Decorating with thrifted finds: how to use your new found treasures to create a unique space.

You all know I love a good bargain and I love creating a home decorating style that speaks to our home and our family. Finding the right pieces is key and I always find something fun at the Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market.  We’ve been going for years and I have shared these trips each year along with what I purchased and how I decorated with them. You can see all those posts here. 

It’s all about the hunt and there is never a shortage of cool things! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh my goodness!

 

 

Usually when we go, I have a few specific things I am looking for. This year it was white or cream crocks, smaller pieces art, unique picture frames and small furniture. I didn’t find everything on my list but I did find some fun pieces. Not to mention, ate some great food, enjoyed some awesome people watching and spent time with my love. 

What I thrifted.

Crocks.

I can always use crocks because they are useful and can be styled in so many ways.

 

 

How I styled it.

 I decided to add one to the top of my armoire with some flowers for summer.

 

 

And the other in a group of crocks. 

 

 

gold Oval Frame.

I love the style, color and shape of this frame.

 

How I styled it. 

Although I love the frame, the picture is not my style so I replaced it with a print I purchased on Etsy.

 

 

I used the old picture to cut out the shape.

 

 

I added it to a new gallery wall in our family room.

 

 

Vintage brass ducks.

I always look to add to any of my collections. These ducks were perfect. 

 

 

How I styled it.

These are great to add to the top of a stack of books. 

 

 

Wooden bowl.

I like using bowls of any kind to decorate with because they are so versatile. I really liked this wooden bowl because of the shape and it was only $5. I wasn’t crazy about the color but that was an easy fix. 

 

 

How I styled it.

I gave it a light sanding and then a coat of stain in my go to color, Early American. Good as new! 

After sanding…

 

Half stained… Holy cow, what a difference!

 

 

 

Wooden boxes.

Wooden crates/boxes are always on my list. They are great for storage and add warmth.

 

 

I think the box will go to the shop. The other one with the holes is actually a holder for different drill bits or screws from a factory. 

How I styled it.

I gave it a good cleaning because the top was still covered in grease and then a light sanding to try to even out the wood tones. It wasn’t exactly the shade I was looking for so I gave it a coat of Early American stain. It’s still a little more orange than I would like but definitely better! 

I love the interest and texture the holes add. 

 

 

 

Washstand.

I’ve been looking for new night stands for our bedroom with a bit more storage and this washstand was only $35! It wasn’t in the best shape and needed a little repair and the top needed to be refinished. 

 

 

How I styled it.

The color is not what I was looking for in terms of the shade of stain (it’s just too orange) and it’s fairly beat up so I didn’t mind painting it. I sanded it and gave it a coat of primer and then two coats of Benjamin Moore Ivory White. I also changed out the handles.  Now it has a new life as a pretty night stand. 

 

 

I love it!

 

You can see all of our furniture makeovers here. 

Decorating with thrifted finds makes it easy to add character to your home when you find pieces that speak to you and are a great price!  Choose pieces that can easily be mixed in with what you already have in terms of style and color and you can use them in any space and for any season. 

I hope this inspired you to do some thrifting of your own and you create a space that is uniquely you. 🙂

Happy thrifting! 

Col

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