Discover Thrifting Secrets: Budget Home Design Tips and More

If you are looking for thrift store design ideas and ways to decorate with thrift store finds, you are in the right place. Shopping at a thrift store has never been more on-trend. These savvy shopping tips and decorating ideas will help you to create a stylish, budget-friendly home design with all the latest vintage trends.

Today’s Thrifting with the Gals series is the best for tips and ideas on shopping at a thrift store, repurposing thrift store finds, upcycling, and spotting great deals for thrift store crafts.

You’ll be inspired to check out secondhand shops for decor ideas and for easily found items.

Let’s get started!

Why Is Thrift Store Shopping So Popular?

The main reason thrift store shopping is so popular is that the items are a fraction of the cost in retail stores, so you save money. The second reason is that it’s sustainable shopping because you reduce waste by purchasing secondhand goods. Finally, it’s fun! If you are in for the Thrill of the Hunt, you’ll be amazed at the deals you can pick up at thrift stores and secondhand shops.

With the popularity of Modern Heritage, Millennial & Coastal Grandma, and Nostalgic Home Decorating, thrift stores and vintage shops are gold mines for finding decor to create a curated home. You can find more inspiration for these decorating styles at Thrifting Tips for a Story-Filled Home.

How Is Thrifting More Affordable?

Some believe thrift-store goods are junk no one wants. However, you will be amazed at the new items being donated to charity shops.

Everyone has made the mistake of purchasing something they never use. Instead of throwing it away, you feel better donating it to a good cause, and someone will get a great deal on your donated items.

Household goods are another great example. Dishes, serving pieces, silverware, and more can be purchased for a dime, and most are in excellent condition.

You can learn more about thrifting tips and tricks at 10 Tips for Successful Thrift Store Shopping and 17 Reasons for Shopping Secondhand Charity Shops.

Thrifted Furniture Transformations

Finding quality furniture is a big money-saver, and vintage pieces are of better quality than the mass-produced furniture currently available. I look for solid wood construction, and if the color or style doesn’t work with my decor style, I look for ways to update it.

The chest below is one of my favorite transformations. This simple $40 thrift store chest is unrecognizable after mini-drawers were added. Wait until you see the before. Learn how you can create something similar with this Amazing Chest Transformation Tutorial.

For an even easier transformation, check out this 3 Step Chest Makeover.

Bargain Lamp Makeovers

Lamps are usually very inexpensive at thrift stores, and I have enjoyed many makeovers. When I see a high-end, expensive lamp, I look for similar shapes and then transform them into the designer look.

One of my first transformations is the napkin decoupage makeover. The lamp only cost me $1.00, and you’d never believe how easy it was to update. You can see each lamp transformation by clicking the links in each photo.

How To Decorate With Vintage Demijohns

I recently started collecting vintage demijohns after finding a unique one at a thrift store at a great price. Then I was hooked and love the texture they add to a table centerpiece, mantel, or shelf.

If you want to add a textured, rustic style to your decor, be sure to keep an eye out for these unique treasures when shopping at a thrift store. To see more decorating ideas, read 9 Ways To Decorate with Demi Johns.

How To Decorate With Architectural Salvage

Although some architectural salvage can be pricey, you can find good deals at thrift stores and consignment shops. Plus, even if you pay a little more for a great piece, the character it adds to your home is well worth the splurge.

Look for small elements such as spindles and broken pieces from fretwork. You can use them as bowl fillers or just interesting additions to a vignette.

Old Doors and vintage hardware can give your home an effortless, modern-heritage feel. See more about decorating with old doors at Creative Decorating with Vintage Doors and Windows.

Collecting and Decorating With Thrifted Baskets

Baskets are usually readily available at thrift stores, and you can get a good deal if there is any damage. Unlike antique stores and antique festivals, where I find that the more damage, the higher the price. LOL.

I purchased both of the baskets below for only $5.00 each. They were purchased at different shops, but both lean to the side and have a few broken reeds. They are my absolute favorites.

Repurpose Thrifted Baskets

If you find a damaged basket that needs updating, this easy Sea Shell Basket Tutorial could be the solution. The basket had a broken handle and some unattractive stains. With a little paint and creative wrapping, the basket is now perfect for a coastal decor vibe.

Decorating with Vintage & Antique Quilts

I love collecting old quilts. I use them on our guest bedroom bed as throw blankets or just display them for a splash of vintage color. To see more ideas, check out 15 Ways To Add Cozy Vintage Charm By Decorating with Antique Quilts.

Decorating with Vintage Candle Holders and Candles

I rarely resist bringing home vintage brass candlestick holders if the price is right. I love mixing and matching all types of candleholders, and my collection keeps growing. You can read more about collecting and decorating at How To Decorate With Vintage Candle Holders and Candles.

In addition to brass candle holders, I love wood, resin, and metal holders. All candle holders provide a great way to add light to a dark table or corner. They are perfect for creating vignettes and completing tablescape centerpieces.

Wall scones are also a great way to add light and complete wall displays. I recently found these brass plate holders and candle sconces while shopping at an Antique Festival.

One thing about candle holders is that they can be used for more than candles. I love using them to display figurines and more. You can see how I put this Rustic Flower Arrangement on a Vintage Candle Holder together.

How To Update Inexpensive Picture Frames & Mirrors

One thing that is usually inexpensive in thrift stores is old picture frames and small mirrors. Many are perfectly fine as they are, but some of those plain frames can be enhanced to give them a modern appeal.

I used hot glue and silicone molds to update these plain old picture frames and, by adding half-round beads to a couple of thrifted mirrors, give the farmhouse a modern touch.

Some More Favorite Thrifting Ideas

Check out these posts if you’d like to see more of my favorite thrifting ideas from last year.

• 10 Amazing Vintage Milk Glass Christmas Decorating Ideas
• Traveling the NC Pottery Highway
• A Day Trip Thrifting in Southport, NC
• Thrifting in Wilmington, NC
• Thrifting in Asheboro, NC