Thrifted & Styled: Decorating for Spring Using Thrift Store Finds

Some of the most charming seasonal touches can come from thrift store finds. On my recent thrift trips, I was looking for some fresh pieces to add to our decor that would not only go with the updated cottage feel I’m looking for but that would also brighten things up for spring.

I’m sharing what I found, why I chose these pieces and inspiration for using thrifted items for seasonal decor in your home. 

1. Blue & White Dishes

There is just something about blue and white dishes that add a light, fresh feel that works beautifully with spring decorating. I love the pattern and color these add. 

I picked up this pretty bowl for only $3. 

 

I placed it on the coffee table to add a pop of color. It will also look really pretty in the summer.

 

 

I picked up three of these plates for $2 each. 

 

 

I layered it under a bowl of faux flowers for a little height and pattern.

 

 

I layered another one under this cute little wooden bowl with antique keys.

 

 

This little dish was just $2 and was a great addition to the entryway table. It adds a pop of color and pretty contrast to the otherwise neutral green, cream and brown.

 

 

Since repetition is key for a cohesive look so it plays off of the other blue and white in the space. 

 

 

Here are some ideas for how you can use thrifted dishes for spring decorating:

• Stack them on open kitchen shelves
• Display them on a plate stand 
• Use a bowl to hold moss balls, wooden beads or faux eggs
• Layer them into a spring vignette on a hutch or entryway table. 

Even mismatched pieces work beautifully together. I think mixing the patterns actually adds the collected charm. These will also come in handy in the summer for the 4th of July. 

2. Baskets

Always my favorite, baskets are one of the easiest ways to add warm, natural texture to your decor especially in spring.

This cute little hanging basket was half off so only $3. The rope handle is a bit frayed, but a bit of trimming and it will be good as new. 

 

 

I ended up adding it to my antique coat rack for now but it may change for the full spring home tour next week.

 

 

I found this round basket at Goodwill while visiting my daughter at collage. What better way to spend the day than shopping/thrifting with my girl??

It is in great shape, is super sturdy and is the perfect size to sit on a shelf. It just needed a good cleaning.

 

 

 

 

I picked this one up because I don’t have anything like it. It was also half off so only $3.

 

 

Here it is a couple of different ways…

 

 

 

Baskets are so versatile. Other ways you can use baskets to decorate for spring: 

• Display decorative eggs for Easter
• Store napkins on a spring table
• Hang on the wall with greens for rustic cottage charm

The best part is that baskets are usually just a few dollars and instantly make a space feel cozy and collected. 

3. Frames

Thrifted frames are one of the easiest items to repurpose for seasonal decorating. 

This cutie was only $.99. I’ve been looking for wood frames that are a bit more chunky to add to my cottage feel. This one needs some touch ups with some stain and it will be good as new. 

 

 

I touched it up with this gel stain and good as new…

 

 

 

 

 

I also found 3 of three of these 8×10 frames for $.99 each. Again, they are the chunky style I’m looking for but they are missing part of the back and have been taped but no on sees that! Keep an open mind when it comes to frames. You can always add sawtooth hangers or tape to the back to make them work for you and for that price, it’s worth it! 

 

 

What a mess! 

 

 

I used the same gel stain to touch up a bit and popped in a couple of my favorite digital prints. So pretty and just the look I wanted. 

 

 

 

Lastly, I picked up this cute little ornate frame for $1 because it was 50% off. I wouldn’t use it in the current red color but that’s an easy fix with some craft paint. 

 

 

I gave it a coat of black paint and then highlighted the details with Antique Gold Rub n Buff.

 

 

It felt a bit dark and too dramatic so I toned it down with some brown paint. It sort of looks like the original in this picture, lol. Sometimes projects don’t always work out like you think they will but it’s still cute. I can always go back and paint it black for Christmas. 

 

 

Instead of using your thrifted frames for photos or prints, try using them for seasonal decor like: 

• Pressed flowers
• Printable botanical art
• Vintage postcards
• Spring quotes 

4. Greenery

Sometimes the most unexpected thrift store finds are the most interesting. I found this wooden vase with a faux ivy plant for just $6. I don’t have anything like it so I like that it’s something different. I thought it would add a bit of life for for spring.

 

 

Using faux florals is a great way to bring in spring. It doesn’t have to be all bunnies. You can celebrate each season whichever way you choose!

 

You can see this budget friendly shelf makeover here. 

5. Peg rail

I found this peg rail for only 2.99. It needed a good cleaning and once I did that I realized that the color was a bit orange. I sanded it down a bit and gave it a coat of my go to stain, Early American. 

 

 

I added it on the wall under these thrifted frames and layered it with some cute accessories. 

 

 

 

Thrift Store Spring Decorating Tips

• Look for natural materials – wood, wicker, ceramic and metal work great for spring decor
• Think about texture – mixing baskets, pottery and wood creates a cozy layered look.
• It doesn’t have to be perfect – small imperfections add to the charm of vintage pieces.
• Shop with Versatility in mind – choose items that can be used throughout the year and in more than one space. 

Decorating with thrift store finds is one of the best ways to create a home that feels collected, personal and full of character. 

Instead of buying mass-produced seasonal decor, you can find unique pieces that tell a story. And the best part is that it’s incredibly budget friendly. I hope you found some inspiration to try to find some fun pieces of your own. 

Happy decorating! 

Colleen