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Springtime Home Decor Thrift Finds

May 16, 2023

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Ah spring...don't you love this sunny time of year?

The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding.

And people everywhere are cleaning out their closets and donating lots of goodies to the local shops.

Thrift Store Floral Prints

That's my favorite.

Well, that and those mystery filled piles at the curb on Sunday nights.

It's like a treasure hunt for second hand lovers.

Like me!

Over the past several weeks, so many of my favorite spots hosted crazy outdoor sales, with lots of 50% off tags.

I tried to be measured with my spending. This teeny cottage is already bursting with thrift decor.

So much so, that I need to simplify again and gather my own pile to donate.

However, I am still in the process of redecorating and finishing off a few rooms, so I gave myself a little grace.

And I shopped.

Here's what I found.

Silver Lamp Base

This silver lamp base was $5...FIVE!! I was shocked.

First of all, it's super heavy. It's a solid piece. There's not a scratch on it and the shine is crazy.

I'm not sure it was every used. Normally we replace the electrical components in thrifted lamps, but this one was clearly new.

I just had to have it to replace the glass one in my bedroom and that price it was a no brainer.

Next up was lamp number two.

It was 50% off, so the final price was $6.00. Another steal.

Especially since this lamp is a full 24" tall. Huge. 

Large Decorative Thrift Store Lamp

It had (yes the makeover is already complete) a pretty painted base, but it just didn't go with any of my decor.

The ladies in the shop said it was dated and I wasn't going to argue with them, but I hate that word.

I don't think anything is dated. Hello...vintage is all the rage, is it not?

This style might not be what the stores are stocking now or the magazines are featuring, but it's a lovely piece regardless and I always say decorate with what you like. The end.

More thrift store hauls:

Here's another "dated" item I found at a different thrift store for $2.99.

It's a floral painted, ceramic picture frame. If you're old enough, you remember these.

Pink and Green Floral Ceramic Picture Frame

I think I actually owned this exact one in the 80s or 90s. And I donated it, because it was not longer in style.

Now that I'm older...and wiser...I decorate with what makes me smile. Plus, this one is definitely a cottage style charmer and it matches my new bedroom decor perfectly.

Although, it's probably old enough now to be considered truly vintage, so I'm glad I saw it first, before someone else grabbed it.

My favorite shop is literally a tiny hole in the wall in a very upscale little town. Everything is cheap, dusty and very interesting. 

It's where I found that crazy beat up wooden candle holder, so I wasn't shocked when I found these ceramic candle holders for 50% off.

That made them $3 for the pair.

Red Rose Ceramic Candlesticks

They're clearly from the same time period as that ceramic frame.

I'm sensing a theme here, so keep your eyes peeled for more of that style.

In the same shop, I found these geranium prints.

They were hanging on the wall in their narrow stairwell and I asked if they were for sale.

Red, Yellow and Green Geranium Prints

They were. Two bucks each. 

Sold.

At the moment, they're hanging out in the living room, however, I haven't decided on a permanent home for them yet. With those colors, there are lots of options around here.

I also found this enormous lampshade for...wait for it...$1.50. Can you believe that? I mean you can't buy gum for $1.50 and this shade is large.

Large White Lampshade

It's a whopping 15" across the bottom and it's in pristine condition. 

The night before I was online shopping for one exactly like it and I couldn't find a shade in this style or size for less than $50.

Apparently, the universe heard me and delivered.

Which is awesome, since I plan to doll this one up a bit and at this price, I can DIY and not worry about messing it up.

I have to say, I've been very lucky a lot lately.

The same afternoon, I stumbled into my church's thrift store and saw this.

Large Sand Hourglass Timer Upcycle

I never had an end table for myself in my family room.

Twenty years and I've always handed my cup of hot water to my husband or reached for the coffee table.

However, lately, I thought it might be nice to have something close by. Unfortunately, the room is tight. There's no room for a standard end table. 

And anything I found online that might work was the wrong style and/ or pricey.

Then I saw this number and thought hmmmm.

But I wasn't sure, so I walked out without it. Then that night at home, table-less with a hot mug in my hand I thought, you know what, I want that little item.

Luckily, when I went back the next day it was there. For $8.00 I got a new table and a story.

I was told that it was the frame to one of those huge hourglass sand timers. You know, like the one the Wicked Witch Of The West had in The Wizard Of Oz. 

Well, the glass broke and the woman donated it, thinking someone might be able to use it for...something. 

Indeed. Someone did just that.

Creative Small Side Table

I also found a wooden box at that shop for a dollar and this weekend, it was completely transformed.

Small Unfinished Wooden Box

I'll be sharing that at the end of the month. It's quite bright now and hot pink, which a completely new color for me.

But I like it.

Last but not least, is a treasure I found at the end of my neighbor's driveway.

A pair of wooden birds. 

Wooden Bird Yard Ornaments

I have no idea what I'm going to do with them, but they were free.

And I do love a creative challenge.

Almost as much as I love thrift store shopping.

Of course, like I said, I need to pump the brakes a bit here or my house is literally going to burst.

Too bad I don't have my own shop.

Although, something tells me I'd be my own best customer.

😉

Have you found anything interesting lately?

