Thrift Store Makeovers: Transforming Secondhand Finds Into Treasures.

If you love hunting for hidden gems at thrift stores, you know that with a little creativity, you can transform even the most ordinary items into unique pieces for your home. Today, I’m sharing three easy thrift store makeovers that will elevate your space without breaking the bank. These thrift store makeovers are perfect for beginners and will add a one of a kind touch to your decor!

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Makeover 1: Tin Sconces Revamp with Rub ‘n Buff

Tin sconces are often overlooked at thrift stores, but they have so much potential! With just a little spray paint and Rub ‘n Buff, you can give them a beautiful metallic finish that mimics high-end decor. I love Rub ‘n Buff because it’s so easy to use and a little goes a long way. I use it on so many things like picture frames and candlesticks. 

What I Used:

• Two tin sconces (you can usually find these in the candle section of a thrift store)
• Spray paint in your choice of color
• Rub ‘n Buff in your desired color (antique gold, silver, or bronze are popular choices)
• Soft cloth or small paintbrush
• Painter’s tape (optional)

Instructions:

1) Clean the Sconces: Start by wiping down the tin sconces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

2) Prep the Surface: If you want to keep certain areas of the sconce unpainted (like the back or any decorative details), use painter’s tape to protect them.

3) Spray Paint the base coat: I wanted to cover the silver completely and to have a bit of a rustic feel with the dark color peaking through so I spray painted them in oil rubbed bronze first and then some gold I had left over from another project.  

 

 

4) Apply the Rub ‘n Buff: I chose antique gold for this project. Rub a small amount of Rub ‘n Buff onto the tin surface using a soft cloth or a paintbrush. A little goes a long way! Apply in circular motions for even coverage. 

 

 

5) Buff to Shine: After application, gently buff the sconces with a clean, dry cloth. This will bring out the shine and give the sconces a beautiful metallic sheen.

6) Let Them Dry: Allow the sconces to dry completely before hanging them up.

 

 

 

Once dry, these sconces will look like something straight out of a high-end decor store! The metallic finish adds elegance and warmth to any space, making them perfect for an entryway or above a fireplace.

You can see more thrift store makeover ideas here. 

Makeover 2: Glass Jars with Spray-Painted Lids

Glass jars are another thrift store staple, and they’re incredibly versatile. By simply spray painting the lids, you can give them a fresh, modern look that works in any room—from the kitchen to the bathroom.

What You’ll Need:

• Glass jars with lids (various sizes work best)
• Spray paint in your chosen color (matte black, gold, or white are popular options)
• Rub n’ Buff
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloth or old newspaper

 

 

Instructions:

1) Clean the Jars: Wash the glass jars and lids thoroughly, ensuring they’re free of dirt and grime. This will also help remove any stickers. 

 

 

2) Tape Off the Lids: Use painter’s tape to cover the parts of the lid that you don’t want painted, such as any rubber seals or intricate designs.

3) Prep Your Workspace: Lay down a drop cloth or old newspaper in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.

 

 

4) Spray Paint the Lids: Shake your spray paint can well and apply an even coat to the lids. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from the surface to avoid drips. Apply additional coats if necessary, allowing each coat to dry between applications.

I started with a layer of black because I didn’t want any silver showing.

 

 

Then I gave them a light coat of gold.

 

 

5) Let the Lids Dry: Once you’re happy with the coverage, let the lids dry completely before adding the Rub n Buff.  You can skip this step if you like the coverage with the spray paint. 

 

 

 

If you wanted them to look a bit more vintage, you could use a little bit of black paint and dab it along the edges with a paint brush or rag. 

These jars are perfect for seasonal decor, organizing your kitchen, bathroom, or craft supplies. You can even add labels to the jars for a more personalized touch. The painted lids elevate the jars from basic storage to stylish decor pieces!

For fall, I added dried hydrangeas, sunflowers and pinecones.

 

 

I can see using them for holiday decor with ornaments, pretty ribbon, cinnamon sticks, greens….

