Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Home Decor Ideas)

One of the most frustrating things about living in a smallish 1970s Colonial home is that we have no basement or garage for me to hoard store thrift store furniture and accessories to make over. I'd love to have more space to display repurposed items, but it's not in the cards right now. But that doesn't mean I can't window shop thrift stores and dream up a new life for the pieces I spot. Our local Salvation Army is one of my favorite thrift stores to hunt for used furniture and accessories. Won't you window shop with me today?

I may have gasped a bit when I saw this sideboard buffet. The lines on this piece are so lovely. The top was a little beat up in places. With the exception of some repairs, I'd leave this one as-is!
Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Buffet), via Serenity Now


This etagere needs some love. Sanded and painted a bold black, perhaps? It could showcase a collection of milkglass or brightly painted ceramics.
Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Etagere), via Serenity Now

Here's a pretty, classic side table. Love a drop-leaf!
Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Drop Leaf End Table), via Serenity Now

This piece would be awesome in a craft room with someone's yarn stash in the slanted storage area and a basket or bin of craft supplies on the bottom shelf. Or you could store kids' DVDs in the slanted area and use it as a media piece in a playroom.
Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Storage), via Serenity Now


I couldn't get this trunk to open, but holy storage space, Batman! What a fantastic find to hold Legos, bins of superhero stuff, or GI Joes in a boy's room. Great for blankets, linens, etc, elsewhere.
Thrift Store Shopping Inspiration (Trunk), via Serenity Now

Here's someone who is begging to be transformed into a media console. Not a fan of the oddly textured fabricy stuff behind the panels, but that could be fixed. Would be so pretty in a light gray.
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration (Media Console), via Serenity Now

I spotted a bunch of cabinets and armoires that are orphans waiting for someone to adopt them and dress them up in pretty colors.
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration, Serenity Now blog


I think I'd refinish this guy rather than painting...such a pretty antique!
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration (Kitchen Storage), via Serenity Now

Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration, Serenity Now blog

Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration, Serenity Now blog
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration, Serenity Now blog

And I can see these chairs being recovered to give this dining set a completely updated new look:
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Inspiration, Serenity Now blog

Isn't it fun to imagine the possibilities? I think you can really grow your creative skills when you have to envision new ways to use or transform secondhand pieces vs. just buying from a showroom and placing it in your home.

Which piece was your favorite?

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12 comments:

  1. Wowsers! That is an awesome Salvation Army! All of those pieces I have refinished, repainted, and re used in my mind. So beautiful!

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  2. I love that corner display thingy - I can picture it for my daughter's apartment or for one of the boys to display Legos...breakable trinkets on that wouldn't work int his house...

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  3. WOW! That was fun! I love the salvation army- this reminds me I need to get there!! Thanks for the shopping date!

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  4. Wowowee! What a store, lots of goodies there, I am in love with that sideboard buffet! And your fit, I wouldn't change a thing on it! Grab it Amanda!

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  5. Oh wow, incredible!! I love the first dresser, and the table with the slanted shelf...but look at that trunk!!
    Great place to shop, never been to the one in town but I'll definitely be checking it out!
    Debbie :)

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  6. Man, I wish I could shop at your Salvation Army store! What great pieces--can't believe you spotted those all under one roof. I especially like the Hoosier cabinet (at least it looks like a Hoosier cabinet to me, although I'm no expert). My sister has a piece like that in her kitchen; she uses it every day and it's one of her prized possessions.

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  7. What incredible finds! How I wish I was with you on this thrifting adventure. Especially like the slanted bookcase/storage piece!

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  8. That etegerie? I have one exactly like it in my basement--it was my great-grandmother's. How fun!

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  9. Those are some nice looking pieces of furniture you came across!! I'm wanting to look for an old dresser chest to use for all my sheets (instead of stuffing them into closets!)..the first picture would be something I'd definately use for that!

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  10. Thanks for sharing these furniture pieces. Old things are always valuable.

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  11. Your Salvation Army has some good stuff. I would have been tempted to buy a few things.

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  12. Wow. Lots of great furniture. I'm loving that first buffet.

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I love to hear your feedback! Please feel free to leave comments...just don't send me spam asking me to buy stuff off your website! I've got three kids and no money to purchase your magic weight-loss pill or bust enhancement, or whatever else you might be selling. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you! :)

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