How To Style 14 Of The Most Common Items You’ll Find At Thrift Stores In Your Home

Thrift stores are treasure troves of unique, affordable items just waiting for a second life in your home.

Walking through those crowded aisles might feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can transform your space without breaking the bank.

I’ve put together this guide to help you spot common thrift store finds and turn them into stunning decor pieces that tell your personal story.

1. Vintage Mirrors

Ornate vintage mirrors add instant charm to any room. Look for pieces with interesting frames – even damaged ones can be refreshed with a coat of paint or gold leaf.

Hang a collection of different-sized mirrors on one wall for a statement gallery. Or place a large ornate mirror above a console table in your entryway to create a grand first impression. For smaller mirrors, try grouping them on a vanity or using them as trays for candles and perfume bottles.

Even mirrors with cloudy glass can be beautiful just embrace their aged patina as part of their character!

2. Old Picture Frames

Empty frames create surprising design opportunities throughout your home. I love hanging a cluster of mismatched frames without any pictures as wall art the empty centers create an architectural feel that’s both minimal and statement-making.

Try painting all your thrifted frames one color for a cohesive collection. Black frames look sleek and modern while white frames create an airy feel. Gold frames add glamour to any space.

Beyond walls, lean a large frame against a mantel for casual elegance. Or remove the glass and backing from a sturdy frame to create a serving tray by adding handles to the sides!

3. Mismatched China

Those random plates and teacups don’t need to match to make a statement! Mix patterns that share a color palette for a curated but eclectic table setting.

Blue and white china pieces almost always work together beautifully. Hanging decorative plates on your wall creates unexpected art. Use plate hangers to create a pattern try a straight line in a hallway or a circular arrangement in a dining room.

Orphaned teacups make charming containers for small succulents or as jewelry catchalls on your dresser. And don’t overlook serving pieces a vintage gravy boat makes a perfect holder for kitchen utensils or fresh flowers!

4. Brass Candlesticks

Brass candlesticks are practically thrift store royalty! These versatile pieces add height and warmth to any surface. Group candlesticks of varying heights together on a dining table or mantel for instant drama.

Don’t worry about tarnish or patina many decorators prefer the aged look. If you want them shiny, a simple lemon juice and baking soda paste works wonders for cleaning.

Think beyond candles too! Tall candlesticks can hold small potted plants or flowers for unexpected greenery. For holiday decorating, wrap them with fairy lights or greenery. Even a single brass candlestick makes a striking bookend or doorstop when you need a touch of metallic warmth.

5. Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets are the unsung heroes of stylish storage. I grab these whenever I spot them because they instantly add texture while hiding everyday clutter.

Large floor baskets corral throw blankets or kids’ toys in living spaces. Hang a collection of flat baskets on the wall for unexpected textural art. This works especially well in dining areas or above beds as an alternative headboard. Medium-sized baskets organize bathroom essentials or kitchen pantry items. For a modern look, spray paint mismatched baskets in a single color scheme.

White creates a coastal feel, while black adds drama. Even the most humble basket becomes special when it holds a potted plant – just place the pot inside for an instant upgrade!

6. Glass Bottles & Jars

Clear glass bottles transform into stunning vases with just a single stem or branch. The simplicity of transparent glass lets your flowers shine while adding height to any surface.

Blue glass bottles create instant coastal vibes when grouped together. Mason jars work as charming drinking glasses or containers for bathroom items like cotton balls and q-tips. For a special touch, wrap twine around the middle or add a vintage label. If you’re feeling crafty, paint the inside of clear bottles with glass paint for colorful window displays.

When sunlight shines through, they create beautiful colored shadows. During the holidays, fill clear jars with fairy lights for magical luminaries that brighten dark corners!

7. Wooden Chairs

Mismatched wooden chairs create deliberate charm around a dining table. Paint them all one color for cohesion or embrace their differences for an eclectic vibe. I love adding a single vintage wooden chair to a modern space for unexpected contrast.

Beyond seating, wooden chairs make fantastic bedside tables just place a small tray on the seat for your essentials. In bathrooms, they hold towels and toiletries when wall storage is limited. Have a chair with a broken seat?

Remove the damaged parts and transform it into a plant stand or entryway catch-all for mail and keys. Even just the back of an old chair can be mounted on a wall as a unique coat rack or jewelry organizer when fitted with small hooks!

