Thrift Store Decor Finds: 16 Things Home Stagers Grab Before Anyone Else
Thrift store decor finds are the secret behind so many homes that look collected, warm and expensive. Home stagers and designers walk into a secondhand shop with a short list in mind, and they move fast, because the best pieces never sit on the shelf for long. Most of these treasures cost just a few dollars, yet they add the kind of character you cannot buy new. Before you start decorating for the holidays, it is the perfect time to shop smart. Below are 16 things the pros grab first, plus a simple tip for making each one look its best at home. Grab a tote bag and let’s go treasure hunting..
Thrift Store Decor Finds: Brass Candlesticks
Brass candlesticks are at the top of almost every designer’s list. Solid brass is heavy, ages beautifully and adds instant warmth to a table or mantel. Look for pairs or groups of different heights, and do not worry about tarnish, since it polishes right off. Fill them with battery LED taper candles for a safe, flickering glow that you can leave on all evening. Group them with old books, a silver tray and a framed painting, and a plain corner suddenly looks like it came from a magazine. Have you ever spotted brass at your local thrift shop..
You will need: Thrifted brass candlesticks, brass polish or lemon and salt, a soft cloth, battery LED taper candles.
How to make it: 1. Rub the brass with polish or a cut lemon dipped in salt. 2. Rinse, dry and buff with a soft cloth. 3. Add LED tapers and group them by height.
Solid Wood Chairs to Repaint
Old solid wood chairs are sturdy, well made and often cost less than ten dollars. Wobbly joints can usually be fixed with a little wood glue and a clamp. A coat of chalk paint in a soft sage, black or cream makes even an orange varnished chair look fresh and modern. Add a simple linen cushion and it is ready for a desk, an entryway or a dining table. Mismatched chairs painted the same color look charming around a table. Would you paint your chair a bold color or keep it soft?
You will need: A solid wood chair, wood glue, sandpaper, chalk paint, a brush, clear wax or sealer, a seat cushion.
How to make it: 1. Tighten loose joints with glue and let dry overnight. 2. Scuff sand and paint two coats. 3. Seal and add a cushion.
Silver Trays and Bowls
Silver plated trays and bowls look elegant anywhere, and thrift stores are full of them. They are among the most useful thrift store decor finds. A little patina is part of the charm, so you do not need to polish them to a mirror shine. Use a tray on the dresser to corral perfume bottles, set a footed bowl on the kitchen counter full of clementines, or slide a round tray under a stack of coffee table books. They instantly make everyday things look special. They also make lovely gifts once they are cleaned up. Where would you put a silver tray first?
You will need: Thrifted silver plated trays or bowls, silver polish, a soft cloth.
How to make it: 1. Wash in warm soapy water and dry well. 2. Polish lightly, leaving some patina in the details. 3. Style with everyday items you love.
Original Oil Paintings Are Top Thrift Store Decor Finds
Real paintings by unknown artists are one of the best deals in any thrift store. Landscapes, seascapes, cows in a field and little still life flowers all look wonderful together. Hang a group of them salon style above a sofa or lean a single one on a bookshelf. The texture of real brush strokes adds depth that prints just cannot match. Mismatched gold and wood frames make the wall feel collected over many years. Prices are often just a few dollars. What kind of scene would you hunt for?
You will need: Thrifted oil paintings, picture hooks, a level, painter’s tape, a soft brush for dusting.
How to make it: 1. Dust the paintings gently with a soft brush. 2. Lay them out on the floor to plan your grouping. 3. Hang them starting with the largest in the center.
Old Hardcover Books
Designers love old cloth covered books for their soft, faded colors. They are easy thrift store decor finds for any budget. Peel off the bright dust jackets and you will find shades of cream, sage, blue and rust underneath. Stack them on shelves, use them to raise a lamp or a plant, or set a short pile on the coffee table under a pretty bowl. Group them by color for a calm, finished look. Thrift stores often sell hardcovers for a dollar or less, and some even have bag sales. How many books could you carry home?
You will need: Old hardcover books, a soft cloth, a few small decor pieces to style on top.
