A lot of inexpensive thrift store home decor items can be made to look amazing without a lot of effort. That's why I'm sharing 7 of the best DIY thrift store home decor makeovers I know you'll want to try!
Every month I get a boatload of retail store home decor catalogs {Pottery Barn, Ballards, West Elm, etc...}.
On one hand, I do like getting them. Because as a blogger they provide me with a ton great of inspiration.
But...
On the other hand.
There are times I feel a twinge of disappointment knowing some of the beautiful pieces that grace the pages are out of my price range.
{I mean $1000+ for mirrors, I don't think so!}
That's why I love thrifting for home decor items!
By keeping an open mind. You can find a great deal on the perfect piece at your local thrift store.
With a little imagination and DIY know-how. You can transform *thrift store items into something beautiful and unique.
* Thrift store in this post really is any second hand find from yard sales, the flea market, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, and antique stores.
7 Best DIY Thrift Store Home Decor Makeovers
{click on the titles to go to the full post.}
1 | Dated Lamp Upgrade
My very favorite things to shop for at thrift shops are lamps and light fixtures in working condition.
They're easy to makeover and usually only cost a few dollars. A perfect example are these 80's Pepto pink and gold lamps I snagged for only $10!
2 coats of spray paint were all it took to give them a high-end look.
Get the easy 3 step tutorial HERE
2 | $15 Plastic Faux Bamboo Mirror
Sometimes you'll come across thrift store items that are just plain ole ugly. So you have to learn to look past that and consider the potential.
Take this $15 faux bamboo mirror for example. While it's not the prettiest thing. The bamboo detail and size {almost 5 feet!} made it a good candidate for a makeover.
The results after a fresh coat of paint are remarkable. Now it looks like a piece that could've cost a few hundred dollars easily.
3 | DIY Framed Wallpaper Panels
Another great thing about thrift store shopping is finding unique pieces.
For a long time, I wanted to add chinoiserie wallpaper panels to my home. But they are definitely a splurge when you add up the cost of the frames and wallpaper.
When I found these vintage faux bamboo frames I knew they were perfect to create my own DIY frame wallpaper panels without spending a lot of money.
4 | Large Frame Wall Decor
Large-scale framed wall art can be pricey even when it's mass-produced.
That's why large frame artwork in good condition is another one of my favorite thrifty finds.
Now while the piece of art may be outdated. You do have to look past that because you can cut the cost and create your own custom large frame wall decor by repurposing the frames.
I created this large wall art {31 ½ x 41} for less than $20! By using a little paint on the frame and ordering an art printable from Etsy.
Check out the step by step tutorial HERE
5 | Easy Glass Cloche
It's not hard to find a glass cloche at your favorite home decor store, especially with fairy lights.
But! Before you run to the store.
Give this super easy DIY glass cloche a try. It's literally one of the easiest DIY I've ever done.
All you need is an old dome clock. And {you guessed it!} a little paint.
You'll have a pretty cloche that you can use in different ways. With or without the lights.
you can see the easy tutorial HERE
6 | Pottery Barn Inspired Bulletin Board
It's no exaggeration to say that Pottery Barn sells some of the prettiest pinboards and bulletin boards out there. However, the prices are usually more than I would pay.
Everything I needed to create this Pottery Barn Inspired pinboard came from the thrift store including the fabric. Making this project super budget-friendly.
Check out the step by step tutorial HERE
7 | Vintage Lamps Makeover
Thrift shopping is like a treasure hunt. You never know what you're going to find or when.
The story behind this pair of lamps is a crazy one. I found each lamp in a different state about 4 years apart.
I love these lamps so much and for $46 for the
Get the full story and makeover HERE
As much as I
And shopping at my local thrift store is one of my favorite ways to do that. Whether it's small local stores or more recognizable chain stores like Goodwill.
You can always find inexpensive items, a wonderful vintage piece, or sometimes even brand new items. That you can give new life to.
Thrifting for home decor can be so much fun and a great way to stretch your decorating dollars. So I hope you will give it try.
Happy shopping!
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER THRIFT STORE IDEAS AND MAKEOVERS!
Julie Briones says
These makeovers are great, Linda! It always amazes me what just a little change can do to make something look AMAZING! (Like those lamps for $46/pair... wow!)
Jen says
I love your thrift store makeovers. You've found and created some really great treasures. This post is filling me with grand ideas on some thrift store makeovers myself. Do I dare? We shall see. 🙂 Thank you for inspiring me and sharing your gorgeous spaces.
Linda P. says
Thank you Jen! I've been really lucky over the years!
Jamala says
Excellent finds.. you know i'm a fan of your terrific finds and makeovers...you're a true inspiration of decorating on a dime and what a little imagination and DIY can do for home decor..
Linda P. says
Thank you Jamala, means a lot coming from you the thrifting queen! We still need to go together next time when you are in ATL 😊
Lorna says
I LOVE what you've done to this items. I'm going to go into our charity shops with fresh eyes now Linda. Thank you x
Linda P. says
Thank you Lorna! Sometimes all we need is a fresh perspective, good luck on your search 👍🏾
Linda F. says
Everything looks great. You've got a great eye for a "find", and must have access to some really good thrift stores. I appreciate that you diy on a budget, like I have to do, rather than doing room makeovers that are completely sponsored.
Linda P. says
Hi Linda! I go to every and any thrift store because you know never know where you will find a great treasure! Budgets are a reality and almost all my makeovers have to be done on a budget so yeah DIY's are my best friend!
Melissa says
Great tips! I'll have to look for these next time I go to the thrift store.
Linda P. says
Thank you, Melissa! Good luck!
Whitney Jones says
Love all these projects, Linda!
Linda P. says
Hey Whitney girl! Thank you!