Successfully Decorating With Thrift Store Finds

Honestly, I find going to the thrift store like going on a grand adventure, rather like a treasure hunt.  Decorating With Thrift Store Finds not only helps keep your homemaking budget intact but also allows you to create a home filled with rare, vintage, and beautiful items.  I keep a list in google docs of items I wish to find at the thrift store which I am able to easily access on my phone.  Being organized before you head out brings even more enjoyment to your trip.

I frequently get the question. “how often do you go to the thrift store”?  For me, it’s probably twice monthly at my local goodwill.  However, my daughters and I might head out to other thrift stores throughout our city once a month as well.  It is a family hobby!

Another frequent question is “what do you get there”?  Now that is a loaded question!  I purchase clothes and shoes, housewares, books, furniture made from wood, linens, and decorative items. I collect blue and white china so there is usually a plate or two that ends up in my basket.  I especially love items with history.  Antiques and vintage objects fit the style of my home, a 1903 farmhouse.  

 Decorating With Thrift Store Finds

Collections 

Having a collection of items that you love all in one place brings interest and beauty to a room.  It is important to display your collection altogether so there is not a feeling of clutter.  I collect blue and white china.  It is displayed en mass on the open shelves in the kitchen.  A piece of blue and white china is also usually placed in several rooms in our farmhouse as accent pieces.  You do have to be careful with collections, they can very easily get out of control, so be careful how you display your favorite items.  Remember, you can store items out of sight, not everything has to be on display 

Repurposed 

One of my favorite things to do with thrift stores finds it to repurpose them for other uses.  I reuse clothing in large sizes for sewing projects.  Pick an appropriate color scheme to match your home and then look at the thrift store for clothing to turn into pillow covers, quilt squares, and even lampshades.  I use small blue and white china plates as water basins for terra cotta flower pots.  I’ve made lamps from urns and let me not forget the art of refinishing furniture. Check out my Pinterest feed for even more creative ideas! 

Seasonal 

Decorating your home for the seasons can get quite expensive.  I employ two tactics to keep down costs. One is to use natural elements while decorating like evergreen branches, flowers from our garden, or stalks of wheat.  Secondly, I purchase my seasonal decor from my local goodwill.  Check year-round and they always have a great selection.  Remember, only purchase things you love.  Slow home decor is intentional which turns into a thing of beauty! 

Money-Saving Tip:

Another way to save money by shopping at your local thrift store is to know the days of sales, also what programs do they offer.  At my local goodwill when I drop off items to donate, I receive a 10% off coupon to be used in the store. Also, I have a blue card that gets stamped every time I spend 10 dollars.  When I fill up the card I get  10 off my next purchase.  I also watch what color tags are on sale that day.  Every thrift store operates differently but it’s worth your time and effort to check into it before you start shopping. 

YOUR TURN…

How do you decorate your home using thrift store finds? 

Blessings,

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