Decorate For Less With These 10 Thrift Stores Items {Video}

A round-up 10 thrift store items that can be used to help you decorate your home beautifully on a budget! 

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time then you know I’m all about decorating on a budget. And making over thrift store items is a great way to stretch your decorating dollar!

But, I know some of you may be new to shopping at thrift stores or may steer clear of them altogether because you don’t know what to look for.

So I’m sharing my top 10 items to buy at thrift stores that can help you decorate your house for less! Also included is a video where I take you thrifting with me to see for yourself how I shop for these pieces!

Decorate For Less With These 10 Thrift Stores Items

1. Books

Books are one of my favorites things to decorate with {always without the dust jacket}. They are wonderful for adding height to vignettes and color to shelves.  I’ve never paid more than $2-3 for a book.

Always peek under them to see what the book actually looks like. You never know what pretty colors or beautiful binding is hiding underneath those ugly and dated dust jackets {especially older books}.

2.  Mirrors

Mirrors are another piece that’s in abundance at thrift stores. You will find everything from ornate antique mirrors to something a little off the wall, like this large plastic bamboo mirror I scored a few years ago for $15!

A lot of times if it’s an antique mirror it might not need any work. While others {like my bamboo mirror} can quickly be updated with paint.

3. Dated Dome Clocks

I know dome clocks {also known as anniversary clocks} may seem like an odd one to add to the list, but trust me on this one. Once you remove the clock hardware {super easy to do with just a screwdriver} and paint the base. You have a versatile decor item for just a few bucks.

I especially love using them on my shelves to display seasonal items. I also created a restoration hardware inspired lighted cloche last year that you can see here.

4. Lamps

You will ALWAYS find old lamps in good working order that just needs a little TLC for just a few dollars. Add an inexpensive lamp shade from stores like Ross, HomeGoods, Target, etc… and you’re good to go.

Most times you will find singles, but I do frequently see pairs like the 80’s salmon pink pair I made over with white spray paint.

5. Baskets

Baskets are super versatile and provide pretty storage for just about every room in the house. That’s why I always keep an eye out for ones in good condition while thrifting.

This unique basket only cost me $.75 at the thrift store!

6. Frames

Big or small, frames are always a great buy at thrift stores because you can update so easily! Plus you have options with thrift store frames!

You can simply remove the artwork and replace it with your own and leave the frame as is if you like it. Or keep the artwork but update the frame, or update both the artwork and the frame like I did for this $7 frame makeover for my ORC bedroom update.

7. Original Artwork

Now you might not find this as frequently as some of the other items on this list. But, it’s still worth keeping an eye out because when you find a piece of artwork you like at thrift store prices you’ll feel like you hit the jackpot!

All of the original artwork I scored below were less than $10 each!

8. Wood Furniture

A lot of times if you can pass the dated finishes you can score some good quality wood furniture at the thrift store. Just make sure you really inspect it first to make sure things like drawers are in working order.

I scored this vintage faux bamboo sideboard for next to nothing! It was simple to makeover with a little paint and elbow grease. To buy something similar brand new it would cost more than $500.

9. Dishes And Drinkware

Dishes and everything from mugs {like my vintage apple mugs below} to wine glasses are always plenty at thrift stores for. Whether you are looking for solid color pieces or pretty patterned ones like I scored below. I always recommend checking the thrift store first before paying full price.

10. Small Decor Items {candlesticks, vases, ceramic figurines}

Small decor accessories are some of my favorite things to get at thrift stores. They are often unique, vintage, and always downright cheap. Plus I love how these found objects add a one of kind feel to your home decor because it’s not something someone else can just go buy at Target.

Brass and lucite candlesticks $12. 

Small porcelain bird figurine  $o.99. 

Small ceramic bust $3.

Milk glass bud vases $o.99 each.

Watch The Video To Come Thrifting With Me!

Now, these are not the only thrift store items you can get a great deal {I’m looking at you kids toys} but they are certainly my favorites for decorating my home on a dime.

Okay, now get busy and run down to your local thrift store to find some pieces to give makeovers too LOL.