10 Thrift Store Home Decor Flips That Look Designer-Made

I love finding treasures at thrift stores and making them look fancy. I’ve turned simple items like lamps and chairs into fancy pieces. This guide will show you 10 ways to make thrift store finds look like they cost a lot.

I once found a lamp that looked like it was from Pottery Barn for just $8. I painted it and changed the hardware. I also got a magazine rack for $4.99 that looked like it was from The Container Store.

I’ve also made a chair look fancy for just $6. And I turned a $6 lantern into something modern and chic. These projects are fun and save money.

I even made a vase look high-end for $10. And I’ve made canvas art with spackle and a sprayer. It’s a fun way to create something unique.

Key Takeaways

Thrift store finds can be transformed into designer-quality home decor on a budget
Repurposing and upcycling thrift store items allows for creativity and personal style
Utilizing tools like the Wagner Flexio 3500 sprayer and Dixie Belle Paint products can elevate thrift store makeovers
Thrift store flipping can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying new furniture and decor
Sharing your thrift store home decor flips on social media can inspire others to embrace DIY and budget-friendly decorating

1. Introduction to Thrift Store Flipping

Thrift store flipping is about making old items look new again. You can find great deals at thrift stores, garage sales, and antique shops. This way, you can make your home look stylish without spending a lot.

What is Thrift Store Flipping?

It’s about finding old items and making them new. You can fix up old furniture, turn old lamps into art, or make cool wall decor. It’s all about using your creativity to make something special.

Benefits of Flipping Thrift Store Items

It’s cheaper than buying new things
You can make things that are truly unique
It’s good for the planet because you’re using old items
You get to show off your DIY skills

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

You’ll need some basic tools to flip items. A good paint sprayer like the Wagner Flexio 3500 is key. You’ll also need paint, sandpaper, wood filler, and a turntable for painting. These tools will help you make old items look new again.

Learning thrift store flipping can make your home look amazing. You can make old furniture and decor look new and stylish. And the best part? It won’t cost you a lot.

2. Finding Hidden Gems at Thrift Stores

Thrift shopping is a great way to find unique and affordable home decor. With patience and a keen eye, you can turn thrift store finds into beautiful pieces. Here are some tips to find hidden gems at local thrift stores.

Tips for Effective Thrift Shopping

Look for items with good bones and potential, like solid wood furniture and vintage lighting.
Focus on specific items like furniture, lighting, and textiles to stay organized.
Be patient and take your time. Thrift stores have changing inventory, so look carefully.

What to Look for When Shopping

When you’re shopping, look for these items to make stunning, affordable interior styling pieces:

Baskets and crates can be used for storage, decor, or even as furniture.
Lamps and light fixtures with unique shapes can be updated with paint or new shades.
Chairs and stools can be upholstered or refinished to add a creative thrifting hacks touch.
Keep an eye out for vintage or unusual decorative objects to be the room’s centerpiece.

Timing Your Visits for Best Finds

Visiting thrift stores on weekdays and early mornings can be best. This is when new items are most likely to arrive. But, be ready to visit often because the best pieces can sell out fast.

Remember these tips and keep searching. You’ll find the hidden gems to make your home stylish and personal. Happy thrifting!

3. Refreshing Furniture for a Designer Look

I love finding old furniture and making it new again. I’ve turned many pieces into beautiful works of art. It’s fun to give old items a new life.

Repainting Wooden Furniture

Repainting furniture is one of my favorite things to do. I once found a solid oak chair for $6. I cleaned it, sanded it, and painted it black. Now, it looks like something from a designer store.

Adding New Hardware to Dressers

Changing old dresser hardware can make a big difference. It’s a simple way to make old furniture look new again. I found a dresser and changed its pulls to gold. Now, it’s a beautiful piece in my living room.

Upholstering Chairs with Trendy Fabrics

Upholstering chairs is very rewarding. It’s a great way to make old chairs look new. I found a chair and covered it in a fun fabric. Now, it’s a unique piece in my home.

These projects show how you can make old furniture new again. With a little creativity, you can make furniture that everyone will love.

4. Transforming Vintage Lighting Fixtures

Thrift store decorating is all about finding hidden gems. You can give them a fresh, designer-inspired look. Old lamps and chandeliers can be made new again with a little creativity and some budget-friendly supplies.

