Seven Thrift Store Upcycles Anyone Can Make
Secondhand finds, basic supplies and an afternoon are all you need for decor that looks nothing like the big-box store.
by Tessa Kowalski • Oct 12, 2026 • 2 min read
Secondhand finds, basic supplies and an afternoon are all you need for decor that looks nothing like the big-box store.
by Tessa Kowalski • Oct 12, 2026 • 2 min read
Thrift stores are full of pieces that need only a small change to become something special. These projects use materials you probably already have and require no special skills.
A brass box or tin with small holes in it becomes a glowing accent when you fill it with battery-powered fairy lights. The light spills through the openings and creates a pretty pattern on the table.
Paint a secondhand music stand in an antique gold. Clip a small book light to the top, painted to match, and display an art book or framed print on the ledge.
Glue a roll-up bamboo bath mat around a plain glass hurricane. Add a candle or LED lights for a warm, textured lantern that works indoors or out.
Cut an old lace or cutwork table runner into sections and wrap them around glass hurricanes with double-sided tape. The pattern glows when lit from inside.
Cover a dated lampshade with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Trace the shade onto the back of the paper, cut it slightly larger and smooth it on, folding the edges over the rims.
A covered glass butter dish makes a charming home for cotton swabs in the bathroom, jewelry on a dresser or matches near the fireplace.
Old resin or plaster statues with shiny paint can be stripped to a chalky, aged finish. Work outside, wear gloves and follow the product directions carefully.
You do not need to tackle all seven. Choose the project that fits something you already own, and keep an eye out for openwork, interesting shapes and solid materials the next time you shop secondhand.
