Thrift Store Decor Takes Imagination
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"Thrift store decor" – decorating a home using finds from secondhand shops – has become more and more popular in today's tough economic times. The trouble is, not too many of today's homeowners are used to shopping in thrift stores, secondhand shops, consignment stores and the like, simply because until now it was just too easy to buy home furnishings on credit.
Thankfully, longtime thrifty shoppers are sharing their tips for how to decorate a home beautifully on a budget. Here are a few of their key tips:
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1. Throw out any Preconceived Notions about Thrift Shops
Secondhand stores, thrift shops, whatever they're called, are no longer the dusty, dirty, dingy places of yore. The stores may vary, but today they're bright, clean, well-run shops with some exceptional home decorating bargains. The store's wares may not be pristine, but most can be cleaned and/or refurbished easily. And don't think that only junk ends up in thrift stores. People have found everything from gorgeous modern rugs to marble-topped tables in secondhand shops – all for a tiny fraction of what those items cost when new.
2. Know Your Style and Buy Only What You Truly Love
Let's face it: Hard economic times have put an end to many people's efforts to keep their homes new and trendy. Now's the time to shed all that pressure to have hip decor and create a home decorating scheme that's truly unique. Love books? Thrift stores are full of them. How about the makings of a Cottage Country or Shabby Chic decor? Secondhand shops are ideal for this type of decorating scheme. Collect plates, glasses, vases, pillows, etc? Thrift stores have shelves and bins full of terrific bargains for any collection. Be sure to do some research in advance so to spot the real bargains.
3. Shop Early and Often
One of the great things about thrift stores is that the stock changes constantly. So if one trip doesn't produce the ideal flower-shaped rug for your little girl's bedroom, go back again in a day or two. A quick trip to the thrift store over a lunch hour or as a break from housework is well worth the effort.
4. Know the Value of Things
Check regularly on the prices of sought-after items, since prices at secondhand stores can vary widely. Also, these types of shops are beginning to get more discontinued and "loss leader" merchandise, so it pays to know how much things cost elsewhere. That said, when a real find appears, don't risk losing it by playing "resale roulette" (waiting until the price comes down). Many one-of-a-kind things, from the perfect Persian area rug to the ideal sleigh bed, have been lost to those who hesitate.
5. Use Your Imagination!
One of the biggest assets to people who decorate using thrift store finds is their ability to see beyond something's current condition to how they can refurbish it for their own home. Instead of dismissing a sofa with some stains on the upholstery, look instead at how well it's made. If its "bone structure" is good, and it's in a style that's compatible with a home's decor, invest in some new upholstery and that piece of furniture becomes the star of the living room. Not a soul needs to know it came from a thrift store!