Updating Old Lamps with Spray Paint

One easy way to revamp a thrifted lamp is with spray paint. I found an $8 lamp that looked like a $239 Pottery Barn design. I added texture with spackle, used beige paint, and Dixie Dirt for an earthy finish.

Rewiring and Redesigning Fixtures

For more intricate pieces, consider rewiring and redesigning. This updates the style and makes them safe and functional. Look for unique chandeliers, sconces, or pendants in thrift stores and consignment shops. With some effort, you can make them look like designer pieces.

Incorporating Modern Bulbs for Style

Don’t forget to upgrade the bulbs in vintage lighting. Modern, energy-efficient bulbs can make your thrifted fixtures look better. Try different bulb shapes, sizes, and colors to find the perfect look for your space.

The key to successful thrift store decorating is to be creative and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and add your own touch. With a bit of effort and imagination, you can turn ordinary items into stylish home accents.

5. Crafting Stylish Wall Art

Get creative and turn thrift store finds into beautiful wall art. You can make old frames new again, create a cool gallery wall, or use fabric scraps for art. It’s all about using your imagination and a bit of DIY know-how.

Upcycling Old Frames for Wall Decor

Don’t ignore those old frames at the thrift store. Paint them or add a new finish. Then, they’re ready for your next DIY project. Sadie Seasongoods shows many frame makeovers, from modern to rustic.

Creating a Gallery Wall with Thrift Finds

Thrift stores have lots of unique items for a gallery wall. The Thrift Store Decor Team shares ideas every month. They use everything from wooden trays to antique plates for a striking display.

Using Fabric Scraps for Unique Art Pieces

Make your walls special with fabric scraps. You can make a textured canvas or a colorful abstract piece. Sarah Ramberg of Sadie Seasongoods shares her home filled with thrifted treasures, including fabric art.

Thrift store finds and DIY magic can make any space beautiful. Upcycle frames, make gallery walls, and craft fabric art. You can turn your home into a unique space that shows off your style.

6. Refinishing and Restyling Shelving Units

Thrift store decorating lets you be creative and breathe new life into old items. Shelving units can be totally transformed. With some effort and DIY skills, you can make old shelves look new and stylish.

Painting Techniques for a Fresh Look

Painting a thrift store shelving unit is easy. Try bold colors or a single color for a modern look. Use a good spray paint, like the Wagner Flexio 2000, for a smooth finish.

Adding Wallpaper Backing to Shelves

Adding fun wallpaper to the back of shelves adds personality. It makes your shelves stand out. Choose wallpaper that fits your decorating theme.

Repurposing Shelves for a New Function

Think creatively with shelving units. Old bookshelves can become plant displays or room dividers. They can serve many purposes.

Successful thrift store decorating comes from being open-minded and creative. Embrace imperfections and show your style. You can make unique storage that’s all yours.

7. Turning Odd Objects into Decorative Accents

The world of upcycled home decor is full of possibilities. Thrift stores are great for finding hidden gems. These can be turned into beautiful decorative pieces.

As a thrifter, I see potential in unusual items. I give them new life with creative thrifting hacks and secondhand decor transformations.

Finding Potential in Unusual Items

Thrifting is fun because you find unique items. These can be turned into something special. A $6 lantern can become a chic accent with black paint.

DIY Projects with Vintage Finds

Thrifting gives you vintage finds for DIY projects. You can make stylish storage from large thread cones. Or, paint thrifted wood to create unique jewelry holders.

Just think creatively and let your imagination run wild. This way, you can see the possibilities as you work.

Ideas for Repurposed Decorative Items

Transform a vintage lantern with a fresh coat of paint
Upcycle large thread cones into unique storage containers
Create hand-painted wood jewelry holders from thrifted finds
Repurpose old frames into modern wall art displays
Turn quirky objects into sculptural table centerpieces

The fun of upcycled home decor is in the unexpected. Thrift stores offer creative thrifting hacks and secondhand decor transformations. This lets you add unique, designer-inspired accents to your home.

So, keep looking and stay creative. The treasures you find might become your favorite home pieces.