Thrift To Decorate Your Home On A Budget



Kim Signature


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  1. Oh, I love the end table! Never in a million years would I have guessed it was a stand for an hourglass! That you didn't do anything to it, makes it even better. A little natural wood in the roo is always a good thing, "they" say. (as I regret - which I knew I would - painting my roll-door tv cabinet 6 years ago.)
    You find the coolest stuff!

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    1. Isn't that table the best? I have to say, when I saw it in the shop, I was drawn to the wood, because it matches the other tones in the room. Then when I saw it on day 2, I really thought about painting it, but once I got it home, it fit so well, I left it alone.

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  2. Those lamps! You made amazing choices that cost you probably 10 cents on the dollar! What a great match on the picture frame with the candle holders. (And yes, I do remember those picture frames!) We have no overhead lighting in this house, so i found 3 buffet lamps to light the living room. In the family room I found a brass floor lamp for $12 (will likely paint it) and a gorgeous side table lamp in nearly perfect condition for $6. I like these lamps better than the new lamps you see online - and I don't feel like I settled in the least!











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  3. OOOh yes on the birds. They are so unique. Last week I scored a dress, a like new pair of Lee shorts, and three novels. But, I've been on a purging streak lately, so I need to tone down the spending!

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    1. Aren't those birds neat?? I just couldn't leave them at the curb. I get the need to tone down, I have a basement full of stuff that I should donate. I need blinders when I take my neighborhood walks!!

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  4. Wow! You hit the jackpot! That table is so cool and the story of what it was makes it all the better.
    I like the lamps, the geranium prints and the birds. Good for you!

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  5. I call the Sunday night trash hunt, “Curb Surfing” Here in the Dallas area you can find some good treasures! You amaze me at what you find. My Daughter in law finds some great deals at thrift stores too. Her best find so far has been a Barley twist lamp for 0.99

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  6. What great finds !! That table is perfect in its new home . And that pewter lamp WOW !!
    I am reinspired to go thrifting ! It’s fun !

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  7. Kim how fun you found things that match your signature colors of red and green. Woo Hoo. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris

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  8. It will be exciting to see what you do with all your "new" treasures! Great buys and finds.

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  9. Those are some amazing finds!! My favs are the wooden ducks and the geranium prints!! Send them to my house when you’re done with them! …. Hahaha and that frame!! Omg that style was so popular!!! Glad you’re going to use it now!!

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  10. Kim,
    WOWZA!! I LOVE everything that you were so very lucky to score!! Amazing finds and I love how you used the table!! The lamps and lamp shade are beyond fantastic!! And I love the cottage direction that you are going in with your finds...I am glad that I kept a lot of those things from the 80's and 90's which are now coming back in style but they have always been in style in my house!! Can not wait to see your upcoming projects...Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave such nice comments!! hope you are having a good week!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  11. Awww your table for your mug is just perfect, Kim! You found some amazing buys, I must say. I chuckled at you saying the lampshade was a bargain as less than a pack of gum! That’s so true! Enjoy your new purchases and I look forward to seeing some transformations. ❤️

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    1. Thanks Kitty!! Yes, that little table was perfect and I couldn't get it out of my head when I got home, so I knew it would be right. Haha...and I'm glad you laughed at my lampshade/ gum comparison. It's crazy, isn't it?? I still have to figure out what I'm doing with that shade. Right now, it's in such good shape, it looks perfect on the lamp. Even in its plain state. Maybe I'll leave it for a bit...

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  12. Kim, you found some nice items to makeover. I remember those floral frames and I might have had one at some point. I can't wait to see how you transform those items you bought. I love those geranium prints and they will look great in your home. I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and weekend Kim.

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    1. Thanks Julie, isn't it funny how all the old things are new again...so quickly!! Haha. Or maybe I've just completely lost track of the years.

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  13. I've been practicing self control here, though it is mighty hard! We'll have construction starting soon, and I have no place to put anything, plus the kitchen is moving in the construction so I'll need a place for all of that stuff too!

    Come fall though, I am going to be on the look out for a English Pine hutch and a buffet!

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    1. Self control is not my strong suit when it comes to thrifting or yard sales, so I get it! Once you're finished though, you'll have so much fun shopping for those pieces...and items to go inside. You know, because few new treasures will look great with your old ones. 😉

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  14. Hi, Oh one of my favorite posts.. when you go thrifting, dumpster diving and curb shopping for free.. Hee Hee! Cannot wait to see what you come up with.
    Carla

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    1. Free is my favorite, Carla!! Although, we went to a yard sale this weekend and there was a box of free items and I didn't feel right about taking anything since I didn't buy anything.

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  15. The new term now Kim is "Granny Chic" have you tried turning your table over..those round balls almost look like the feet and your birds would look great weighing down one of your banner garlands or if the garland has string ends glue dots could be used on their beeks to hold the garland...just a thought Great shopping finds and the season has just started..lol

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    1. Yes, Granny Chic!! I see that term and Cottagecore all over Pinterest and Instagram. Thanks for the banner idea, with the birds!! What a great thought. Now I'm obsessed with it and, of course, I'll have to make a new banner!! As far as that table goes, the balls are on both sides. I think since it was originally a large sand timer it's meant to be flipped and look pretty both ways. Of course, they're not great to work around, but so far, it's been ok! Thanks for the chat!!

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