Today we have a post from guest blogger Mihaela Buzec… she’ll be sharing ways that you can breathe new life into items from second-hand stores. Take it away Mihaela!
While décor is not necessarily an essential aspect of your home, it does help you feel more comfortable, especially when you’re living in a rental apartment. So, to make your place feel like your own, let your personality and individuality shine through in the form of trinkets, artwork and other decorations..
However, nowadays, many décor items come with a significant price tag, and most are mass-produced. So, the entire idea of having a unique item in your home is lost. Fortunately, there are places where you can find items that you can infuse into your story, including thrift stores. Here’s what to look for and how you can implement thrift store finds into your home.
Old Suitcases
Suitcases are some of the most abandoned yet most versatile pieces in a thrift store. When you find one — especially a chunky one — you can clean it and repurpose it for a great storage alternative. This is especially important when you’re renting in a big city, where apartments are rather small. In these situations, every piece of décor that can double as a functional item is a dream come true. You could even get a few suitcases and stack them on top of each other for a statement corner piece. Alternatively, place a slightly open suitcase vertically and use it as a nightstand or support for a lamp.
Mirrors
Some thrift store mirrors have incredible detailing on the frame. Plus, they are usually made of brass or copper, both of which give any place an air of sophistication. There are many ways to properly clean these metals and the mirror itself, and it’s usually less expensive than buying a brand new one. You could even take it a step further and invest in a few pieces with the same general style of frame to create a gallery-like wall with depth and dimension.
Lamps
You can find a variety of lamps in thrift stores and they usually still work— even if they require lots of cleaning and attention. If you find a lamp (or, even better, a pair of lamps) with a handle you like, invest in it. Clean it as much as possible and paint it in a shade that suits the color scheme you have at home. Specifically, old-timey lamps go well with warm, yellowish light, and they also integrate into an industrial style room.
Picture Frames
While people don’t typically buy pictures at thrift stores, some picture frames are worth it. Even if you don’t like the art or picture inside it, find frames you like and repurpose them. After a good cleaning and perhaps a coat of paint or oil (for wooden frames), they can be the perfect addition to your mantel or nightstand. Then, just insert a photo or a piece of art that you love or create a minimalistic display with dried flowers and natural materials.
Baskets
Another item that doubles as an aesthetic and a functional addition to your home is a basket. Depending on the style of the room, you can choose sturdier or lighter baskets that can be filled with blankets, throw pillows, toys or other items. A unique addition like this looks great in a more exposed corner of the room or next to a couch.
Pieces of Furniture
Sometimes when you visit the thrift store, you’re lucky enough to find amazing, unique pieces of furniture — such as a coffee table, wardrobe or chairs. These may look dusty and poor in appearance. But wooden items, in particular, can be restored to an initial or even improved condition. Moreover, there are plenty of guides on furniture restoration, and an addition like this will give your home a gorgeous, vintage look. You might even find the entire restoration process pleasant and discover a new hobby.
Most of these items are very affordable when you find them in thrift stores. What’s more, hunting for new finds and unique trinkets is an adventure in and of itself, and provides you with a moment to disconnect and enjoy the beauty around you. Enjoy and good luck finding something to fit your individual style!
About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.