When I started putting my house back together, I decided I wanted it “finished”–as in things on the walls, decorative pieces arranged, etc. So I worked with my interior designer friend to that end. Thankfully she’s the kind of person who doesn’t believe in spending excessive amounts of money since I haven’t had a lot to spend to such an end. Therefore, much of the “decor” in my home now is things I already had or things “pre-owned” and bought for a pittance.
Let me share some of my favorites!
This lovely combo above my sofa is a great example. I picked up the lamp—including the shade—at our local thrift store for $15, only later to discover it was from Pottery Barn! The lovely round mirror came from a local store in which there are several “booths” of salvaged, homemade, or repurposed items. I think it was $30. I never imagined what a difference those two things would make!
This wonderful gray table is solid and sturdy—and didn’t start out gray at all! It was brown with lots of scratches on top, which was why I was able to buy it for $20 on Facebook marketplace. A little sanding and a little paint later, it looks great!
I have had this lovely poster print of a local artist’s work for almost 30 years but never could afford to get it professionally framed. This frame came from the local thrift store—$10. Old picture out; my poster in. And now I get to enjoy it!
More thrift store finds include this great little bench that sits at the end of my bed ($20), the decorative and functional three-tiered stand ($15), and this adorable ceramic basket ($7).
Of course, these are just my most recent bargains. If you remember, when we moved into our house in late 2020, I had to buy what furniture I could find on Facebook marketplace due to supply chain issues and the need for somewhere to sit and eat in our house! That time I got a recliner and my desk at a local furniture consignment store and my sofa and dining room table with chairs from Facebook marketplace.
I love that my house is (mostly) “put together” now, but I really love that so many of the things that make up the whole were things other people no longer needed.
Now to treasure hunt for the last few bits—a round rug and steps for the library, nightstands for us, and a decorative tray for my awesome gray side table.
Do you shop thrift stores, consignment stores, garage/estate sales, or Facebook marketplace? If so, tell us about some treasures have you found!
As someone whose family has owned or managed thrift stores for decades it is encouraging to see you show the special items you found.. these stores are like a treasure hunt sometimes.. and provide good value. It is a good example of the old saying – Reuse, Recycle.
Yes! I love a good treasure hunt as well as to reuse and recycle. After all, every style of thing comes back around again!
Yes! I absolutely love thrifting and won’t shop or decorate any other way!
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I love looking for old books, especially if they are signed by the previous owner. I just found a small individual milk ‘pitcher’. Always on the outlook for salt dips and individual milk servers (used in restaurants before plastic) You never know what treasures you will find. One of our best (not looking for) finds is a small roll top desk and chair that fit perfectly in two different spots at our house. The roll top even works!
Those are great finds–and so much fun when. you aren’t looking for them! And yes, old books are the BEST!
Hi, you have some great “thrift” finds. I am part of a small group of Christian volunteers who operate a thrift shop we call ES Ministries, with the Es standing for Eternal Significance. We get some great donations and the money we make goes back into the community to help organizations and those in need. I have many finds in my home, mainly items related to nature since our cabin like home is located against the woods.
Good luck to all as you continue to reuse and recycle.
I love those kinds of stores, Polly! In fact, several of these things came from our local thrift store which does just that! Keep up the good work!
I grew up with resale finds. My mother reasearched and became an Antique Dealer. I used to go with her to auctions. I love old things and shop Thrift stores a lot. Thrift store clothes and garage sale clothes are great because they are pre shrunk and are cheaper than sewing new.
How fun to get to go to antique auctions! I’ll bet you got to see some really cool things.