Hello there! Welcome, and I’m so glad you stopped by today. It’s the next installment of the THRIFTED GOODIES series. If you enjoy thrift shopping and love the thrill of the hunt, then this post is for you. Thrift stores are a wonderful resource for finding decor items at a great value. The problem is these thrifted decor items are usually a bit outdated or unloved. Today I’m sharing thrift store flips using paint, converting them into uniquely trend forward decor pieces.
Thrifting is an adventure, which yields unexpected and unique results. Sometimes thrifted goodies need to be looked at with a discerning eye. Paint is an easy fix to retrend an outdated piece. Come on in and let’s get busy with paint strokes.
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All About the Thrifted Goodies Series
The Thrifted Goodies series consists of monthly posts where my friend, Rachel, from the Antiqued Journey, and I share thrift store intel. Topics might include particular finds, tips, stylings, techniques, up-cycles, and general advice about thrift shopping mostly for home decor in general. Some months we invite a guest host. Thank you for joining us.
For today’s post I am sharing thrifted store flips simply using paint. Paint is an amazing medium to liven old and drab pieces. Using paint, you can transform a thrifted piece to coordinate with your decor style and aesthetic, blending seamlessly into your home interior.
Rachel is sharing thrifted fall decor today. She always finds the most amazing pieces! You don’t want to miss her latest post. If you don’t know Rachel yet, when you are done here, head over to visit Rachel and introduce yourself, while you check out her thrifting and thriving 5 inexpensive fall decor ideas for a beautiful home post.
You can also find Rachel in her other spaces; give her a follow:
If you are coming over from Rachel’s place, welcome! I am so glad you are here today, and I hope you enjoy yourself. Drop me a comment down below and introduce yourself. I would love to hear from you.
Thrifting Pro Tip: Make a list of items you would like to find while thrifting on your phone, and you will always have the list with you whenever you pop into a thrift. Update the list regularly as you find treasures and seek others. Have fun!
Paint is a Magic Wand
Paint is truly magical and can change pieces easily and immediately. Whether you call it a.flip, an up-cycle or a glow-up, it all ends up with a uniquely special decor accent piece with a few coats of paint. Various techniques can be used with foam, chip and paint brushes, using chalk, spray or acrylic paint. The possibilities are endless, just let your imagination guide you.
Today I am sharing personal projects flipped from outdated pieces to trend forward decor accents, but you can apply the same techniques and ideas to any thrift store finds that calls your name.
7 Common Thrift Finds Easily Transformed with Paint
Reader Tip: By clicking on the links below the images you can view the original posts with more details, step by step tutorials and additional photos.
Urns, Planters & Containers
I am a sucker for urns. Any kind really, and the one below with all the scroll details and the double arms is a great statement piece. The super dated colors did not distract me or deter me from bringing it home. I found this piece years ago for a few dollars and I love the stately profile. With a base of gray paint and a whitewash paint finish it shines and works perfectly for my decor aesthetic.
Inexpensive containers can immediately coordinate with your decor or a themed event. You can also create personal gifts for loved ones with their favorite colors.
Baskets
Baskets can prove to be on the spendy side at decor stores, but you can find them on the cheap at thrifts. I always look at the basket selection in thrift sores, and I have discovered many of my favorites this way. Basket up-cycles are some of my favorite.
There’s a wide variety of basket options at thrifts and unlike many other items they remain affordable and reasonably priced. Baskets can be used for storage and organization, or for plants and flowers, or for displaying and toting items in style.
Books
I always check out the book area in thrift shops. I love vintage books, but sometimes you can buy newer books and doctor them up. Paint is a great means to transform books in different ways.
Books are great finds at thrifts which can be easily altered with paint to coordinate your decor or for a specific theme. Stamping or stenciling on painted books is a super easy technique, which yields customized results.
Frames
There is a wide selection of frames, which come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles. There really is something for everyone with different aesthetics and purposes. Focus on the frame and don’t worry about the finish or material. It can be easily altered with paint to fit your preference.
