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15 diy home decor ideas using only thrift store finds
By Sarah Miller
Published: 07 May 2025
My Thrift Store Journey It all started with a broken heart and a mountain of dusty furniture. After a painful breakup, I found solace in rearranging my apartment—but my budget? Let's just say, it was as empty as my fridge. That's when the magic of thrift stores happened. I dove in, discovering amazing pieces for pennies on the dollar, turning my drab space into a cozy haven. Now, I'm hooked! And I’m ready to share my secrets with you. Let's get started!
1. Rustic Charm with Repurposed Picture Frames: I found a pile of old, ornate frames—some chipped, some tarnished—at my local Goodwill. A quick coat of paint (I used a soft, sage green), and some delicate stencils later, they became the perfect gallery wall! I added some vintage prints I found online, and the whole thing is stunning. Tip: Don't be afraid to mix and match styles and colors—the beauty of thrifting is in the eclectic mix.
2. Upcycled Glass Jars as Unique Vases: Who needs expensive vases when you can find equally beautiful glass jars at the thrift store? I found a collection of various shapes and sizes—some were even antique! After a good cleaning, I filled them with wildflowers from my garden (and a few strategically placed twigs for extra flair). Voila! Instant rustic chic!
3. A Vintage Rug for Instant Warmth: This one was a total score! A gorgeous, oversized Persian-style rug (Okay, maybe not actually Persian, but it looked the part!) transformed my living room from stark and cold to warm and inviting. The colors were amazing, perfect for my bohemian theme. Thrifted rugs are a bargain. Just make sure to check for any stains or damage before you buy!
4. Creative Candle Holders from Teacups and Saucers: Teacups and saucers? Yes, you read that right! I found a mismatched set at a flea market and transformed them into beautiful candle holders. Simply place a tea light candle in each cup, and arrange them on a tray for an elegant touch. It's a fun, whimsical project, perfect for adding some personality to your space. (and super cheap!)
5. Thrifted Books as Stylish Decor: Okay, this one's a bit quirky. But hear me out. I found a stack of old books—some with fascinating titles, others just plain old and worn—and stacked them on my coffee table. It added a layer of visual interest to the space, and made my coffee table look ten times better. (Bonus points if you actually read a few of them!)
6. Transforming Old Mirrors into Statement Pieces: I found two old mirrors with ornate frames. One was a bit chipped, the other scratched, but after some elbow grease and a bit of paint, they were stunning! I added some gold leaf details and hung them side-by-side in my bedroom. Mirror, mirror, on the wall... who’s the most stylish of them all?
7. Painted Storage Boxes: These aren’t just storage; they are art! I found plain wooden storage boxes and painted them with bright colors and playful patterns. They transformed my cluttered hallway into an organized and stylish space. I even added some little knobs for extra flair. Perfect for storing scarves or gloves!
8. Repurposed Suitcases as Side Tables: This was one of my favorite projects! I found two vintage suitcases at a yard sale, gave them a good cleaning and voilà! Unique side tables! I simply added some sturdy legs and voilà! I use them in my living room to hold plants and books.
9. Wall Art from Vintage Postcards: Who needs expensive prints when you can create wall art from vintage postcards? I found a treasure trove of old postcards at a thrift store—landscapes, cityscapes, even some funny ones. I framed a selection, creating a unique and inexpensive gallery wall.
10. Unique Lighting with Old Lamps: Lamps can be expensive, but at thrift stores, you can find lamps in all shapes and sizes. I once found a beautiful antique lamp, which I cleaned and updated, adding a new lampshade and bulb, bringing a touch of elegance to the room.
11. Thrifted Textiles as Throw Pillows: Thrift stores are treasure troves for textiles! I found some gorgeous fabrics, which I used to make cute throw pillows, adding texture and color to my living room. (I even used some old jeans to make a denim pillow!)
12. Repurposed Bowls as Planters: I found some beautiful bowls at a flea market. Some were chipped and cracked but I simply used them as planters, adding a touch of rustic charm to my décor.
13. DIY Shelves From Old Crates: Some old wooden crates became awesome shelving in my bathroom. With a bit of sanding, staining and fixing, they added a rustic charm to my bathroom. I even added some plants to make it look even more stunning.
14. Transforming Old Trays into Serving Trays: I found some beautiful trays, which I painted and updated, adding some handles. They now hold my plants in style and elegance.
15. Vintage Jewelry Dishes: I recently bought a set of vintage jewelry dishes, and they're the perfect little accents for my dresser. Each one adds a touch of vintage charm, and together they create a cohesive look.
So there you have it—fifteen DIY home decor ideas using only thrift store finds! Remember, creativity knows no limits, especially when you have a plethora of thrifted treasures to work with! What are you waiting for? Get out there and start thrifting! Let me know your experiences! And don’t forget to share your creative masterpieces! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Happy thrifting, everyone! xoxo
