Everything is more expensive these days, and yes- that includes thrift stores, too. And while their prices have gone up along with everything else, I still view thrift stores as the best (and most affordable) source for furnishing my home. Perhaps some of these ideas for DIY home decor will inspire you to go thrifting in search of unique and project-worthy decor for your space, too.
Clear Glass Vase Makeovers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Can you even tell that these exotic vases started as clear glass vases from a thrift store? They’re the kind you would get with a small bouquet from the florist or even a hospital gift shop. But a globally-influenced paint job gives them such an exotic look, like you brought one home from an overseas trip.
Pizza Pan Weaving
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This woven wall hanging started out as a pizza pan on a thrift store shelf, believe it or not. But look how amazing it turned out- both as a loom and as a finished frame. The final results are contemporary and surprisingly stylish for a Boho or eclectically-styled home.
DIY Home Decor from Architectural Salvage
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Balusters are architectural salvage that are similar to stair spindles, but are typically more robust and originated from a wooden rail along a front porch. And with the right drill bit, they can be transformed into statement lamps like this.
Mid-Century Modern Wall Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A collage picture frame in the right design can almost look like Brutalist-style mid-century modern wall decor. At least, that’s what this one looked like to me when I spotted it at the thrift store. It just needed a little upcycling TLC to transform it into DIY home decor- not too shabby for a $2 thrifted frame that was originally purchased from Walmart (based on the tag), eh?
Coastal Candle Holders
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A set of plain wooden candle holders from the thrift store wasn’t much to look at, honestly. But this beachy/nautical makeover with chalk paint and jute rope turned them into showstoppers, didn’t it? They look straight out of a coastal boutique now, but they sure didn’t start out that way.
Vintage Hardware Display
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Vintage hardware, like these old key plates, are a favorite of collectors. Not only are they relatively affordable, but they’re small and easy to attach to DIY and craft projects. Usually made of brass, they sometimes sport intricate designs that echo their time period. Or in this case, they were simply painted over with the rest of the door while in use. Either way, attached to a salvaged cabinet door like this makes them a unique and appropriate piece of DIY wall decor for a foyer or entryway.
Succulent Hanging Basket
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Succulents are everywhere these days, thanks in part to the boho home trends. And while living succulents are ideal in planters, fake versions from craft stores are the best for crafting with. And a wild and lush display like this in a thrift store basket is a great way to display them in your home.
DIY Home Decor from Sweaters
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Unique and fun, these boho pillow covers started as sweaters hanging on a thrift store rack. Even the pillow inserts came from the thrift store, which makes these boho throw pillows an extremely thrifty way to add pops of color on furniture.
Covering Bad Art
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A cool frame at the thrift store might be holding some very unappealing “art”, which was the case with this unusual frame. And getting the ugly prints out of the frame ended up being a nightmare. So, the bad art was simply covered up with some peel-and-stick wallpaper samples– and you’d never know it if I hadn’t told you!
Light Fixture Cloche
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A geometric brass-and-glass pendant light is perfect for upcycling into a DIY cloche like this. You can display anything you’d like within it and even change it out seasonally. Big name decor shops sell similar versions for a much higher cost than the full light fixtures run at thrift shops, too.
DIY Home Decor from the Recycling Bin
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Turning unexpected items into planters is one of the easiest types of upcycling projects. Especially if you give them a gorgeous makeover like this. Would you believe that this Moroccan-inspired boho planter actually started out as a red plastic coffee tub from the grocery store?
Basket Gallery Wall
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Wall galleries made from flat baskets are a wonderfully thrifty way to fill a LOT of vertical real estate. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to hang- and with the addition of vintage woven trivets, they take on a whole new look. Either way, this is a very thrifty idea for DIY home decor using inexpensive treasures from thrift shops and yard sales.
Faux Boho Pottery
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Pottery is a staple of in a lot of homes these days, but if you can’t find (or afford) the real deal, there ARE other options. Textured paint, like the kind used on this clear glass vase, is a great fake-out option. It gives clear glass pieces from the thrift store a much improved look for your own decor style.
Framed Doilies
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There are lots of ways to frame lace doilies for display in a vintage-style home, but this one is my favorite. Window screen is a great way to suspend the doilies in a frame while keeping the entire display frame lightweight and easy to hang.
Decorative Sailboats
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Decorative sailboats are a delightful touch of nautical decor for your home throughout summer and even year-round. You can make them with a variety of items, so long as the wooden part can pass as a boat shape!
Framed Maps
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Whether it’s a map on a wall or a globe on a stand, maps are an integral part of classic or studious home decor. This thrifty version pairs of up vintage road maps with antique oval picture frames from the thrift store. And now, they look like lovely portholes to the past- because let’s face it, vintage road maps have the best colors and graphics!
Unexpected DIY Home Decor
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Architectural salvage stores are some of the most unique antiques shops around. You never know what you’ll find there, but undoubtedly there will be items and objects that can be upcycled into DIY home decor. In this case, four gingerbread brackets were put together into something completely unique to be hung on the wall.
Aging Something New
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What was once a clear glass vase now looks like old stoneware or pottery thanks to paint and…coffee grounds! Quite the unlikely craft supply, I know, but such a fun way to “weather” and age your painted projects like this.
Thrifty Ideas for DIY Home Decor
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At the end of the day, decorating your home doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t) put you in debt. With DIY home decor ideas like these- all of which are upcycled from thrifted and vintage items- you can definitely outfit your home with unique and curated pieces. The best part is that no one else will have the same thing AND you have more money in the bank when all is said, done, and decorated.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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