Thrift Store Haul With Easy Home Decor Makeover Ideas

Sometimes an unexpected change of plans leads to the best thrift store haul. I had to leave the house while the plumber turned off our water, and I fully intended to work at a coffee shop. Instead, I found myself at a thrift store and came home with an armful of affordable pieces just waiting for a little creativity.

This haul includes wood surfaces, porch decor, a jean jacket, and even an amber bourbon bottle. Some pieces need paint, some need sanding, and all of them have plenty of potential.

A Little Cabinet With Big Potential

One of my favorite finds was a small wooden cabinet with a drawer. It is heavy, dirty, and a little more folk art inspired than my current style. It even has a pineapple detail that makes it feel like something someone might have made years ago.

The size is what really caught my attention. It could sit on a dresser, a shelf, or anywhere that needs a little extra storage and character. My first thought was to clean it thoroughly and paint it an off white. A pretty green could also give it a fresh look.

That tiny drawer is just too cute to pass up. Once the cabinet is cleaned and painted, it could become a charming accent piece without losing the handmade personality that made me notice it.

Straw Hats for Work or Display

I also found a couple of straw hats that appeared to be new and unworn. They will be practical for yard work, but they also reminded me of a straw hat collage I made in the past.

A grouping of straw hats would look summery and relaxed on a screened porch. These could be the beginning of a new collection, or I may simply put them to work outside. I love a thrifted find that can be both useful and decorative.

A Jean Jacket Ready for a Design

The jean jacket was another fun find. It may be a little small for me, but I already have someone in mind who can wear it.

My plan is to use decolorant paste on the denim and add a design. A custom design could turn a basic thrifted jacket into something personal and right on trend. I have not chosen the design yet, so this one is still full of possibilities.

Easy Greenery for the Porch

For $4.99, I found a basket filled with faux greenery. It was dusty and needed cleaning, but I loved that it would always look green without needing water.

The basket would be cute on the back porch, especially after a good cleanup. Low maintenance greenery is an easy way to bring color and texture to an outdoor space without adding another plant to the watering list.

Useful Wooden Surfaces to Refinish

Several wooden pieces followed me home because I can never resist a good surface for paint or a new design.

One $7 piece was made from real wood and had metal details on the corners. It could be hung on a wall, placed inside a drawer, or used to hold small items. I have not decided exactly what it will become, but the mix of wood and metal gives it plenty of character.

I also found a kitchen piece for $2.99 that I plan to turn into a chalkboard. I like the existing outside border, so I may only paint the center. Keeping the border would let me update the piece while preserving the part that first caught my eye.

A Heavy Wooden Riser

The heavy wooden riser cost $6.99 and can be used almost anywhere. The surface is a little rough, so it needs sanding before I add paint or a design.

Risers are useful for creating height in a display, and this one has a simple shape that makes it easy to customize. I am considering using a design similar to one I previously added to a pillow. The final color is still undecided.

A Stand for a Cookbook or Tablet

For $3, I found a stand that could hold an iPad or a cookbook. The current design is not staying. I plan to sand it away and add one of my own.

Pieces like this are some of my favorite thrift store finds because they already have a practical purpose. A little sanding and a new design can make them feel completely different without changing how useful they are.

A Wood Container With Dimension

Another $4.99 find was a real wood container with a dimensional design. It has a green tint that I actually like, although one area looks as if someone tried to clean or alter it.

It needs a little sanding, but it could hold candles, handmade stuffies, or other small items. I may also leave most of the finish alone and place something inside that covers the damaged area. Not every thrifted piece needs a complete makeover.

An Amber Bottle Worth Keeping

The most unusual find was an empty Blanton Distilling Company Kentucky straight bourbon bottle. I loved the amber glass and the little horse on top.

I could remove the label and use the bottle for another liquid, but I also like it just the way it is. Sometimes a small detail is enough to make an ordinary container worth bringing home.

The Fun Is Deciding What Comes Next

Now it is time to clean everything, sand the rough wood, and decide which pieces will get paint or a new design. This thrift store haul gave me several affordable surfaces to work with, plus a few pieces that may only need a good cleaning.

That is the joy of thrifting. You do not always need a finished plan when you find something with good shape, useful function, or a detail you love. Bring it home, look at it with fresh eyes, and let the makeover idea come to you.

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