Creative Decorating on a Thrift Store Budget

Sometimes when you take a look around at your surroundings, whether it be an apartment, a home, a mobile home, etc...you are internally screaming for change. You know the feeling, you are tired of the things that you have, you are tired of how you have them placed, and just nothing gives you that trendy, jazzed up feeling like you see in all the current magazines.

Most often the major problem is plain and simple---CASH!! There is never enough for the essentials, let alone a decorating budget. If you are like me, I have such a weakness for places such as Pier 1, and Ikea, and all the country clutter shoppes. But, I finally came to my senses about 7 years ago. How did that happen you ask? When I decided to start selling on line, I quickly found out that I would need a way to simply FIND things to sell. Prior to that, I had never set foot in a thrift shop, Goodwill, etc...After all, I just figured these stores were for folks who needed the basics cheap. Boy had I been missing the boat!!

These stores are ever changing, so if you find a good used bedspread one week, don't think you will always find one. The stock for these places is usually whatever is donated or given by stores as after season merchandise or overstocks. But that is part of the thrill!. Every time you step in one of these places, you will most likely leave with something. There is always something that will be a useful item, a shirt that could fit one of the kids, etc...

So from a decorating standpoint, we are talking about finding excellent to vintage textiles, one of my favorite sections. Textiles will consist of anything made of fabrics, such as towels, bedspreads, quilts, curtains, fabric, etc...Remember, bedspreads and curtains can be fabric in disguise. If you need a fabric to cover a stool, or chair, then look to the yardage available in these items. And for the skeptics out there, yes, I have found wonderful old chenille bedspreads and vintage quilts, many times for under $20.00.

Do you need some pottery or dishes to match a set you already have? I have found retro California pottery pieces in brilliant vivid colors that would surely make a statement simply because they are no longer produced. At times you may be lucky enough to find vintage teapots, perhaps you are a collector. Sometimes you will discover full sets of dishes such as Pfaltzgraff pottery. I personally have been able to add to my current Village Pfaltzgraff set this way.

Let's not forget the well loved furniture that is available. Now more than likely, what you find will not be the right wood tone or color. But remember, that just means you have tons of freedom to do what you want to a piece to make it work. Maybe that means that the item need sanded down and re stained, or perhaps a new coat of paint will make it the perfect piece. If you need a coffee table, but can only find taller tables, possibly cutting the legs down will allow it to work. The message is to look at the item with possibility in mind. You are most likely not spending a lot, but the item you found could jazz up the living room or bedroom.

My last thought on this idea of adding to your environment with a well used thrift find is, if you are needing storage for a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, look for things that will work. These may not be traditional storage units. Look for baskets, vintage suitcases, hat boxes, bookcases, industrial pieces, picnic baskets, cannister tins, etc...The skies the limit!