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Home · Homekeeping · Crafts & DIY Projects · 18 DIYs And Makeovers That Prove Frugal Can Be Fabulous

11

18 DIYs And Makeovers That Prove Frugal Can Be Fabulous

A few dollars and a little elbow grease can go a LONG way!

Jill Nystul  ·  January 21, 2017

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

I’m sure you’re already well aware of how much I love a good revamp, re-do, upcycle, makeover, etc. Not only is it a fun way to get creative, but it’s good for the environment to improve the things you already own (or somebody else has owned,) rather than buying something new. But you don’t have to sacrifice style just because you’re reusing something!

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Some of my favorite DIYs and transformation-type projects were done using items that we found at thrift and secondhand stores. And I happen to think they’re pretty dang fabulous! ;-)

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I thought I’d put together a little roundup today of some of my favorite thrift store transformations, both from my blog and blogs around the web. I hope that these 18 projects will inspire you, and show that with a little elbow grease, frugal finds can become fabulous treasures!

18 Inspiring Thrift Store Transformations

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

1. Elevated Serving Tray from a Lamp

from One Good Thing by Jillee

We transformed an old, outdated lamp into this fun and whimsical serving tray. I love the unique vintage look of this serving tray, but it’s as useful as it is cute! Using a couple of elevated serving trays like this makes for a more visually interesting buffet, and can help the table feel less cluttered if you’re serving a lot of different foods. This tray would make a great addition to any reception or shower spread!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

2. Distressed Candlesticks from Vases

from One Good Thing by Jillee

Large distressed candlesticks can add farmhouse chic to any table, but you don’t have to pay a premium for them. We made a set of our own distressed candlesticks using small flower vases we found at the thrift store!

3. Pet Bed from a Sweater

from One Good Thing by Jillee

A large thrift store sweater can be turned into a bed for your furry friend in an afternoon. These sweater pet beds are a great option if your pet tends to be hard on beds (as in, they tend to destroy them on a regular basis.) Stock up on thrifted sweaters and you’ll be able to make a new one whenever you need to.

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The Best Thrift Store Transformations

4. Window Valance from Vintage Tablecloth

from One Good Thing by Jillee

I found a cute vintage tablecloth during a thrift store outing several years ago, but didn’t know what to do with it. Then I came across a cute DIY window valance online, and knew that’s what I wanted to use my tablecloth for! This project took me all of 15 minutes, and I didn’t have to drill or sew a thing. Doesn’t get easier than that!

5. Easy Laminate Furniture Makeover

from One Good Thing by Jillee

Inexpensive laminate furniture can be found in abundance at thrift stores, but sometimes they’re not particularly nice to look at. Luckily, giving outdated laminate furniture a makeover is surprisingly easy! With a couple of coats of paint and some elbow grease, you can turn an outdated eyesore into a custom piece that adds tons of character to your home.

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

6. Tote Bags from Old T-Shirts

from One Good Thing by Jillee

Got a pile of old t-shirts waiting to be donated? You can use those shirts to make reusable tote bags! Take them with you when you go grocery shopping rather than taking home plastic bags.

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

7. Drinks Cooler from a Charcoal Grill

from One Good Thing by Jillee

This is a great idea to hang on to for your outdoor party or backyard barbecue. A few simple tweaks can turn an old charcoal grill into a perfect cooler for drinks! Leave the lid of the grill open so your guests can help themselves.

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8. Trendy Vase Makeover

from One Good Thing by Jillee

A simple glass vase gets a trendy makeover. The only supplies you’ll need for this one are some rope and a hot glue gun!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

9. Pencil Skirt from Men’s Slacks

from It’s Always Autumn

A boardroom-ready pencil skirt without breaking the bank? No kidding! Autumn will show you how to make a pretty and professional pencil skirt using an old pair of men’s slacks.

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

10. Lampshade from Leggings

from Vintage Revivals

Changing out your lampshade is an easy way to update the look of any room or area, but you don’t have a buy a whole new shade. Check out how you can use patterned leggings from the thrift store to update your old, tired lampshade into something new and stylish.