8. Vintage Books

Old books add instant character and warmth to any shelf. Look beyond the covers – group books by color for a rainbow effect or turn them spine-in for a neutral, textural display. Removing dust jackets often reveals beautiful cloth bindings underneath.

Stack books horizontally to create risers for displaying small objects. Three or four books of graduating sizes make perfect pedestals for plants, candles, or decorative objects. This works especially well on coffee tables and mantels. If you find damaged books, don’t hesitate to repurpose them!

Hollow out old encyclopedias to create hidden storage boxes. Frame beautiful illustrations from vintage children’s books as wall art. Even just a stack of books tied with twine becomes a decorative object with scholarly charm.

9. Old Lamps

Vintage lamps often have amazing bases just waiting for new life! Brass, ceramic, and wood lamp bases can be stunning even without matching shades. When you find a lamp with good bones, simply update it with a new shade in a modern shape.

For dated ceramic lamps, a coat of spray paint works wonders. Try matte black for instant sophistication or a bright color for playful charm. Don’t overlook the cord a new cloth-covered cord can transform an old lamp into something special. Where to place them? Mismatched bedside lamps add personality to a bedroom.

A statement vintage lamp on an entry table creates a welcoming glow. Even non-working lamps can be rewired or simply displayed as sculptural objects!

10. Ceramic Planters

Quirky ceramic planters from thrift stores give houseplants instant personality. Those retro planters from the 70s with their earthy glazes are especially popular now.

Don’t worry about small chips they add character to vintage pieces. Mix different heights and styles on plant shelves for a collected look. Grouping similar colors creates cohesion even with varied shapes. White planters create a clean, modern feel while colorful ones add playful pops throughout your space. No drainage hole? No problem!

Use these containers as cache pots simply place your plant (still in its plastic nursery pot) inside the decorative container. This makes watering easier and protects furniture. Beyond plants, ceramic containers make perfect holders for kitchen utensils or bathroom necessities!

11. Trays

Trays magically transform scattered items into intentional vignettes. Silver trays add elegance to coffee tables while wooden ones create warmth.

Even plastic trays can be transformed with a coat of spray paint or covered with wallpaper. Use trays to corral perfume bottles on dressers or remote controls on ottomans. In bathrooms, they elevate everyday products into a spa-like display. On kitchen counters, they keep cooking oils and spices organized and accessible. Think vertically too! Hang a beautiful tray on the wall as unexpected art.

Or use small trays as wall shelves for lightweight items like air plants or small frames. For entertaining, nothing beats a vintage tray for serving drinks the patina tells a story that brand-new pieces simply can’t match!

12. Linens & Napkins

Vintage linens bring instant charm to tables and beds. Those embroidered napkins your grandmother might have used? They make perfect cocktail napkins for entertaining or can be framed as delicate wall art.

Mix and match patterns for an eclectic table setting floral napkins with striped placemats create playful contrast. Vintage tablecloths can be cut and hemmed into smaller pieces if they’re damaged, giving them new life as runners or napkins.

Beyond the table, vintage pillowcases with lace or embroidery details elevate guest bedrooms. Hand towels with decorative edges look beautiful hanging in powder rooms. Even fabric with stains can find new purpose try dyeing yellowed white linens with tea or coffee for a deliberately aged, romantic look!

13. Art Prints & Paintings

Thrift store art offers endless possibilities for personalizing your walls. That strange landscape or portrait? It might be perfect in your space! Outdated art often has great frames that can be reused or painted. Create a salon-style gallery wall mixing thrifted pieces with your personal photos.

The eclectic combination tells your unique story. Don’t be afraid of subject matter even the most unusual paintings can work when grouped thoughtfully. If the art itself doesn’t speak to you, consider the canvas as a blank slate.

Many artists find thrift store paintings and add their own elements like monsters or spaceships to create something entirely new and conversation-starting. Or simply paint over the entire canvas with a solid color, leaving small portions of the original visible for an abstract effect.

14. Clocks

Vintage clocks add both function and decorative interest to any room. Those chunky mid-century desk clocks make perfect nightstand accessories, while ornate mantel clocks become instant focal points even if they no longer tick.

Wall clocks with interesting faces or unusual shapes create statement art. Try grouping several small clocks set to different time zones for a travel-themed wall. Or hang a single oversized clock in a kitchen or dining area for dramatic effect. Non-working clocks still have purpose!

Set them to meaningful times like when your child was born or when you got married. For a creative twist, remove the clock face and mechanism to create an open frame for displaying small objects or photos. The possibilities are truly timeless!