 

 

Makeover 3: Stool Makeover with New Fabric

What You’ll Need:

• A thrifted stool
• Upholstery fabric (enough to cover the seat)
• Staple gun and staples
• Screwdriver (to remove the seat)
• Scissors
• Foam (optional, if the existing padding needs replacing)
• Sandpaper or a sander
• Paint or wood stain (if you want to update the stool’s frame)
• Painter’s tape (optional, for protecting parts of the stool during painting)
• Spray adhesive (optional, if you are adding foam)

Instructions:

1) Pick the perfect stool: look for a sturdy stool with a removable seat. Check the frame to ensure it’s in good condition, as you’ll be investing time into its makeover. If the seat has fabric, don’t worry if it’s worn out or outdated. You’re going to change it! I picked this one up at the City Mission for $5.99.

 

2) Remove the seat: This one was easy, I just unscrewed the legs.

Typically, stools have screws underneath that make the seat easy to detach. This will allow you to focus separately on the frame and the seat during the transformation process. If this is the case, simply use a screw driver to unscrew the base. 

 

 

 

3) Prep the stools frame: Before you dive into the upholstery, decide if you want to update the stool’s frame. If you love the vintage, distressed look, you might just give it a light sanding and leave it as is. But if the frame needs a fresh look, lightly sand the wood to smooth out imperfections and prepare it for painting or staining.                      

Paint Option: Choose a paint color that complements your chosen fabric. Apply two coats for a solid finish, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.

Stain Option: For a more natural wood look, opt for wood stain. Apply the stain with a brush, wiping off any excess    after a few minutes. Let it dry completely before adding a protective clear coat.

I left them the original stain for now. 

4) Remove the old fabric:  If you painted or stained the frame, focus on the seat once is has completely dried. Flip the seat over and remove any old staples or tacks holding the existing fabric in place. Needle-nose pliers work great for this. If the foam or padding is still in good shape, you can keep it. Otherwise, replace it with new foam for extra comfort. I left the old fabric on because it was still intact. 

5) Cut and Attach the New Fabric: Now for the fun part—choosing your new fabric! Whether you go with a bold             pattern, chic velvet, or classic linen, make sure it suits your home decor. Lay the fabric flat, and place the seat on           top of it, leaving enough excess fabric around the edges (about 3-4 inches) to wrap it around the seat. TIP: If                 your fabric has a pattern, make sure it’s aligned properly before cutting.

 

 

I used fabric I already had on hand. Once I had cut the right size piece of fabric, I ironed it to make sure it would lay flat. 

Place the fabric under the upside down seat. Start stapling it to the underside of the seat. Begin by stapling one side, pulling the fabric taut before stapling the opposite side. Continue this process, working your way around the seat while smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. Pay extra attention to the corners, folding the fabric neatly to create smooth edges.

 

 

 

 

Be sure to cut off any excess fabric that may be in the way. 

6) Reassemble the Stool: Once the fabric is securely attached, reattach the seat. I just screwed the legs back on. If you had to remove the frame, attach it with the screws you set aside earlier. Make sure everything is fastened tightly, and check that the stool feels sturdy.

 

 

This type of thrift store makeover just goes to show you that you don’t need to spend a fortune on home decor. With some selective shopping and simple projects, you can create your own unique home decor. 

 

 

 

Check out all our thrift store furniture makeovers here.

 

 

Tips for Successful Thrift Store Upcycling Projects

• Look Beyond the Surface: Don’t get caught up in what an item looks like now—imagine what it could look like with a little creativity.
• Keep an Open Mind: Be flexible with your projects. A piece might end up being used in a completely different way than you originally intended.
• Prep Your Pieces: Cleaning, sanding, and priming your thrifted items is crucial for the best final result.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The beauty of upcycling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Play around with different techniques, colors, and finishes until you achieve the look you want.
•  

PIN IT FOR LATER!

 

Final Thoughts

Thrift store upcycle projects are a fun and rewarding way to bring new life to old items while staying within budget. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just starting out, there’s no limit to the creative possibilities. So the next time you visit your local thrift store, keep an eye out for hidden treasures waiting to be transformed!

Have you tried any thrift store makeovers recently? Let me know in the comments!

Happy thrifting!

Col

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