What I Thrifted vs. How I Styled It: Part 4

The “What I Thrifted vs. How I Styled It” social media trend is still popular. And of course, it’s right up my alley. I adore thrifted home decor!

So, I’m back with Part 4 of this series, and there’s no end in sight! I have SO MANY different thrifted items throughout our home. In fact, most of the furniture and decor in our house is secondhand. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

(If you missed Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3, go check those out.)

I love picking through treasures at thrift stores and flea markets. Looking for items that fit the aesthetic that I’m trying to create is part of the fun.

Here are some of my favorite thrifted home decor finds and how I used them at my house:

Blue and White Frame

Blue and white toile or chinoiserie is so popular right now. So, when I found this little picture frame at our local Savers, I was excited!

I think a black and white print of one of our wedding pictures is the perfect photo for it. And of course, it styles perfectly with an arrangement of blue hydrangeas!

Vintage Brass Mickey

I bought this vintage brass Mickey Mouse figurine 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.

I bought several pieces of vintage brass that day and have them sprinkled throughout the house. I couldn’t resist pairing it with a picture from our one and only trip to Disney World!

Champagne Bucket & Stand

When I saw this vintage brass champagne bucket and stand on Facebook Marketplace, I couldn’t message the seller fast enough!

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it (use it as a plant stand) and which corner I wanted to put it in. Thankfully, I was able to get it and now it’s in the corner of my living room, where its resident pothos can get plenty of sunlight.

Silver-Plated Teapot

You can pretty much find some antique silver on every trip to the thrift store. Normally, it’s not something I’m interested in. (I’m a brass lover, as you can tell.) But this pretty little teapot was calling my name.

It was in rough shape, but I thought I could shine it up. Unfortunately, it had more damage than I anticipated, but I was still able to make it pretty and use it for decor on the bookshelf. (You can see how I fixed it here: How to Save a Silver-Plated Teapot – Even with Copper Corrosion.)

I think it’s perfect, filled with pink tulips!

Industrial Wooden Spool

I picked up this antique industrial wooden spool at an antique store in Waco. They were used in the early to mid-1900s in textile mills to hold thread or yarn. They’re pretty common and usually inexpensive to buy. And I think they make neat candlesticks!

This one blends in perfectly with my other candlesticks, and I love that it has a metal edge.

Vintage Aluminum Basket

I loved this vintage aluminum basket as soon as I saw it, but I most of the decor in my house is brass or gold. So, I decided to change the color of the basket.

After a good wash and a little Antique Gold Rub n’ Buff, it’s the perfect thing to hold the napkins on our table.

Unique Bookends

I know that styling vintage bookends as bookends, isn’t exactly mind-bending or out of the box styling. However, these thrifted home decor treasures were just too pretty not to share.

My husband brought those horse bookends back from his European rotation in Romania. And we found the ducks and the petrified wood bookends at our favorite flea market in Texas.

They go perfect with my color-organized books on our DIY bookshelves!

Lidded Basket

When I found this BIG lidded basket at my favorite Savers, I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for.

After a little modification (i.e., cutting a hole in the back for the cords), it was the perfect place to store our internet router and modem. So, instead of just sitting on the floor of the guest room, the ugly internet supplies are hidden away in a cute basket.

Sheet & Clothes

I saw a beautiful American flag quilt on Pinterest and I knew I had to have it. But I just couldn’t justify spending $500 on it. So, when I came across a blue and white sheet at the thrift store, I thought, “Why not make it myself?” So, I headed to the craft/fabric section and then the clothes to find some more material.

Do I know anything about quilting? No, but I figured it out. And now I have the beautiful patriotic quilt of my dreams!

Ceramic Swan

Swans are very trendy right now in the thrifting community. So, when I spotted one at my local Savers, I made a bee line for it!

I think it was originally meant to be used as a candle holder, but it is the perfect size to hold a sponge by the kitchen sink. I love thrift finds that are pretty AND useful!

Searching for thrifted home decor has become a bit of a hobby (obsession) of mine this past year. And I know that I can’t continue it indefinitely (unless I want to become a hoarder), but I’m enjoying it while I still can!

And I’m so glad that you’re along for the ride!

I hope these posts inspire you to shop secondhand and think of new uses for old ‘junk’!