My Easiest Home Decor Upcycle Thrift Store Haul!

by: LJ Ober

​You know, It’s not always quite this easy. I often go into a thrift shop and come out empty handed without finding a single item. Other days I go through the store isles several times only to get items that will need a serious overhaul! But this time I was there at the at the right time for my easiest home decor thrift store haul ever.

​It turned out I found several items that had no need to be up-cycled. Not that I mind pulling out the ol’ can of paint and brush because I absolutely love it. For this haul however; I only had to paint the wood serving tray, wood mirrored sconces and candle holders. The other items were simply perfect as they were. 

Not everyone can stand going into thrift stores for obvious reasons, but I enjoy looking for interesting finds. I go quite often because the good stuff does not last very long. And it is a bummer to see great finds in other people’s carts that were just grabbed a minute before I came into the store. A great conversation starter though, because I enjoy hearing how others are going to use those piece.

It can be a bit daunting to look past the grit of a second hand store, visualizing the item's, especially home decor, better than it currently is, but use these tips below to make your visit a positive one.

​​TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT TO YOUR LOCAL THRIFT STORE . . 

1.) PUT YOUR BLINDERS ON:
You will see extremely outdated and worn out home decor. It’s quite harsh on the eyes seeing the 1980’s and 90’s home decor with the dark cherry wood, bold colored patterns and prints that were great back in the day. I love knowing that I can change the look with only a few dollars and bit of elbow grease.

2.) RE-VISUALIZE IT
Look completely past what the piece is now and visualize it white, light and airy. You may have left-over paint, brush and sand paper in your garage ready to be used.

3.) LOOK 3 TIMES:
I myself usually go through the isles several times to get a second glance, usually finding a few more pieces to throw into my cart that I somehow missed the first time around.

4.) GO OFTEN:
Go early or late or even twice in a day if you can. Donations are made often and the shelves are stocked at different times a day so you never know what is ready to be put out!
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5.) LOOK FOR SPECIALS:
Look for daily or weekly specials! Each week a new colored tag is being featured, leading to the item possibly go at half off of the original price.

​​Not that this serving tray wasn't totally cute with the swan on it, but it needed lightened up to go better with my home decor. I painted it white and lightly brushed soft gray strokes to add some detail, then sanded and smoothed to give it a touch of a chippy farmhouse look. I still need to find the perfect stencil to add to it, and I will up-date this post when I do.

Hit up your local Goodwill and get some creative inspiration for your own thrifty makeover ideas to try. Home decor makeovers can make you feel as though you are doing your worldly part to recycle, renew and reuse because you are literally taking someone else’s trash and turning it into a treasure that you or someone else will love. Let me know what you find and come up with! ttyl