Secondhand Accessories Bring First-Class Style
Can't afford this season's accessory trends? Turn thrift store finds into stylish decorating showpieces
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
When the purse strings get tightened and the budget is a daily conversation topic, home décor and accessories often fall to the bottom of the priority list. With a limited budget, a little ingenuity and a lot of patience, you can score deals on fun, fresh accessories for your home without spending an arm and a leg. Check out the trends found in thrift stores this month by your very own personal shopper — all less than $5 each.
When Missoni came out with a new line that stormed Target stores and caused the online site to crash, you'd better believe I wanted a piece of that action! The updated color palette and chevron pattern was the perfect way to add a punch to my off-white sofas.
It seems the style is everywhere. Beautiful chevron prints in a variety of colors and materials — all out of my price range. What to do for my own chevron accent piece? Hit local thrift stores.
It seems the style is everywhere. Beautiful chevron prints in a variety of colors and materials — all out of my price range. What to do for my own chevron accent piece? Hit local thrift stores.
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| Homemade afghans and throws are still prevelant at local thrift stores. For between $3 and $10, you can pick up your very own eye-popping chevron design for a fraction of the retail price. Shopping strategy: Color! There are many, many afghans to choose from, but a lot of them are in dated color schemes. Keep looking until you find the right combination of modern colors. |
While I was at the thrift store, I remembered to check for metal pieces. Metal baskets and storage containers are back in a big way. You can find great ones in home stores and catalogs, and if you like treasure hunts, you can find similar items at industrial auctions, at thrift stores and in piles of curbside freebies.
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| Here is my salvaged wire basket, spray-painted an aged brass color and filled with dining-room accoutrements. Shopping strategy: Look beyond color. The color of metal is very, very easy to change. Spray paint adheres easily to most metals and can completely change the look of the piece. |
Another current trend in metalworks is beverage caddies. Beauties like these, complete with handles and drinkware, can sell for $10 to $75.
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| I picked up my caddy for free at an auction. The caddy was part of an entire table that another bidder got for $3. I offered to pay him for that one piece, but he graciously gave it to me. After removing the glasses, I spray-painted the entire piece and added tin cans for office storage. Shopping strategy: Be willing to ask other bidders to make a deal with you. You might score a freebie. |
by Anthropologie
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I just love this bentwood Henri chair by Anthropologie, but I can't swing the $168 price right now. The burst of orange and classic shape are just perfect, though. What to do?
Keeping my eyes open for roadside finds led to a fun alternative. This classic bentwood chair was ready to go to the dump, but I jumped out and snagged it. After a coat of orange or coral, it won't be exactly like the Anthropologie beauty, but it will be delightful in its own way.
Shopping strategy: Don't be afraid to grab an abandoned piece of furniture off the curb. People often throw out perfectly good pieces. Just be certain that it's clearly up for grabs (ask if you're not sure), in solid condition and has not sustained severe water damage.
Shopping strategy: Don't be afraid to grab an abandoned piece of furniture off the curb. People often throw out perfectly good pieces. Just be certain that it's clearly up for grabs (ask if you're not sure), in solid condition and has not sustained severe water damage.
by Anthropologie
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While real silver is a score at thrift stores, it is rare to find any. Typically, silver goes for its true value at auction.
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| However, you can find silverware boxes for pennies. Silver often was sold off by the piece, and by the time the box was empty, the silver had been displaced to various pawn shops. Boxes held no value, so they were tossed into the attic. Today, thrift stores are swimming with them. Pick up a box for anywhere from a quarter to $3. This particular box cost 30 cents. |
What can you use these boxes for? The opportunities are limitless. I created a small campaign table out of this box and use it for stationery supplies. Another box serves as a catchall on our kitchen sidebar. What can you dream up?
Shopping strategy: Sniff the wood. If it doesn't smell of smoke, you can rip the lining out and give the box new life. If it does have a smoke odor, you should probably pass on it. The smell of smoke is notoriously hard to remove.
Shopping strategy: Sniff the wood. If it doesn't smell of smoke, you can rip the lining out and give the box new life. If it does have a smoke odor, you should probably pass on it. The smell of smoke is notoriously hard to remove.
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by Pottery Barn
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| While wire and metal pieces are easy to find, glass is even easier. Square vases are quite beautiful and can give an arrangement a modern bent. You can purchase these vases at retail price or visit your local thrift store for something similar that's still in good shape. For pennies, you can score one or more of these charmers. Fill your glasses with real acorns you find outdoors and you've saved even more. Shopping tip: When shopping for glassware, pick the pieces up and balance them in your hands. Quality glass will weigh more and break less easily. |
When you bring glassware home from the thrift store, soak it in a sink full of hot, soapy water. Remove any price markings with a flour sack cloth and then polish with straight vinegar. To remove stubborn watermarks, simply spray the glass with vinegar and allow it to sit for several hours. Scrub the stain and repeat the vinegar bath until your glass is crystal clear.
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| Whether you're looking for a chevron-print throw, bentwood furniture or functional metal and glass pieces, your local thrift store will probably have the finds you want. Be patient and hunt for the perfect pieces — and watch your piggy bank fill up with the money you've saved. More: Sarah's Thrifty Decor Chick How to Get That Paris Thrift Store Look |
Comments
Madison Modern Home Second-hand accessories are our favorite go-to items for home staging and interior design. Here we used several vintage items to personalize a client's office. 
16 months ago · Like
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Laurie at Bird in Hand VTG Great post. I'd like to see more genuine vintage decor accessories instead of all the trend-store repros. They just lack that true feel that you're looking for in the first place.
16 months ago · Like
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Jen Alexander Thrifting and repurposing is addictive and fun! Do more articles like this!
16 months ago · Like
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Amy Renea I'm on it Jen!!! I love true vintage finds Laurie and would love hear about steals you fine!
16 months ago · Like
theatomichouse Bar Keepers Friend is a lot faster to use on glass than vinegar. It even gets off built up lime deposites on enamel. It's probably my most used cleaning product for my thrift finds. I've used it on everything from crystal to pyrex bowls with 60-year-old baked on food. The stuff is magic.
10 months ago · Like
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Heather I like the vintge chair better than the anthro one anyway. Much more character! Fun ideabook to read and the tips are very useful. Thanks!
9 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Feb. 26, 2012.
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