great score at the thrift store. I always ask to plug them in just to make sure that they’re working properly. I like the look of this one as is, really, but it has a lot of potential to be just a bit cooler.

Now I know this lamp isn’t exactly the same as the one pictured above, but don’t they have a lot of good similarities? I think the one I found could easily be made over by using Rubb ‘n Buff (HERE) on the metal part, to make it look richer and change it’s coloring. I would also use some 220 grit sandpaper on the wood part to take of the shine. Could leave it natural or add a darker stain to richen the look. (Image via Pinterest)

I have nothing against the North Carolina Tar Heels, however, this particular trash can wouldn’t really fit into my own home’s aesthetic. I do think it has potential, though, and I think you’ll love the idea!

I love using small trash cans as plant pots. They’re normally very inexpensive, even if purchased new, and can have so much personality! It would be simple to give the trash can, I shared above, a makeover similar to what mine looks like here. You could paint it…or simply add marble-design contact paper for a similar effect! HERE is some contact paper that could work.

Wooden rolling pins are always at thrift stores! Or…you might even have an old one taking up space in a drawer in your kitchen. Next time you see one, grab it!!

I couldn’t resist snapping this pic at The Upper Crust in Overland Park, KS. How cute is their rolling pin-turned door handle?? It is perfect for this spot and would be so cute on a pantry door!!

Reader’s Digest books are also something that are plentiful at the thrift store…or maybe your grandma has some she’d love to give you. The older ones are perfect to use as decor because, under their dust jacket, their covers are usually beautiful and colorful patterns. They’re even better because books are usually so cheap to thrift! Budget-friendly decor is my favorite.

I used several vintage Reader’s Digest books in our mudroom lockers to fill the cubbies. They’re so small and high up, that they’re not functional to use baskets in. The books did just the trick! I turned them backwards so the pages and just a bit of the cover shows…I love the rainbow effect!

Plates were a popular travel souvenier in the middle of the last century. They definitely seem clunky and like dust-catchers, as decor, but they do have a lot of potential. Also, they are always at the thrift store, and usually, you can find a bunch all at once because one person will have donated their collection.

At Home With Ashley made this adorable display in her Airbnb kitchen using thrifted souvenier plates from different states!

These pieces of pottery are actually really nice, but not my style. That doesn’t mean that they have to stay at the thrift store. Especially when you can give them an inexpensive makeover, for the fraction of buying a new piece from a major retailer.

Proverbs Thirty One Girl has been spray painting everything and I am here for it! She took an inexpensive and outdated piece of pottery and spray painted it black—completely transforming it! (Photo courtesy of @prvbsthrityonegirl on Instagram.)

I always look for taper candles at the thrift store! They are so inexpensive to buy and you can transform a table scape or mantel display with them! You decorating will be so under budget if you incorporate them into your design.

I love this table top display from Inessa Nichols Design! The pink taper candles add a pop of color and height to the design. (Photo courtesy of @inessanicholsdesign on Instagram.)

Cute boxes are such an important part of a great #shelfie! Don’t think that you have to go to the store and buy brand new, though! I find boxes at the thrift store often. Keep your eyes on the holiday decor especially, because you’ll usually find them there, especially with the gift wrap.

You can give the boxes a makeover with spray paint or paper to match your color scheme. They will be perfect to add some interest, height, color, and pattern to your shelf styling, for sure! (Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens via Pinterest.)

Trophies are plentiful at the thrift store, at garage sales, and, probably, in some boxes in your basement! They have huge potential as fun decor, though, so be sure to buy them when you see them!

A little spray paint can go a long way when transforming ordinary trophies into some fun and colorful sculptural decor for your home! They come in all different sizes, shapes, and heights too…so you’ll be sure to find just the right ones for your decorating needs! (Photo courtesy of Bean in Love Blog.)

If you’re trying to decorate your home on a budget, or just really love having a unique home, you need to be shopping at the thrift store. Really shopping second hand in general is a great way to have high-end style with a budget-friendly price tag! Garage sales, estate sales, even curb-side treasures, are perfect for finding pieces to furnish and decorate your home without spending a lot of money. You just need a little imagination and, more often than not, a can of spray paint!

Want to learn more about thrifting? I share a thrift store shopping trip, complete with ideas for the items I find, every Thursday on Instagram! You can find me HERE.