Thrifted Home Decor: What to Buy & How to Make It Your Own

My husband and I have always been pretty frugal. And when I say frugal, I mean really frugal. We spent nearly a decade sleeping on a hand-me-down mattress, with springs that would jab us in the night. It wasn’t until managed to get a new mattress for free from a brand partnership when I was a baby influencer that we finally upgraded!

So I know all about making things work on a budget, which is why I absolutely love thrifted home decor. Over the years, I’ve discovered that you can create a high-quality, stylish home even when you’re working with a tight budget, if you’re willing to thrift and give used objects a second chance.

And while thrift stores are a definite treasure trove, I’ve found thrifted treasures from all sorts of places—Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, antique fairs… you name it. I’m that person you see staggering to her car, her arms full of items that have “potential!”

Today, I’m excited to share a few lessons I’ve learned about thrifting for home decor. I’ll walk you through the items that are almost always worth bringing home and I’ll share my favorite ways to transform someone else’s junk into beautiful pieces that add charm and character to your home.

And of course I’ll also share lots of photos of my own thrifted home decor!

Thrift Store Finds To Look Out For

Here are some of my favorite things to look out for when I go on thrifting adventures in search of second hand home decor.

1. Shelving

Almost every home needs shelving, but there’s no need to splurge on brand new items when thrifted shelves can be just as good and cost way less. 

Now, if you’re after a matching set, your best bet is to browse Facebook Marketplace, where people often sell sets of shelves when they’re redoing a room in their house.

Thrift stores aren’t usually the best places to look for matching sets, but that’s okay! Many of us make the mistake of thinking furniture should be matchy-matchy, but have a look at high-end homes and you’ll see that’s very rarely the case—they actually tend to be careful curations of mismatched items.

And remember—you don’t have to find exactly what you have in mind to end up with what you want! A little creativity goes a long way.

I once picked up an ugly red bookcase and was able to turn it into a stunning gold statement piece for my living room in just one day. When people see my upcycled shelving, they’d never guess it was thrifted, but all it took was a fresh coat of paint and a little TLC. So keep an open mind as you’re browsing!

2. Baskets

Baskets are a decor lover’s dream for adding decorative storage that suits every aesthetic, from boho to farmhouse! But, let’s be honest, new baskets—especially the really chic ones—don’t come cheap. I’ve definitely had to fight the urge to splurge on a few I spotted at a local home decor store. Let’s just say they made it into my cart, then back on the shelf… maybe three or four times before I finally dashed out of the store empty-handed!

Thrift stores, on the other hand, often have an abundance of baskets at amazing prices—sometimes just a dollar or two each! And here’s the best part: the fact that they’re mismatched actually works in your favor, because it creates that cozy, relaxed vibe we all love.

Or, if you want to make your mismatched baskets look like they’re belong to a coordinated set, you can work some DIY magic with a little bit of spray paint and Frogtape. See my basket makeover tutorial to see how to do this. You can keep it classic and understated or go bold with modern patterns for a playful twist. It’s quick, easy, and works on any shape or style of basket! 

3. Bowls and Dishes

One thing you’ll always find in thrift stores? Crockery! From simple, plain dishes to ornate, decorative bowls, these pieces are perfect for adding charm to your home without breaking the bank. And while they’re lovely for serving food, I love using them as decorative storage.

Throughout my home, you’ll spot thrifted bowls and dishes holding all sorts of essentials—keys by the front door, nail clippers in the bathroom, hair bands, floss, you name it! These little treasures make even the most practical items look stylish, and the best part? Most of them only set me back a dollar or two.

A favorite DIY of mine is transforming these thrifted pieces with a bit of… yes, you guessed it—spray paint! For example, I snagged a few plain bowls at Goodwill for just $1 each and added a touch of gold spray paint to give them a high-end look. Check out how I did it here. You’d never guess they were thrifted, right? 

4. Picture Frames

Buying picture frames second-hand is such an underrated hack for saving money—seriously, they can go for less than a dollar each.

And here’s a fun tip: if you see artwork you’re not in love with, consider buying it just for the frame or matting. I once made a quick visit to my local Goodwill and scored some pretty unattractive framed art for just 50 cents each, in sizes that matched frames I’d bought from Walmart. By taking bits and pieces from the different sets, I was able to put together beautiful framed artwork for just a few dollars.

Of course, a little DIY never hurts! You can always give any frame a fresh look with a bit of paint, turning a basic or outdated frame into something that fits your style perfectly. 

5. Artwork

As the daughter of an artist, I’ll be the first to encourage everyone to support creatives whenever possible. But, if you’re on a budget, thrift stores are a gold mine for unique and affordable art. You can find everything from prints to canvases, often for just a few dollars—a fraction of what you’d pay for a brand new piece.

