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?
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Ziyadah says
July 16, 2018 at 8:54 amNope, I can’t think of anything else! I think you nailed it! ?
Amanda says
July 16, 2018 at 9:14 amI love this!!! I never see the potential like you do!
Lauren says
July 16, 2018 at 10:57 amIt just takes some practice. 🙂
Patrice says
July 16, 2018 at 9:18 amThis is just a general comment on you and all you do. Besides being so creative and speaking to my aesthetic soul…you are one funny gal. Your sense of humor is refreshing, entertaining, and so much like my approach to life, home, and family. Luv you and thanks for brightening my day! ????
Lauren says
July 16, 2018 at 10:58 amThank you, Patrice. It’s lovely to start the week with such kind words!
Christine says
October 4, 2018 at 8:58 am❤️✌?
Shelly Torola says
July 16, 2018 at 9:25 amDown pillows! I just toss them in the washer with a bit of bleach or vinegar ( & soap). Dry in dryer with several tennis balls & they come out like new. If you don’t like the cover, pitch it – easy to replace, & much cheaper than buying a “ new” down toss pillow. Usually find them for $2-4.
Tracey says
July 16, 2018 at 9:46 amI have SO MANY of these “before” items in my basement! Thank you for inspiring me to do them over before I send them to the the thrift store!
Uta Z says
July 16, 2018 at 10:58 amIn which thrift stores are you generally finding these items? Goodwill?
Lauren says
July 17, 2018 at 1:18 pmWe’re really limited in our area and I’ve only really had success at Habitat Restore and Goodwill. There is one smaller one called Pawsibilities thrift store that benefits the Humane Society that I try to visit every so often too, but I don’t have quite as much success there.
Dianne says
July 16, 2018 at 11:42 amGreat ideas! I just can’t locate any good thrift stores since I relocated. I’m on the hunt though. Thanks
Judy Whitten says
July 16, 2018 at 11:59 amI just LOVE how you display your collected treasures! I am so inspired. Thrifting is fun, fun, fun. My only problem……is that I have an excess of stuff. Either my focus on what to have in my house has changed or I realized that some things that I acquired through the years are probably of no interest to my children and I now need a healthy spurge. I sometimes dream of having a cottage somewhere just to fill it and decorate it! I appreciate your creativity . <3
Salena says
July 16, 2018 at 12:23 pmYou really hit the nail on the head with this post! I always look for blue and white porcelain, specifically ginger jars! Another unique staple for me during this season in my life is mismatched vintage china. It will be a special touch at our wedding reception, and at about half the cost of rentals, super budget friendly!
Tanya Derrey says
July 16, 2018 at 2:33 pmGorgeous before and afters!!
Debbie says
July 16, 2018 at 4:26 pmThese are great ideas. I’m wondering if you would happen to have a list of book titles to look for. I love decorating with books, but I like them to be ones I want to read.
Lauren says
July 17, 2018 at 1:16 pmOh gosh that’s tough! I was an English teacher, so I’m a sucker for the classics. I have a complete works of Shakespeare that I love, and I have a complete works of Edgar Allan Poe that I like to display around Halloween. We have a complete C.S. Lewis collection too that we enjoy.
Jillian says
July 17, 2018 at 1:47 amThis may fall under dishes, but: Teacups. I use them to hold succulents, make candles, hanging decorations for the garden, or just to add some variety in my china hutch.
Lauren says
July 17, 2018 at 1:13 pmYes! Tea leaf tins are really cute for mini planters too.
JaneEllen says
July 17, 2018 at 3:42 amThanks do much for sharing great ideas to make something better out of thrift store bargains. And for sharing best bargains at thrift stores. Our thrift stores here tend to way over price the best goodies but Grand Junction hikes up prices on everything.. Grand Junction has highest prices on medical services in all of CO, was written in paper and on tv news.
But I keep going to Habitat and Goodwill in hopes of finding that special bargain.
Happy week
Karen says
July 17, 2018 at 8:36 amGreat post! A very comprehensive and familiar list! As I read through it, drinking my morning coffee out of a thrift store mug, I could identify most all items on the list, in my own house! A fun way to start the day! I would add bone china tea cups to my personal list. Another fun thing about thrift store shopping for me is finding a “treasure” for friends or family. It might be a piece that matches their dish set, a mug from their alma mater, or something I know they have been on the lookout for!
Speaking of the wonders of spray paint, I just used a flat, granite grey color spray paint on a faded resin Celtic cross in my garden. It really perked it up, came out great! Thanks for all your tips and inspiration and fun reads!
Judith says
July 20, 2018 at 3:03 amSome stunning ideas and I like how you showed what to do with the finds! I also look for “supplies” such as fabric offcuts, wool and thread, buttons and beads, wood curtain rings, old candles that can be melted and remoulded, jewellery to repurpose, even half-tins of wax or paint. You can also find vintage kitchen items (scale, jug-sieve etc), storage jars, and garden pretties like pots, stands or frames. Old calendars or books often have illustrations that can be framed for instant art, or transferred to wood or fabric.
Lauren says
July 20, 2018 at 9:07 amGreat ideas, Judith!
Tracy P says
August 17, 2018 at 1:09 amHi Lauren, I am new to thrifting but I have had soooooo much fun! I started in January after making the only New Year’s promise I have ever kept, to create more storage and to make it attractive. You really nailed it on your list, but there are a couple of other must haves that have proven to be so useful in my goal.
