When I shop I thrift stores I have a $5 limit on pieces. If there is an item that costs more than $5 and I really want it, I buy it. No need in stressing or making a major life decision about it, but I am careful not to do this often because it defeats the purpose.
So here are 9 things you can actually buy from a thrift store to create a bit of sophistication in your home.
1. BIRDCAGES
Birdcages won't be screaming from you at the door, but if you look hard enough you will find one tucked away beneath a few frames or perhaps in a back corner. I found this birdcage for $4 a thrift store a few month ago. I blogged about it HERE.
2. BOOKS
When people think of a sophisticated space they don't consider old books. They equate old books to shabby chic. However, a set of black encyclopedias can really add a lot to a book shelf or a coffee table.
3. Boxes
Tweet: DESIGN TIP: When traveling to a different city or state, locate the nearest thrift store and pick up one accessory for your apartment. Not only will you have something beautiful in your space, but you will also bring in memories of that special trip.
4. WALLPAPER:
Everybody and I mean everybody walks over wallpaper in the thrift store as if it isn't even there. I have seen wallpaper from many top manufacturers. As a matter of fact, if you are following me on INSTAGRAM you will see that I covering my entire apartment in grasscloth wallpaper that I found for $2 a roll!When you see wallpaper you like, buy it. Wallpaper, just like encyclopedias, are considered old fashion. Yes. A lot of them are outdated, but occasionally you will come across some really great ones like this.
Tweet: DESIGN TIP: Having wallpaper professionally installed in a rental space defeats the purpose of buying it at an inexpensive price. Consider using thumb tacks to hang it.
5. Lamps
Let me warn you about the lure of buying lamps from thrift stores. Although they can be an amazing purchase, stay away from lamps with ugly shades. Most shades will run you approximately $15 plus if you are picking them up at a home store. Combine that price with the cost of the lamp of $10 you will have spent $25 on a lamp that you could have easily bought brand new with a returnable receipt from any department store, unless you just want something with vintage flare in your home.
Lamps are really an easy way to change up the look and feel of your space. If you buy a great transitional lamp you can easily spray paint it any color you want when your mood changes.
6. PICTURES FRAMES
Thrift stores are notorious for having an abundant supply of picture frames. Collecting cheap frames and adding a coat of black or white paint can really stretch you dollar. Since frames come in so many different sizes the possibilities are endless.
Be careful not to display a lot of frames at one time or it can become crowded and looked forced.
Tweet: DESIGN TIP: You don't have to display all of your finds at one time. Pick up a storage bin and store them away and bring out just a few to enjoy. You can switch them out when you want to change up the vibe. You can also bring certain pieces out when you a
7. GLASSWARE
Look at THESE that I picked up a few days ago.
8. TRAYS
Trays can really be the finishing touch to a space and thrift stores sometimes have really great ones you can pick up for just a few dollars. If you find a tray, but you dont like its color, always remember you can change the color with a can of black, white or gray spray paint.
9. YOUR TURN...
What are some sophisticated items you have found at your thrift store? Do share!
