Unexpected Lighting
If you’re looking for an instant mood booster, add a small disco ball near your window or anywhere it can catch direct sunlight. My thrifted rainbow-colored disco ball from Goodwill in Cuyahoga Falls adds whimsy and fun lighting to my space. You could also look out for unusual lampshades, colorful lamps, or novelty lighting to add a little personality to a room.
Vintage or Colorful Ashtrays
You don’t have to smoke to appreciate a good vintage ashtray. When I spotted this stack of colorful ashtrays, my mind instantly screamed: coasters! You could also use them as catchalls for keys, coins, or jewelry.
Paper Goods You Can Turn into Art
Keep an eye out for calendars, vintage postcards, small swatches of fabric, illustrations or maps to turn into wall art, especially at places like the Goodwill Outlet. I had a hard time recycling my old calendar because the artwork was so beautiful, so instead I framed some of the illustrations in frames I thrifted from Goodwill to create a wall collage.
Decorative Books
I’m going to fill you in on one of the best home décor thrifting tricks that I’ve been doing for years: thrifting coffee table books. Look for books that appeal to your aesthetic, color scheme, and interests and use them to add character throughout your home. I have books displayed on shelves, coffee tables, and cabinets. Be sure to remove the jackets of the books to reveal the beautiful covers and typography – you’d be surprised by how many beautiful things are hidden underneath.
FUNctional Pieces
Functionality doesn’t have to be boring! I love to thrift functional pieces that solve an everyday problem while adding a little color and whimsy to my home. Some of my favorites include a bright orange vintage magazine rack that I keep next to a chair to keep reading materials within reach. I even use colorful taco shell holders on my desk to organize business cards and sticky notes, and vintage wooden hangers to hang kids’ artwork. Keep an eye out for things you can repurpose to make your space work better for you, while staying true to your personal style.
The best part about thrifting for your home is that it doesn’t take much to add a little character, whimsy, and personality to your space. Which one will you try?