Decorating on a Budget with Thrift Store Finds

If I ever earn a million dollars, I will still shop thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets and Craig’s list.

I love the thrill of the hunt and finding something beautiful and useful among someone else’s cast-offs. Besides, it’s a great way to decorate when you’re on a tight budget.  And, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, thrift stores can benefit great causes in your community (like animal shelters).

There are great treasures to be found in thrift stores, and today, I’m showing you my recent finds and giving you some tips as to how you might be able to find your own.

 
 
By the way, all of my recent treasures didn’t need a lick of DIY know-how so anyone can shop second-hand — really!

My first find was this little blue and white pot for $2.50.

 

I love the touch of color it adds to my fall pumpkin display.  I love blue and white transfer ware and Chinese ginger jars, so I had been wanting a little pot like this for awhile.Next, I found these blue and white transfer ware salad plates for a buck a piece.  There were 10 for sale so I bought them all!

Not bad, huh?!  They aren’t antiques nor are they a brand I’ve ever heard of, but I think they’re so cute. They’ll be perfect whenever I want to change things up with my white IKEA dishes (you can see more of my IKEA plates in my simple fall table post).

Finally, I found this great little silver oval bowl for $2.75.

It is silver-plated but is not a high-end piece.  Nonetheless, I think it’s so pretty and will be great for displaying practically anything.  It will also look cute displayed in my little blue china hutch.

All of these little pieces go well with things I already have and are helping me build a nice collection for displaying, decorating and entertaining (and blogging!).  I’m so happy with my bargains and am thrilled that I spent less than $20 for everything!

Interested in checking out your local second-hand store?

Here are my shopping tips:

  1. Go early — I find it’s best to get there when the stores open.  I’m still mourning the loss of an awesome antique looking kitchen scale that I missed by mere seconds — yes, seconds!  The GUY who bought it appeared to be an antique dealer or something.  He was scooping up all the good stuff like a pro and I arrived only a minute or two after the store opened.  By the way, this was not my first early-morning loss and he is not the first “professional” I’ve encountered at these stores.
  2. Go often — Thrift store inventories change not only daily, but sometimes hourly.  Some stores are stocking throughout the day so it really pays to keeping stopping by even if your visit isn’t fruitful every time.
  3. Use a cart — I’ve discovered its best to put things you’re thinking about in a cart and keep it with you while you’re mulling it over because it’s not unusual for your item to disappear in to someone else’s cart!
  4. Look past the dirt and surroundings — Just because something is dirty or dingy doesn’t mean it can’t be cleaned up or made to look brand new.  Use your imagination, see the bones and think outside the box as to how the item may be used.
  5. Ask questions — Can’t find what you’re looking for?  Ask.  They might have something you want in the back and just haven’t put it out yet.  
  6. Make an offer — Don’t like the price?  No price tag?  Make an offer or ask if they will take less.  Of course, they can say no, but it never hurts to try!  
To see more great thrift store buys and projects, follow this week’s Hometalk Thrift Benefit for Shelter Animals Blog Tour.

Not only are these bloggers sharing their thrifty make-overs, but it’s for a great cause — homeless animals!

Here’s the line-up:

Monday, October 14
Country Design Style
Deja Vue Designs
Weathered Pieces
Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza

Tuesday, October 15
One More Time Events
Fresh Idea Studio
The Crafty Woman

Wednesday, October 16
Lilacs and Longhorns
Stow and Tell U
Meegan Makes

Thursday, October 17
Pennywise Blog
Plum Doodles
A Nest for all Seasons

Friday, October 18
My Soulful Home
Designers Sweetspot
Cupcakes and Crinoline

Sharing at:
Between Naps on the Porch (Tablescape Thursday)
 
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11 Responses to Decorating on a Budget with Thrift Store Finds

  1. NanaDiana says:

    You have found some very wonderful treasures here, Julie. I used to haunt the thrift stores but haven’t so much lately. I have tons of stuff to get rid of myself and I am slowly getting rid of a lot of stuff. It feels good Hmmm….maybe someone is at a thrift shop right now waiting for MY stuff to arrive!;>) xo Diana

  2. GennieG says:

    Hi Julie! I’m new to reading your blog. I am like you, I love going to all the fun places. I get such a thrill when I get a deal. I also hate when somebody scoops up a find. I was just at a great estate sale this weekend and I went back each day they had it. I knew the last day that everything would be half off. I didn’t get there early enough and sure enough the items I thought nobody else would buy were gone. I felt deflated but I found other goodies. A red plaid blanket was still there and I was jumping for joy and it was half off. Love the dishes you got on your thrift trip. It’s so fun thrifting. I am the only one in my family who likes doing it. It is so addicting though. I think about going all the time. I just got a list of all the thrift stores in a 40 mile radius. I hope to be able to get to visit each one in the near future. Have a great day!

  3. Wonderland & Co. says:

    Love those blue & white plates! Great find. And I love that you mentioned they weren’t old or a name you were familiar with. I think it’s so important to just find pieces that resonate with you and that you would honestly and actually use in your space! Great tips as well. We don’t always have a lot of extra money to spend on re-doing or updating our decor – but you never know what treasures you might find at a garage sale, estate sale or thrift store!

  4. Wonderland & Co. says:

    Love those blue & white plates! Great find. And I love that you mentioned they weren’t old or a name you were familiar with. I think it’s so important to just find pieces that resonate with you and that you would honestly and actually use in your space! Great tips as well. We don’t always have a lot of extra money to spend on re-doing or updating our decor – but you never know what treasures you might find at a garage sale, estate sale or thrift store!

  5. Antique Homes and Lifestyle says:

    I love exploring antique stores, consignment and junk shops! That’s where most of my furniture is from! It’s so much fun and you can get great deals. You also find unique items that can really make a statement. The other thing I love about bargain shopping is that when I get tired of it, I can replace it. Since I don’t have a lot of money invested, there’s no guilt!

  6. Tea in Texas says:

    You are so correct about your ideas on thrifting! The new finds are lovely especially the 10 blue transferware plates. I enjoyed reading your list of ways to find great items at a thrift store! I also live in Texas and like your heading do Lilacs and Longhorns. My son has covered the UT Longqhorns while he was in TV and. My husband is 5th generation Texan and our son is the 6th so they are true true Texans! Have a wonderful week!

    Pam

  7. Lady of the Manor says:

    I love to visit antique and thrift stores, too! You never know when you’ll find great things like you did!!

  8. tablescapesbybev says:

    What great finds! Love these dishes…

  9. Amy Ellis says:

    I have found some of my favorite pieces at thrift stores with no diy required. Your new blue and white pieces will go great with your gorgeous blue hutch and it actually goes beautifully with the pumpkin orange, as well. Thanks for the thrift store shopping tips. I always forget to grab a cart until my arms are full and run the risk of breaking something.

  10. Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot says:

    I’m so w/ you on still thrifting no matter if I win the lottery or not. I love it!

  11. Lisa W. says:

    I love, love, love going to the thrift store. It drives my husband nuts because I can walk around in there for 2 hours looking at stuff. I am not sure what thrift store you go to but if you sign up for Thrift Towns email list they send you $5 off coupons which makes shopping there even better!!

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