8. Designing Cozy Textiles from Thrift Store Finds

Turning thrift store finds into cozy home decor is easy and cheap. You can make new cushion covers or fix up old blankets. These projects let you be creative and stay within your budget.

Sewing New Cushion Covers from Old Fabrics

Changing throw pillow covers can make a room look new. Look for cool fabrics at thrift stores. Then, sew new covers to make your pillows look like they came from a designer.

Reviving Blankets and Throws with a Fresh Touch

Thrifted blankets and throws can get a new life. You can dye them or add patches. This makes them cozy and special.

Using thrift store items lets you make your home cozy without spending a lot. Sewing or fixing up textiles adds character and warmth to your space.

“Thrifting allows me to express my creativity and personal style in a budget-friendly way. I love transforming simple textiles into one-of-a-kind home decor pieces.” – Tiffany, Lifestyle Blogger

9. Creating a Statement Piece with Thrift Flips

Thrift store flipping is very rewarding. You can turn many finds into one amazing piece. This piece can make your room look like it was designed by a pro.

The Power of a Unique Centerpiece

A great centerpiece grabs your attention right away. It can be a vintage mirror, a dresser turned into a media console, or a mix of decor items. It adds personality and charm to any room.

Strategies for Combining Items into One Design

Find thrifted pieces that match in color, texture, or style.
Play with layering and arranging to add interest and balance.
Add unique touches like vintage hardware or found objects.
Use paint, stains, or DIY tricks to tie everything together.
Think about how it looks and works when designing.

Thrift store flipping lets you make ordinary things into something amazing. It’s all about being creative, open-minded, and ready to try new things.

“Thrifting is not just about finding a bargain – it’s about uncovering hidden gems and breathing new life into forgotten objects. With a little imagination, you can create something truly special.”

10. Final Tips for Successful Home Decor Flipping

Starting your thrift store flipping journey? Remember a few important things. First, set a budget for each project and stick to it. Thrifting can be fun, but it’s easy to spend too much. Staying disciplined helps keep your decorating ideas within your budget.

Staying Within Budget

Thrifting lets you create fancy looks without spending a lot. But, it’s key to watch your spending. Think about what you need for each project and any extra costs. This way, you can save money and stay on budget.

Embracing Creativity and Personal Style

Thrifting is all about being creative and showing your style. Look for pieces that catch your eye and can be made into something special. Try new things and colors to make your space truly yours.

Sharing Your Successes on Social Media

Don’t hide your thrifting wins! Share your projects on Instagram and Facebook. It can inspire others and maybe even help you make money. Who knows, you could turn your thrift flipping skills into a business.

FAQ

What is thrift store flipping?

Thrift store flipping is when you buy secondhand items. Then, you make them into cool, designer-like home decor.

What are the benefits of flipping thrift store items?

Flipping thrift store items saves money. It lets you make unique designs. Plus, it’s good for the planet because you’re using what’s already there.

What tools and supplies do I need for thrift store home decor projects?

You’ll need a paint sprayer like the Wagner Flexio 3500. Also, sandpaper, cleaning stuff, and paints like Dixie Belle Paint.

What should I look for when shopping at thrift stores?

Look for items that can be fixed up. Things like furniture, lights, and decorations. The best times to go are weekdays and early mornings.

How can I transform old furniture to look designer-made?

Clean, sand, and paint the furniture with a sprayer. Add new hardware. For chairs, pick trendy fabrics for a modern look.

How can I update old lamps and lighting fixtures?

Paint and change the shades of old lamps. Use spackle for texture. You can also rewire and use new bulbs for a modern look.

What are some ideas for creating unique wall art from thrift store finds?

Turn old frames into art. Make gallery walls with different thrift store items. Use fabric scraps for unique art.

How can I refresh and repurpose thrifted shelving units?

Paint shelves in a two-toned look. Add wallpaper backing. Or, use them for something new to make the most of them.

What are some unique ways to use odd objects from thrift stores?

Find vintage trinkets or odd shapes for chic accents. Use big thread cones for storage. Or, make hand-painted wood jewelry.

How can I incorporate thrifted textiles into my home decor?

Sew new covers for cushions from thrifted fabrics. Update old blankets. Or, make crochet wall art or small flower bouquets.

Source Links

Around The Web