Vintage and second-hand picture frames offer unique and one of a kind variety at an incredibly affordable price. Back in the day when I sold in vintage booths, I always sold painted frames in my displays. Regardless of the size or design, once the frames were all painted in an antique white paint it unified them. Theses frames are always a great decor accent for mantel and shelf vignettes.
Decorative Glassware
Another super affordable category is decorative glassware. Most of theses pieces are simply a few dollars and can be used in so many unique ways. Plus since it’s inexpensive glass, you can experiment with stains and paint for a glassware glow-up.
I used two new techniques this year to give glass pieces a glow-up, including a faux jadeite look and a stained process, which can be switched up. If you’re interested, follow the links below the images for step by step instructions.
Decor Accents
Thrift stores are a great resource for unique decor pieces. If the color of an item is not your jam, do not let that deter you from bringing it home. This candle taper below is a perfect example. It has a great profile and wonderful details, but once again the color leaves a lot to be desired, in my book anyway. With some paint it immediately looked like it belonged with other decor items in our home.
Architectural pieces are always my jam, but they don’t always come in the neutral colors I prefer. Nothing a few coats of paint can’t fix and voila! You now have a perfect piece for your hime interior.
Seasonal & Holiday Pieces
Using paint is a great way to transform any piece to the perfect seasonal decor. You can adapt it to whatever you desire with a little bit of imagination. This gingerbread cup was inspired by the Pottery Barn collection, and for a few dollars it was fun to create.
Frames once again create a spooky gallery for halloween. You can use this technique for any holiday or event by simply choosing appropriate colors and images. This a favorite technique around here for many projects.
More About Thrift Shopping
If you aren’t thrifting, you are missing out on a thrill seeking experience with unique results. Thrift shopping not only provides great finds at affordable prices, but it’s also a sustainable practice. Thrifting is a way to reuse and repurpose someone else’s cast-offs, preventing them from crowding the landfill. It’s good for the pocket book and good for the planet.
Below you can preview my most recent thrift haul. I will share how I use and style them in my home soon. You can do the same for your home.
- 10 wine silver rimmed goblets with all the vintage vibes I love, coming to a tablescape near you ($1.50 each)
- 8 white ceramic napkin rings, which make the perfect base for a DIY napkin holder project (25cents each)
- 2 silver plate spoons the perfect size for appetizers, dipping sauces, charcuterie boards and more (25cents each)
- 1 silver plate fork the perfect size for appetizers, charcuterie boards, fruit and the like (25cents)
These thrifting finds create a signature style for any home, which can’t be replicated. Thrifting is a fun treasure hunt for adults and a secret weapon for interior designers and vintage store owners. I lean into thrifting to provide fresh and unique pieces for our home. If you enjoy thrifting and vintage decor, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign uo below and receive all new content directly into your in-box.
Thrifting Pro Tip: Look at the potential of an item beyond its current state or condition. Items can be altered, up-cycled and recreated with TLC, elevating them to a trend forward piece.
Closing Thoughts
These are some thrifted items that I have transformed with paint, but you can apply the same methods to any objects that speak to you. Hopefully this will inspire you to look at thrift store pieces with a little paint pixie dust in mind.
I thrift shop frequently and add treasures throughout our home regularly. Thrift finds give your home a unique look and are budget friendly. I hope this inspires you to go thrifting, or if you’re already a thrifter, I hope it gives you a new insight.
Don’t forget to hop over and visit my thrifty friends Rachel @ The Antiqued Journey for more thrifting inspiration. Thank you for being here today and may the Thrifting Gods be ever in your favor. Au revoir!
Shopping the Painted Thrifted Decor Look
- Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- Graphite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- Paris Gray Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- Rust-Oleum Linen White Chalked All-in-One Ultra Matte Spray Paint
- Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Enamel Interior/Exterior Spray Paint for Small Projects, Glossy True White
- Krylon Pistachio Spray Paint
- Jolie Flat Brushes – Perfect Tool to Create a Modern Finish
- Double Thick Chip Paint Brush
- 3-Pack Dark assorted, 1″, 2″ & 3″ Foam Brush Set
- Trimaco SuperTuff 10 oz thick Heavyweight Canvas Drop Cloth, 4-feet x 5-feet
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
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Every canvas is a journey all its own.”
Helen Frankenthaler