And here’s where the fun begins: if you find a piece that’s almost right but not quite, get creative! If you’re feeling brave, you can paint over thrifted art you don’t love and turn it into something completely unique. Or, if you prefer a more hands-off approach, try looking for coffee table or photography books at thrift stores. I’ve found beautiful images in these books, which I’ve carefully removed, framed, and turned into custom wall art.

6. Furniture

Furniture is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to designing a beautiful home, so buying it secondhand can is a great way to get more from your budget. Even better, the right finds can add so much charm and character to your home.

If you’re up for a little project, don’t shy away from pieces that need a bit of love (though if it’s your first time upcycling, maybe start small). It’s incredible what you can achieve with a little imagination, some paint, and a good amount of elbow grease.

One of my favorite upcycling wins is a campaign dresser set I scored for free on Facebook Marketplace. It was just waiting for someone to see its potential! With a few small upgrades, I transformed it into a stunning piece that no one would ever guess started as a freebie. We needed a dresser more than a hutch, so I actually deconstructed the top, cutting off the hutch portion. You can check out the full transformation here.

So next time you spot a sturdy but overlooked piece of furniture, take a moment to ask yourself what it could be! With a bit of effort, thrifted furniture can become some of the most unique and beautiful pieces in your home.

7. Lamps

Lighting can be surprisingly pricey, but if you’re open to exploring thrifted home decor, you’ll find no shortage of unique lamps and light fixtures at budget-friendly prices! Thrift stores may not have rows of matching options like a big-box store, but what they lack in uniformity, they more than make up for in character and potential.

You can turn just about any thrifted lamp into a statement piece. I’ve come across gorgeous gems and “diamonds in the rough” that only needed a small makeover to shine. 

One of my favorite mini DIY projects involved creating picture frame lamps from a couple of piano lamps that I got from a garage sale for just $15. You can see how I did that here, or check out this round-up of other inspiring ways to upcycle lamps.

8. Trays

One of the best home decor items, period, is the humble tray! Trays are perfect for creating little vignettes and grouping items on shelves, coffee tables, and countertops. And you can usually find them at thrift stores for just a few dollars. 

I once picked up some trays for less than a dollar each and gave them a quick makeover with gold paint, transforming them into chic decor pieces that look like they came from Target or Home Goods. Check out how I did it here for some easy inspiration.

9. Vases

When it comes to vases, you really don’t need to spend a lot to find something beautiful. Glass vases are abundant at thrift stores like Goodwill, often for just a couple of dollars each. Plus, a little paint can work wonders to transform even the simplest glass vase into a stunning piece of thrifted home decor.

Check out my guide to painting glass for some easy-to-follow tips. It’s a quick, budget-friendly way to give thrifted glass vases a whole new look that perfectly matches your decor.

You can also get creative by repurposing other thrifted objects as vases—think jugs, pitchers, or even quirky busts for a unique, artsy touch. With a little imagination, anything can become a beautiful home for your favorite houseplants!

10. Decor Accessories

Almost anything can be a decorative ornament if you look at it the right way! Thrift stores are packed with quirky old figurines and unique trinkets that, with a little love and imagination, can look fabulous in your home.

A quick clean-up is often all they need, but if you have a specific look in mind, you can also transform them with paint or other crafty touches. So many people are out there snapping up outdated figurines and giving them fresh makeovers to fit their decor style. 

11. Cushion Covers & Other Textiles

Curtains, pillow covers, and other textiles can really add up, especially if you’re looking for pretty patterns and high-quality fabrics. Thrift stores, however, are a budget-friendly treasure trove for basic textiles. You can find curtains, throw pillow covers, and more for just a few dollars—and with a little DIY, they’ll look like something straight from Anthropologie.

For example, I created gorgeous, contemporary throw pillows for just $5 each! Here’s how I did it. While I didn’t buy the pillows themselves second-hand, you absolutely could.

12. Garden Items & Decor

If you’re looking to spruce up your backyard on a budget, thrift stores are your best friend! You can often find tables, chairs, benches, and all sorts of outdoor furniture at amazing prices.

But here’s the fun part—you don’t even have to stick to items that are made for gardens! With a little creativity, almost anything can be transformed into garden decor. Watering cans, old pots, quirky figurines, or even vintage kitchen items can become unique accents in your outdoor space.

13. Unique or Random Knick-Knacks

Hands down, the most fun kind of thrifted home decor to get is random knick-knacks. Thrift stores are full of quirky bits and pieces that just need a little imagination to become something totally new!