How to make it: 1. Remove the dust jackets and wipe the covers clean. 2. Sort the books by color. 3. Stack some flat and stand others up for variety.
Ironstone Pitchers
White ironstone is a farmhouse classic that never goes out of style. It is one of the classic thrift store decor finds. Look for heavy white pitchers, platters and bowls with a soft crackle in the glaze. Small chips and crazing only add to the old fashioned charm. Fill a pitcher with fresh flowers, wooden spoons or olive branches and group three of them on a kitchen island. They look just as pretty on a dining table or a bathroom counter. Real antique pieces can cost a lot in shops, so thrift finds are a great deal. Would you use yours for flowers or kitchen tools?
You will need: White ironstone pitchers, warm soapy water, a soft brush, fresh flowers or branches.
How to make it: 1. Wash the pitchers gently in warm soapy water. 2. Group three of different heights. 3. Fill each one with something different.
Heavy Picture Frames to Paint
Big, heavy frames with carved details are often hiding ugly art, but the frame is the real treasure. Frames like these are underrated thrift store decor finds. Take out the old picture, wipe the frame clean, and spray paint it one soft color like warm white, black or gold. Suddenly it looks like a pricey gallery frame. Fill it with a free botanical print, a family photo or a mirror. Paint several frames the same color for a gallery wall that ties together. Always spray paint outside in fresh air. What would you put in your frame?
You will need: Thrifted frames, a damp cloth, spray paint, a drop cloth, new art or prints.
How to make it: 1. Remove the old art and clean the frame. 2. Spray light, even coats outside and let dry. 3. Add new art and hang.
Wicker and Rattan Baskets
You can never have too many baskets, and thrift stores always have a big pile of them. Baskets are practical thrift store decor finds for every room. Use tall ones for throw blankets, lidded ones for hiding clutter on a bookshelf, and flat round ones as wall decor. Baskets add warm, natural texture to any room and keep everyday mess out of sight. If one looks a little dull, a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually brings it back to life. Mix different weaves and sizes for a relaxed, collected look. Which room in your house needs a few more baskets?
You will need: Thrifted baskets, a damp cloth, a soft brush, small command hooks for wall baskets.
How to make it: 1. Brush out dust and wipe the baskets with a damp cloth. 2. Let them dry fully in the sun. 3. Use them for storage or hang flat ones on the wall.
Thrift Store Decor Finds That Only Need a New Shade: Ceramic Lamps
Chunky ceramic lamps are everywhere at thrift stores, usually wearing a sad, yellowed shade. Ignore the shade and look at the base. Ginger jar shapes, glossy blues and creamy whites look high end once you add a fresh new shade. A pleated linen shade is very popular right now. Have the cord checked and replaced by someone handy if it looks worn, for safety. Put a matching pair on two nightstands and your bedroom will feel like a boutique hotel. Would you go for a pair or a single statement lamp?
You will need: A thrifted ceramic lamp, a new lampshade, an LED bulb, a damp cloth.
How to make it: 1. Clean the lamp base and check the cord. 2. Measure the base and pick a shade in the right size. 3. Add an LED bulb and the new shade.
Wool and Vintage Style Rugs
A good rug can cost hundreds of dollars new, but thrift stores sometimes have wool and vintage style rugs for a tiny fraction of that. Rugs are big ticket thrift store decor finds worth checking on every visit. Look for rich reds, soft blues and faded patterns that feel like they have a story. Wool is durable and cleans up well. Check the back for damage, then give it a good shake, a vacuum and a spot clean before bringing it inside. A rug instantly makes a room feel warmer, especially in winter. It also anchors your furniture so the room looks finished. Would you put yours in the living room or the kitchen?
You will need: A thrifted rug, a vacuum, mild soap, water, a soft brush, a rug pad.
How to make it: 1. Shake the rug outside and vacuum both sides. 2. Spot clean with mild soapy water and let it dry flat. 3. Add a rug pad underneath.
Copper Pots and Kettles
Old copper pots and kettles bring a warm, European farmhouse glow to any kitchen. Even if they are too worn to cook with, they look beautiful hanging from a peg rail or sitting on an open shelf. Tarnished copper can be brightened with a simple paste of salt and lemon juice, or you can leave the deep brown patina for a rustic look. Pair copper with a wooden board and a few green plants. Prices at thrift stores are usually a small part of what antique shops charge. Have you ever found copper while thrifting?
