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10 Easy Thrift Flip Decor Ideas That Look Expensive

Turn charity-shop and thrift-store finds into beautiful decor: painting, re-covering, styling and simple DIY projects anyone can do in a weekend.

By Trend Tulip Editorial 2 min read

Wooden sideboard styled with potted plants, vases and wicker baskets

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In this guide
  1. 1. Paint a wooden side table
  2. 2. Re-cover a dining chair seat
  3. 3. Turn mismatched frames into a gallery wall
  4. 4. Group brass candlesticks
  5. 5. Style ceramic vases by colour
  6. 6. Give a lamp a new shade
  7. 7. Paint terracotta pots
  8. 8. Use baskets everywhere
  9. 9. Refresh a mirror
  10. 10. Make a fabric-covered pinboard

Thrift stores in the US and charity shops in the UK are full of beautiful pieces waiting for a second life. With a little paint, some new fabric and good styling, a $5 or £3 find can look like it came from a boutique.

1. Paint a wooden side table

Sand lightly, prime, then paint in a rich colour like olive, navy or terracotta. Swap the knob for a brass or ceramic one.

2. Re-cover a dining chair seat

Most drop-in seats unscrew from underneath. Staple new fabric over the old and screw it back on. A single afternoon, a huge change.

Spray-paint frames in one colour (or leave them eclectic) and fill them with prints, postcards and pressed flowers.

4. Group brass candlesticks

A cluster of mismatched brass candlesticks on a tray looks deliberate and collected. Polish them or leave the patina.

White wooden shelf styled with bowls and bottles
Group thrifted ceramics by colour for a calm, collected look.

5. Style ceramic vases by colour

Odd vases look intentional when they share a colour family. Try all white, all earthy browns or all blues.

6. Give a lamp a new shade

Many thrifted lamps have beautiful ceramic or brass bases. A new pleated or linen shade makes them look brand new. Have an electrician check old wiring before use.

7. Paint terracotta pots

Thrifted terracotta pots can be painted with masonry paint in soft colours or left plain and grouped.

Green plant in a brown wooden pot

8. Use baskets everywhere

Wicker and rattan baskets are thrift-store staples. Use them for plants, throws, magazines and toys.

Woven storage baskets

Woven storage baskets

Hide clutter on open shelves and under consoles, beautifully.

$25–$50 at Amazon US Shop now

9. Refresh a mirror

A dated mirror frame looks fresh with paint or gold leaf. Lean a large one against the wall for an easy statement.

10. Make a fabric-covered pinboard

Cover an old corkboard or frame with linen or a vintage tea towel for a pretty, practical notice board.

Weekend thrift flip under $60 / £50

Wooden side table$15
Sample pot of paint and primer$18
Brass knob$6
Two ceramic vases$10
Sandpaper and brush$8
Total$57
Buy the shape, not the colour. Paint can change a colour in an afternoon, but it can't fix a bad shape.

Want ideas for where to use your finds? Start with our cosy living room ideas on a budget.

Questions readers ask

What are the best things to buy at a thrift store for decor?

Solid wood furniture, picture frames, brass candlesticks, ceramic vases, baskets, lamps with good bases and quality fabrics are all great finds that are easy to refresh.

How do you paint thrifted furniture so it lasts?

Clean it thoroughly, sand lightly, use a bonding primer, then apply two thin coats of furniture paint and finish with a clear topcoat. Let each layer dry fully.

Is it safe to buy secondhand upholstered furniture?

Inspect it carefully for stains, smells and signs of pests, and check seams and crevices. Many people prefer to stick to wood, metal and glass, which are easy to clean.

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Written by

Trend Tulip Editorial

We write practical, budget-aware decor guides for real homes in the US and UK, from rented flats to family houses. Every idea is chosen to be doable, affordable and easy to live with.