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Decorating on a budget by repurposing thrift store treasures

Thrifting Tips for Decorating on a Budget

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I have been asked multiple of times how did I start shopping thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets.  To tell you the truth, I don’t recall, but I’m guessing it had to be a financial reason during my college years.  There are plenty of reasons why people become treasure hunters.  I am familiar with many retired couples that enjoy it as a hobby, or have witnessed people who treat it as a business.  I know the vintage retro look is in and so many young people shop for clothing in that era, but I’m guessing the most popular reason one thrift shops is to stretch the budget a little further. I personally like to stretch my decorating budget so I will attempt to give you some thrifting tips for decorating on a budget.

THRIFTING TIPS

 

1.  Go with a list:

 

Furniture pieces:

Thrifted Furniture

Thrifted Furniture

 Pieces in good condition that have good bones, structure, and lines that may need some tlc.  I have worked on many finds that needed tweaking before they were display ready. You can see some of those examples here or here.  However, I have found pieces that can go directly into my decor after a quick clean up.  Examples of such items can be seen here and here.

 

Mirrors and Art Work:

Thrifted mirrors, art work, and frames

Thrifted mirrors, art work, and frames

It is very difficult for me to pass by a mirror or a piece of art that is a good deal.  Let me explain.  I take in consideration size, shape, subject matter and overlook the material that it is made out of…  Did I every share with you that I love paint? Paint can transform an ugly frame. If it is priced right, it’s coming home with me.

 

Accessories and Decorative Items:

Thrifted Accessories

Thrifted Accessories

This list can include candles, colorful small dishes/cups, clocks, canisters, trays, baskets, book ends, and any other pieces that call out to you.  You can read a post I wrote on repurposed decorating that shows how I accessorized using my thrift store finds.

 

2. Be Budget Conscious

Strike a Deal:  When I say this, I don’t mean haggle the price. ( at least not all the time). Be aware of what deals may be out there.  Some thrift stores have websites that will post coupons or have a loyalty card available for frequent shoppers.  Some may even run daily specials.  Do some research  and find out what deals may be unique in your area and browse often.

 

3. Utilize the Web

Research:  I am not an Ebay shopper but I do frequent Craigslist and our local area Buy and Sell Face Book Pages.   Also many small communities will have City Wide Garage Sales posted on their Home Pages.  Book mark neighboring community’s home page for information, search the classifieds for estate sales and auctions and even community churches and schools will have sales as fundraisers.  Keep your eyes and ears open for pending sales.  In my area, the thrifty sales become abundant as the weather gets nicer.

4.  Keep an Open Mind

Give it a Try:  Try to overcome the stereotype that thrift stores are smelly, dark and just full of junk. Granted some are but there are many that are clean and well organized.  Many operate with a charity backing it.  So it can provide an opportunity to give back.

Think beyond the obvious.  Look at  size, shape and beyond the actual function of the piece.  Some items can be repurposed or painted to give it new life. Beware!  I have often got caught purchasing an item without a specific idea for it in my head.  I have bought impulsively thinking if I wait to long it will be gone.  Well, big deal!  Something else will come along.  Don’t start stock piling!

 

All in all the best thrifting tip for decorating on a budget is to just go and enjoy yourself.  I can tell you I have gotten pretty good at it, and love it.!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Great tips. I haven’t done much thrifting but it’s something I’m interested in. Love your tip for having a list. Last fall I went to a very large flea market, The Elephant’s Trunk here in CT, for the first time and I was completely overwhelmed by all the stuff and all the possibilities. I was just there to browse, but having a list would be a must when I go back.

    • Thanks for stopping by. I would just love to shop at the Elephant’s Trunk. I can understand how overwhelming that would be. I would feel the same way. Just have fun when you do it!

  2. This post is full of great tips and inspiration for a newbie thrift shopper like me. I’m easily overwhelmed in thrift shops!
    Thanks so much for sharing this post with us at #PureBlogLove link Party! the party starts every Thursday Evening at 8 p.m. EST. I’m hosting over at http://www.homemadefoodjunkie.com. Can’t wait to see what you bring next week!

  4. Hi,
    Thanks for the tips. I don’t decorate as much as I use to. Thank you for coming to the Inspire Me Monday Linky party on Monday. I’m Janice, one of your hostesses.

  5. I really struggle trying to find what I’m looking for ever. Yard sales are hard to hit up for us sometimes, but I’m inspired to make a better effort this season 🙂 Thanks for linking up with us at MeetUp Monday! Hope to see you again this week!
    –Mandy http://www.OddsandEvans.com

  6. This post was made for me. I’m decorating challenged (for real) and I am on a very strict budget. This gave me a little inspiration. Thanks for sharing at the Home Matters Linky Party! We hope to see you next week!

  7. What a great post! I absolutely LOVE going to thrift stores and found the most treasured belongings there. Thank you for sharing! 🙂 #ibabloggers

  10. I want to go thrifting with you! 🙂 I just got into it a couple of years ago so I’m not as knowledgeable as you are. I head a small group at church called Repurpose, Reuse, Restore and we all go thrifting together once a month. I go with my daughters other times. It sure is fun, even when I don’t find a thing.

    • Ooh a club!! I think I would just burst if that was available to me. Thank would be wonderful. I think I will just think about that tonight… Lol. It is fun. It’s the hunt that’s the most fun

  11. Great tips! As we’re slowly remodeling our home I’ve been scouting some local thrift stores keeping an eye out for some furniture pieces I’d like. I’m looking forward to garage sale season starting again too!

  12. I don’t even remember how many years I have been shopping thrift stores, probably since they first started opening. Those are some good tips to share. I used to buy a lot of frames also until I realized I had so many and wasn’t putting all of them to good use.
    Now I want to go thrift shopping!

    • Thanks for commenting. You either love thrifting or it’s not your cup of tea. I have a dear friend that enjoys going along with me. Love it. Happy thrifting!