You will need: Thrifted copper pots or kettles, lemon juice, salt, a soft cloth, wall pegs or hooks.
How to make it: 1. Rub tarnish away with a lemon and salt paste. 2. Rinse and dry well. 3. Hang on pegs or display on an open shelf.
Glass Cloches and Jars: Small Thrift Store Decor Finds With Big Style
Glass cloches and apothecary jars make simple things look precious. Put a cloche over a cake stand of lemons, a tiny potted plant or a stack of pretty soaps. Fill lidded jars with cotton balls in the bathroom, pasta in the kitchen or shells from a beach trip. Clear glass goes with every style, so these pieces work all year. Group different heights together for the best look. They are easy to find at thrift stores and usually cost just a dollar or two. What would you put under your cloche?
You will need: Glass cloches and apothecary jars, warm soapy water, items to fill them.
How to make it: 1. Wash the glass in warm soapy water and dry well. 2. Fill the jars with everyday items. 3. Group them on a counter or shelf by height.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Old wooden cutting boards have a worn, loved look that new ones cannot copy. They are humble thrift store decor finds with lots of charm. Look for boards with handles, rounded shapes or a deep warm color. Scrub them with coarse salt and half a lemon, rinse, then rub in food safe mineral oil to bring the wood back to life. Stack several against the kitchen backsplash behind your stove or sink for an easy designer look. They are also handy for serving cheese and bread when guests come over. How many boards would you lean in your kitchen?
You will need: Thrifted wooden boards, coarse salt, a lemon, food safe mineral oil, a cloth.
How to make it: 1. Scrub each board with salt and lemon. 2. Rinse and dry standing up. 3. Rub in mineral oil and let it soak in overnight.
Mirrors With Carved Frames
A big mirror with a carved frame can make any entryway feel grand. Thrift stores often have them for a fraction of what new ones cost, especially older pieces with real wood frames. If the finish is dated, rub on a little gilding wax or paint the frame a soft color. Hang it above a console table with a lamp and a vase of branches. A mirror also bounces light around, which makes small rooms feel bigger. Always ask for help hanging heavy mirrors safely. Where would you hang a statement mirror?
You will need: A thrifted mirror with a carved frame, gilding wax or paint, a soft brush, heavy duty picture hangers.
How to make it: 1. Clean the glass and dust the frame. 2. Refresh the frame with wax or paint if needed. 3. Hang it with heavy duty hangers, with a helper.
Linen Napkins and Tablecloths
Vintage linens are one of the most overlooked thrift store treasures. Look for soft linen napkins, lace edged pieces and tablecloths with embroidery or hemstitching. A wash and a press makes them look brand new. Mismatched napkins in similar colors look charming at a holiday table, and old tablecloths can become curtains, pillow covers or even gift wrap. Check for stains in good light before you buy, though many come out with a gentle soak. Check out our furniture flips for more secondhand ideas. Would you use yours every day or save them for holidays?
You will need: Thrifted linen napkins or tablecloths, gentle laundry soap, an iron.
How to make it: 1. Soak the linens in cool water with gentle soap. 2. Wash on a gentle cycle and line dry. 3. Press while slightly damp.
Planters and Urns: The Last of the Thrift Store Decor Finds
Classic planters and urns make a front door look welcoming all year. Thrift stores and estate sales often have heavy stone, concrete or ceramic urns for much less than garden centers. A weathered patina is a good thing here, since it looks timeless. Plant a boxwood ball with trailing ivy and set a pair by the door for instant curb appeal. Add a drainage hole if there is none, or use them as a cover for a plastic nursery pot. Southern Living has its own list of things to always buy at the thrift store, too. Would your front door look good with a pair?
You will need: A pair of planters or urns, potting soil, boxwood or evergreen plants, trailing ivy.
How to make it: 1. Check for a drainage hole or use a nursery pot inside. 2. Plant the boxwood and tuck ivy around the edges. 3. Set one on each side of the door.