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

11. Play Kitchen from an Entertainment Center

from Southern Revivals

This adorable play kitchen used to be an old TV stand! Not only is it cuter than a standard plastic play kitchen, I’m sure it’s twice as sturdy, too!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

12. Folding Chair Makeover

from Design for Mankind

I like to keep a couple of folding chairs in the closet or garage for hosting bigger groups. I’ve found several inexpensive folding chairs over the years at thrift stores, but they are not very cute so I only take them out when I absolutely have to. But following these instructions, I can totally revamp the look of my folding chairs and make them look new and modern. I’m putting this project on my to-do list!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

13. Designer Upholstered Bench from a Piano Bench

from Live Love DIY

An upholstered bench at the foot of your bed can be a stylish and useful addition to your bedroom. You can make your own for cheap by starting with a thrifted piano bench as your base! Clever, right?

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

14. Serving Tray Makeover

from Making Home Base

This octagonal serving tray goes from awkward to trendy. If someone told me this serving tray came from West Elm or Anthropologie, I would totally believe it!

15. Food and Water Bowl Stands from Old Chairs

from The DIY Village

These old chairs found a new life as stands for food and water bowls for big dogs. The dogs seem to approve, and I’m sure it helps keep the floor underneath much cleaner!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

16. Statement Mirror Makeover

from The Happier Homemaker

Sunburst mirrors are a big trend in home decor right now, and it’s surprisingly easy to make your own. Start with a round mirror from a thrift or secondhand store, and grab your glue gun and popsicle sticks. The result is seriously impressive!

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

17. Modern Gallery Wall from Thrifted Frames

from Re-Fabbed

Spray paint covers a multitude of sins. For instance, a couple of coats of spray paint can turn a pile of mismatched picture frames into a unique collection fit for a gallery wall.

The Best Thrift Store Transformations

18. Armchair Makeover… Using Paint!

from The Kim Six Fix

Reupholstering furniture can be a big project if you’re not comfortable with it. But you don’t need to reupholster to get a new look! Check out how Kim revamped and old armchair using paint (really!)

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Hi, I’m Jillee!

I believe we should all love the place we call home and the life we live there. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to making One Good Thing by Jillee a reliable and trustworthy resource for modern homemakers navigating the everyday challenges of running a household. Join me as I share homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make life easier so you can enjoy it more!

Every day I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

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newest oldest most voted
Dawn
Dawn

The link for painting furniture?

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago
Phyllis Feld
Phyllis Feld

I agree with Stacey – do you have a link to to the toilet paper holder with the rope? It’s lovely!

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago
Jill Nystul
Jill Nystul

Here’s the link! http://jillee.co/246Tk1e

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago
Stacey
Stacey

Is there a link for the toliet paper holder? It looks like it might be made from a can and some rope, very diy!

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago
Phyllis Feld
Phyllis Feld

Yes, I like it too! Jillee we need a link!

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago
Phyllis Feld
Phyllis Feld

Jillee replied to my request for the link on the rope covered tp holder… I didn’t see one on your comment, so here it is:

http://jillee.co/246Tk1e

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2 years ago
Ashlyn
Ashlyn

This is a fabulous list of thrift inspired transformations!!! Love!!!

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2 years ago
Hena Tayeb
Hena Tayeb

some very cool ideas. thanks for sharing.

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2 years ago
Billie
Billie

I wanted to ask about the chair you painted. First, I wanted to tell you that it turned out just beautifully. Is it a possibility that the color could “rub” off on your clothes? Since it’s painted on over the existing dyed cloth, it worries me. Thank you

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2 years ago
Johnnita
Johnnita

Great ideas

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2 years ago
Dinah Serritelli
Dinah Serritelli

The toothbrush holder…dollar store or fancier. I use them for teaspoons (handle in the hole) very small knives, crochet hooks, lolly pops, pens and pencils and so on and so forth. Make a great ‘gag’ type of gift actually…get a really nice one and fill with pens, I have a friend who keeps his one at his work desk…

Vote Up0Vote Down 
2 years ago

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Hi, I’m Jillee!

Every day I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

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