For example, when I took part in the Swap It Like It’s Hot challenge, I received a quirky oil can from Breanna of Brepurposed. Not exactly something you’d think of as decor, right? But after a simple spray paint and a touch of liquid gold leaf, this little guy found a new life as a rubber band catcher in my office!

So when you’re browsing your local thrift store, keep an eye out for those unique pieces and think outside the box. 

How To Transform Thrifted Finds

Before you head out thrift shopping, familiarize yourself with the different methods you can use upcycle and improve secondhand items. That way you’ll have a better shot at spotting the potential in whatever unique items you come cross.

Here are my favorite DIY projects for turning thrifted items into stunning home decor that matches your personal style!

1. Paint & Spray Paint

If you know me, you know that paint is my absolute go-to for transforming thrifted finds! Pretty much anything can be refreshed with a lick of paint. I especially love spray paint since it works on so many surfaces, from wood and metal to wicker, plastic, and even glass. 

One caveat though—painting can take a little bit of prep work, like sanding or priming. Check out my guide to painting furniture if you’re new to this.

2. Reupholster

When you find a piece of furniture with “good bones” but worn-out fabric, reupholstering is the key. Take this little chair I found for $20 at a salvage shop. It had a solid wood frame and was in great shape structurally, making it the perfect candidate for a DIY furniture flip. A bit of reupholstering later, it went from drab to fab! You can see the full transformation here.

Or, if the material is still in decent condition but it just doesn’t match your style, you can use fabric-specific spray paint, all-purpose paint, or chalk paint to give it a fresh look. Not sure when to paint instead of reupholstering? Check out this guide for tips on choosing the best approach for your thrifted find!

3. Refinish

Wooden furniture might look a little rough around the edges after years of use, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause! Refinishing is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old wood pieces. With a bit of time and effort, you can strip, sand, fill, and re-stain your thrifted finds to bring back their original beauty.

If there are any deep gouges or scratches, a little wood filler putty will do the trick. Just fill in the spots, let them dry, and then smooth the area with fine-grit sandpaper. For a step-by-step guide on how to tackle refinishing, check out these essential steps. You might also consider getting a wood furniture repair kit.

4. Find a New Use for the Shape or Structure

Sometimes, a thrifted item’s potential lies not in what it currently is, but in what it could become. Deconstructing or reimagining pieces can give them an entirely new purpose.

Take the napkin holder I received from Breanna of Brepurposed as part of Swap It Like It’s Hot. It had a quirky leaf base that didn’t quite fit my style, so I removed the base, spray-painted it to match the gold accents in my craft room, and voilà—it became a chic craft and card holder! 

5. Add New Hardware

When you come across a piece that’s in good shape but that just needs a little “something,” consider adding new hardware. Swapping out pull handles, knobs, or even furniture legs is a such a quick and simple way to elevate the style of thrifted items without doing a complete overhaul.

For example, I added a few decorative braces to a painted vanity in my bathroom, giving it a stylish, custom look. I’ve also used Prettypegs to switch out old furniture legs for stunning new ones before. 

6. Add Embellishments

Sometimes, all a plain item needs to go from boring to beautiful is a little decorative detail. Here are a few methods you can use to bring your own design style to your secondhand finds:

• Stencilling, like I did on my daughter’s curtains and throw pillows
• Applique, like Stephanie did on some canvas bins
• Embroidery or visible mending
• Adding gold leaf or foil, like I did to make shot glass candle holders
• Adding trim or edging
• Adding fabric panels or webbing
• Adding beads and tassels
• Tufting, like I did to make a headboard

7. Cover & Wrap

One of the simplest ways to give thrifted items a fresh look is by covering or wrapping them. You can completely change the look of a piece by doing this.

The obvious option is to use vinyl wrap or adhesive contact paper. This is a great way to add textures to surfaces. For example, I transformed an ugly shelving unit into a high-end looking statement piece by wrapping the shelves to look like marble.

Another option is decoupage, like Amima did to decorate some candle jars. Or for a coastal or boho look, you could use rope or jute. I’m sure there are lots more options out there; you just have to get creative!

One Final Thrifting Tip

You don’t even need to go thrifting! You probably already have things at home that you could give new life to. Take a look around for items you no longer use, want, or that might be broken or damaged. 

I’ve managed to salvage quite a few items over the years, even things my kids have accidentally damaged. For instance, I had some brand-new picture frames that got a little roughed up by the kiddos. Instead of tossing them, I gave them a makeover. You can see how I did it here.

So before heading out to your local store, check what’s hiding in your own home—you might be surprised by the treasures you already have!