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! ;-)
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
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We transformed an old, outdated lamp into this fun and whimsical serving tray.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!
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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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.
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.
7. Drinks Cooler from a Charcoal Grill
from One Good Thing by Jillee
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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?
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!
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!
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.
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!)
The link for painting furniture?
I agree with Stacey – do you have a link to to the toilet paper holder with the rope? It’s lovely!
Here’s the link! http://jillee.co/246Tk1e
Is there a link for the toliet paper holder? It looks like it might be made from a can and some rope, very diy!
Yes, I like it too! Jillee we need a link!
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
This is a fabulous list of thrift inspired transformations!!! Love!!!
some very cool ideas. thanks for sharing.
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
Great ideas
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…