Trash to Treasure

Let’s be honest with ourselves- we’d all like to save some money when investing in home decor. You could spend a few hundred bucks on a nice oak coffee table directly from a retailer, sure. But wouldn’t you rather walk away with a comparably nice oak coffee table, a couple nightstands, some unique wall art, and a sturdy desk for that same few hundred bucks?

Everyone has a different opinion when someone talks about thrift stores. Some may be wary of the quality of the pieces, some may shy away from hand-me-down stuff. But mindfully perusing a thrift store can open up a world of opportunity when buying furniture.

When thrifting furniture pieces, keep an open mind. Remember, you can always repaint, touch up, and accentuate them at very little cost and effort. Coffee tables, end tables, desks, and headboards from thrift stores are often made from very ornate wood. In fact, they probably sold for a lot of money back in the day- but you’re getting the same thing, in generally the same condition, for probably 1/4 of the price.

Dining tables are another extremely cost-effective item to pick up from a thrift store. With a little sanding and varnish, it can look brand-new. Again, most of these pieces are made of solid, valuable wood. They’ve clearly held up well considering they’re at a thrift store and not in an alleyway by a dumpster, no?

Accessories can make up a huge haul at a thrift store. Things like trays, jars, baskets, vases, and picture frames can be easily cleaned and polished to fit your home’s aesthetic. Thrifted accessories are incredibly versatile and can easily assimilate into the space.

Dishes are an underrated find at thrift stores. Cheap and stylish at the same time, they’re simple enough to decorate with and also serve a utilitarian purpose.