What I Thrifted vs How I Styled It: Part 3

The ‘What I Thrifted vs. How I Styled It’ trend on Instagram is still going strong! (At least on my algorithm.) So, I’m back with ten more thrifted home decor ideas for Part 3 of my series.

And honestly, I don’t know when this series will end, because I’m pretty sure I could make another couple of parts!

(If you missed the first two parts check here: Part One and Part Two.)

Scouring thrift stores, flea markets, and Facebook Marketplace has become a bit of a hobby for me. And soon, I’ll have to become a re-seller or give it up before I become a hoarder! However, for now, my house is cozy, but not cluttered.

Here’s what I found during my treasure hunts:

Wooden Heart

This might be one of the first thrifted home decor pieces we ever bought. We found it at a flea market in Louisiana while we were stationed at Fort Polk, and it’s been hanging in our bedroom ever since!

I usually try to switch things up in every house, but this wooden wall art is the perfect size to go over Heff’s dresser and every time we PCS, that’s where it goes.

Brass Birds

I bought these brass bird wall hangings from a lady on Facebook Marketplace. She had a ton of brass trinkets that she found in her mom’s shed after she passed. She told me that her mom traveled a lot and would choose brass souvenirs because they wouldn’t break in her suitcase on the way home.

She was sad to see her mom’s treasures go, but she was glad that they were going to a home where they would be displayed.

Buying secondhand sometimes introduces you to people you would have never met, in addition to giving you a home full of stories.

Brass Whale

Seeing that lady’s brass souvenirs reminded me of my own.

I bought this little brass whale at a vintage store on the Big Island, and it’s one of the best souvenirs I’ve ever brought back from a trip.

Caesar Bust

My husband actually brought this back from a flea market in Romania! He did a ‘rotation’ there with 1st Cav in 2021-2022, and when he found a flea market in the town outside the base, he called me and asked what he should keep an eye out for.

I immediately said “A bust, but not Caesar because he has a stupid haircut and creepy eyes.”

So…he brought back Caesar, ha!

In his defense, he swears he didn’t know who it was, and he was just excited to find a bust that was metal and small/light enough for him to bring home.

Caesar or not, I still love it and the fact that he took the time to find something for me.

Small Dough Bowl

I bought this little dough bowl from my favorite flea market in Texas – the Round Top Antique Show, specifically the fields of Warrenton.

But I thought it would look better in pieces. So, we chopped it in half and hung it in our wall collage.

Plus, everything looks better with plants, even fake ones.

Wooden Picture Frame

I’ve been on the hunt for little picture frames, and they’re harder to find than you think!

So, when I saw a vintage wooden one hanging in this bag at my local thrift store, I snatched it up! I wanted to use it for one of my newly finished embroidered flower animals.

I used it for staging these antique end tables that I just restored, but Lainey wants it for her room. So, I guess it will be in there for the foreseeable future!

WWII Military Field Desk

My husband pulled this WWII Field Desk out of the dumpster at his work on Valentine’s Day two years ago.

And honestly, it’s one of the coolest Valentine’s Day gifts I’ve ever received!

It’s in our military-themed guest room and holds some of my gift-wrapping supplies (bows, ribbon, tissue paper, gift bags, etc.). Because even cool, old stuff should be functional.

(You can see how we refurbished it here: From the Battlefield to Our Guest Room: Styling a WWII Military Field Desk.)

Vintage Books & Brass

I was so excited to find 3 vintage leather-bound books at Savers (a thrift store here on Oahu). I just knew that the gold embossed letters would looks so pretty paired with some of my vintage brass!

We found the little brass rocking horse in an antique booth in Waco, and it was the perfect thing to style with my ‘new’ books.

Gimbal Candle Holder

I bought this gimbal candle holder from the same lady who sold me the brass birds.

These candle holders were used on ships in the past to keep candles upright, regardless of the ship’s movements. The gimbal mechanism swivels to maintain vertical alignment, reducing the risk of flame extinguishing or causing a fire.

It’s such a clever design and a cool piece of history to have on our bookshelf. Especially when paired with the other two vintage books from the thrift store.

Antique Side Tables

I got these antique end tables off of Facebook Marketplace for a whopping $5 because one of them had broken legs. And after a lot of TLC, they are looking pretty again.

Not bad for my first ‘restoration’ project. I learned a lot and still have SO MUCH left to learn, but I’m happy with how they turned out.

Initially, I staged them to sell, but a Google image search says they’re worth $800-1700! So, we decided to keep them in the girls’ rooms as nightstands.

(You can see the full restoration tutorial here: Antique Side Table Makeover: A Step-by-Step Guide.)

Searching for thrifted home decor ideas and inspiration is something I’ve come to enjoy over the last couple of years. There’s no thrift store, flea market, yard sale, or Facebook Marketplace listing that is safe!

The “What I Thrifted vs. How I Styled It” trend is right up my alley, and I don’t think it will be a temporary trend in my home. I plan to use these treasures for years to come. I hope it encourages you to see the potential of thrifted home decor ideas and helps you decorate your home on a budget.