Mason Jars-I have redone my entire pantry with mason jars, other assorted glass and wicker bins
Wall shelves-I have 2″-6″ deep and 14″-36″ wide. Once I painted them from their standard white, brown or black, they are lovely additions to several rooms! (By the way, really look at the shelf, not its color! One was a pressed tin shelf someone painted hot pink. I spray painted it copper and it is in my kitchen and looks fabulous!)
Chests-You can usually get them for $10-$30 and they are so useful! I have a wicker chest at the bottom of my pantry for boxes that I didn’t want to display, one at the foot of my bed that holds bedding and scrap fabric,curtains, etc. and one that is a lane cedar chest that I painted and put ball feet on and upholstered the top to create a storage and seating near front door.
Flowers-I buy stems, bundles, greenery, seasonal, etc. as I see them, it doesn’t matter what color or size, but I buy what appeals. I put them in a large storage bin (I also bought thrifting, of course!) When I’m ready to change up my arrangements, I just open the bin and have fun
I know I’m wordy, but I get so excited with all my finds, its hard not to share!
erica rob says
August 29, 2018 at 2:44 amWhere did you find your tall boy dresser? I love it and need one for my closet.
Lauren says
August 29, 2018 at 9:57 amIt’s actually part of our furniture set that we bought on clearance from a local furniture store. I suggest Home Goods, World Market, IKEA or a thrift store. With the thrift store find or IKEA, you could paint it or add some overlays like the dresser I just did, and really have some fun!
Tracey says
September 3, 2018 at 7:20 pmI look for pet food and water bowls in cute colors and patterns that coordinate with our house colors. I would much rather pay $0.50 for a bowl that I can easily replace than $8-$10 for a brand new pet dish, and single bowls are super easy to find.
Lauren says
September 3, 2018 at 11:45 pmNever thought of those, but that’s a good one!
Lynn says
September 6, 2018 at 6:41 pmThrow pillows–they can be re-covered and are a lot cheaper than buying brand-new pillow forms.
Lauren says
September 6, 2018 at 7:05 pmYES!!! I love it! Such a great added option, Lynn!
Sharon says
October 5, 2018 at 10:08 amI love flatware, especially tiny forks and knives! Then when our kids come I use them to hold lemon wedges on their salad plates or across the back of their bread plate with a big pat of butter! It’s a family joke as to what utensils are next! Love your style, words, ideas, all!
Cierra Berry says
October 11, 2018 at 1:12 amI really love the before and after lamps. It’s so true, lamps are always a find at thrift shops. To be honest there have been so many times I loves the design and not the color, but I was to nervous to paint over it so I would pass them up. However, I think you have inspired me to just try it myself. Worse case scenario I try another lamp and practice. They are a dime a dozen at thrift shops. Ohhh and your section on mirrors. Please don’t get me started, I love them. They are great fillers and make the room look so much larger. Love, love, love.
Lauren says
October 11, 2018 at 7:27 pmCierra, GET THE LAMP!! LOL!
K-Dawn says
October 20, 2018 at 5:38 pmGreat ideas! My sister and I shop at Goodwill, Amvets and Savers. I grab up just about everything you listed and I pick up bulletin boards to make new boards with fabric and embellishments. I also make the push pins! Once I picked up an old metal shelf I believe came from a refrigerator…I cleaned it, I left one side as is and painted the other with chalkboard paint. Thanks for sharing!
Cecilia from Georgia says
December 22, 2018 at 9:52 pmAll of your ideas are great! I buy casserole dishes at Goodwill, but only if they are half price! I take casseroles to people and tell them to keep the dish or give it away. These are so much nicer to cook in and cheaper than the disposable ones.
Lauren says
December 23, 2018 at 8:59 pmThat is an AWESOME idea. LOVE IT!!
Susan Herrera says
January 4, 2019 at 8:31 pmDo you have an interior design license. You really have a flair for design and I like your style. Thanks for sharing your expertise and pictures so we can get some ideas.
Lauren says
January 5, 2019 at 5:33 pmThank you so much! I don’t have a license and never studied it professionally. It’s just something I’ve always had a passion for. 🙂
Sheryl Thomas says
February 7, 2019 at 10:49 pmJust recently subscribed to you blog… Love your style and I am refreshing my dining area and would like the links to the mug rack and the platters if possible. This look screams my name… Thanks
Lauren says
February 8, 2019 at 9:34 pmHi, Sheryl!! There are actually two mug racks, the one that is circular on the counter is https://rstyle.me/n/cq7wtab5ky7 The one that hangs on the wall is https://rstyle.me/n/denugzb5ky7. There are so many platters. if you search for kitchen remodel on the blog there will be links to the platters. The only platter I can really see in there is one that was a thrift store find. Here is a cake stand if this is what you are referring to https://rstyle.me/n/c6ndz6b5ky7 . Here is a wooden bowl https://rstyle.me/n/cyv7n4b5ky7 and here is a cutting board https://rstyle.me/n/cq7wq9b5ky7 and the plate set is here https://rstyle.me/n/cq7wn7b5ky7 . I want to help!! I feel so silly to not know what platter you are referring. LOL!! I am so glad you liked the post. please let me know if you can point out in what picture you see the platter.
Theresa says
March 15, 2019 at 11:18 amI almost never post, but wanted to tell you that I look forward for your blog almost every day. You are
so creative and take the simplest things and make them look great.
Thanks for your blog.
Akshay says
April 13, 2019 at 6:16 amJust recently gone through your blog… Loved your style and I am refreshing my living area with the help of your ideas. Some of the great designs. Really loved those designs for a perfect dining area. I really loved your ideas for keeping lamps and mirrors. Definitely sharing this article amongst all. Thank you for sharing.