Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Thrifting Inspiration and Makeover Ideas

I'm going to take you guys on another thrifting expedition with me today. I love browsing my local thrift stores and dreaming up ways to give new life to old pieces. It's hurricane central in Virginia right now...as I type this on Monday, the rain is coming in sideways and the winds will follow tonight. Since I don't know if we'll have power, I thought I'd share some Thrifting Inspiration from our Salvation Army with you today. I'd love to know how you would fix up and use these pieces!

I spotted this very cool sideboard/buffet in a side aisle and just loved the "hidden" drawer at the bottom. I could see this piece in an office or craft room. Maybe even in a family room...what about a pretty kelly green?
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


I'm almost positive I've seen this sturdy computer desk at Pier 1 before. The top was pretty beat up. I'd sand it down and repaint it white for that classic cottage look:
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


And every desk needs a chair, right? Almost positive this one goes with the desk pictured above. The screws holding the back up need to be tightened, and it needs new paint job and a cute cushion:
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


This chair was, um, lovingly decorated by someone. It needs to be lovingly redecorated. Maybe a soft gray?
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now

I don't know what the heck kind of sewing machine or serger this is, but holy moley is this cool or what?! I could serge clothes for an army!
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


If I was pregnant or a photographer, I would have snapped this baby up in a heartbeat. These vintage bassinets make great photo props!
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now

Completely awesome mirror. I was tempted to bring it home for just $15. You could leave it as-is, or repaint the frame:
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


Hello, cute round table. You're begging to be painted black and to have a fun, no-sew table runner decorate your top, aren't you? (I'm sorry, am I the only one who talks to furniture?)
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


Paint the knobs, add some cool patterned paper (that can be changed out) to the backs of those shelves, and you have a really neat-looking loft bed:
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


This one was hard to get a shot of because it was laying flat on top of some stuff, but it could be a great storage piece in a bathroom, or maybe even for a spice nook in a kitchen or pantry. Paint the wood, spray painted knobs, maybe add a stencil to one area?
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


I've seen quite a few filing cabinet makeovers on the web lately. This one was in great shape. I wanted to snatch it up and stencil it like Chelsea from two twenty one did.
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now

This sweet little school desk would be perfect if you have a dedicated homework spot in your home. It needs some cleaning, but I'd leave the top as-is and paint the body a aqua, red, or even black or gray (if it needed to stay neutral).
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now


I don't bring home upholstered things because of the excessive fear of bed bugs I harbor (too many Dateline specials and a husband who works in the mattress/bedding industry and tells me horror stories), but this couch has great lines. Yes, the upholstery is pretty awful. In fact, it made my eyes bleed for awhile. But, it would look fabulous with new upholstery or a pretty little slipcover!
Thrift Store Furniture Makeover Ideas, from Serenity Now

So, do I have you wanting to head to your local thrift shop in search of goodies to bring home? Isn't fun to imagine all the possibilities?

What was your favorite piece?

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7 comments:

  1. I want to go your Salvation Army store! Honestly the thrift store near me has nothing like this kind of selection.

    You spotted some great pieces. Love that swivel desk chair that's been so lovingly painted. I'd paint that baby black and then distress the edges--or maybe aqua with a dark wax on it to tone that down a little.

    Hope you're doing okay and not suffering too much from the effects of Sandy! What a mess, huh?

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  2. I'm with Richella! You didn't make me want to go to my local thrift store, you made me want to come visit Virginia and go thrifting with you:) I love that first piece...it would be great to hold a ton of board games in a family room!

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  3. Hi, Amanda! I'm new to your blog via Richella, and I'm now a new follower. I really enjoyed your thrifting tour. My favorite was the bassinet, because it's exactly like the one that we have in our family (well, The Man's family). The Man (aka my hubby) & all his siblings used it, then all of our children, & most of our grandchildren. It has served multi-generations as it stays strong (with some upkeep here and there) even into its 70+ years.

    I'm excited to have discovered your blog.
    Carol

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  4. love the sideboard the most! great finds and ideas Amanda!

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  5. love the sideboard the most! great finds and ideas Amanda!

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  6. Some great find! I love that mirror, gorgeous. And that lofted bed would be perfect in my youngest daughter's teeny tiny room!

    Happy to hear you didn't get hit by Sandy too hard! The news footage is shocking and soo sad. : (

    ~ Catie

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  7. The mirror is my favorite piece. $15 is a great price for it, too. I've never been to the Salvation Army store in my town. I don't think it's nearly as large as yours. Thrifting is so much fun!

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