12 Creative Thrift Store Craft Ideas for Art & Decor Projects

Thrift stores are one of my favorite places to shop. Not only is it a great way to find unique thrift store craft ideas but also other pieces for your home, but it’s also a fun way to get creative with your decorating.

If you’re looking for some new ideas, here are 12 creative thrift store DIY art & decor projects.

From wall art to furniture makeovers, there’s something for everyone! So get ready to get inspired and start shopping! If you are like me then thrift store shopping is more than a hobby to you. It is a part of your weekly or bi-weekly routine.

I love thrifting! It’s the thrill of going to thrift stores and finding something that you see potential in.

Getting it for a ridiculously cheap price makes it addicting to create some thrift store makeovers!

I love the inspiration one can find on Pinterest! I think it is one of the most powerful social media platforms out there for my niche. But what I love most about this site is how many new talented people it opens doors to. I love discovering DIY-ers all over the world!

Today, I am paying tribute to 12 very talented bloggers who shared their creativity here on the blog today. Creative people who can look far outside the box to come up with awesome solutions and aesthetically pleasing decor for the household on a modest budget.

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1. Fake Studded Porcelain Vases

Who says thrift store decor has to be drab and boring? With a little creativity, you can transform even the most mundane items into something stylish and unique. Case in point: these fake studded porcelain vases.

By adding a few simple embellishments, it was transformed from a boring thrift store find into something that looks like it came straight from a high-end designer store. So if you’re looking for some thrift store makeover inspiration, read on!

I love how chic these vases and bottles turned out!

Such a simple concept with puffy paint and white matte spray paint. Genius!

2. Painted Stenciled Antique Plates

If you’re looking for thrift store decor, you can’t go wrong with painted stencil antique plates. With a little bit of paint and some creative stenciling, you can transform thrift store plates into unique works of art. And the best part is that thrift store makeovers don’t have to be expensive.

With a little bit of time and effort, you can turn thrift store finds into stylish home decor.

So if you’re looking for thrift store decorating ideas, don’t forget to consider painted stencil antique plates.

With a little bit of imagination, you can transform thrift store home decor into one-of-a-kind treasures. This is a great way to bring some new life to some dated porcelain plates. This is a great way to bring some new life to some dated porcelain plates.

Supplies needed: letter stencils and a paint marker.

3. Silver Spray Painted Small Shelf Decor

Looking for a thrifty way to spruce up your home? Consider silver spray painting small shelf decor items from your local thrift store. This is a great way to add some personality to your home without spending a lot of money.

And it’s easy to do! Just head to your local thrift store and look for small items that you can use to decorate shelves or other spaces in your home.

Then, simply spray paint them silver. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to add some style to your home decor. So go ahead and give it a try!

Find a dated decorative small item and give it a chic makeover with some metallic spray paint. This silver on a horse statue is a fun way to make it interesting again. I am obsessed with gold accents. That would be another great route to take for this project.

4. Geometric Stenciled Octagon Tray

A thrift store home is not complete without at least one geometric stenciled tray. These trays are essential thrift store items because they can be used for just about anything. Need a place to put your keys?

A thrift store geometric stenciled tray is the perfect solution.

Want to spruce up your coffee table? Throw a few thrift store coasters on top of a thrift store geometric stenciled tray. The possibilities are endless. So next time you’re thrifting, be sure to keep an eye out for this must-have item.

I love the simplicity of this upcycle. You find an old wooden tray at a thrift store or a yard sale and then you give it a makeover with some paint.

Supplies needed: Frog Tape and spray paint.

5. Gold Painted Wood Bowls

Looking for a thrifty way to spruce up your home decor? Give gold-painted wood bowls a try! This inexpensive and easy-to-do project can add a touch of luxury to any room. And the best part is that you can thrift store shop for the perfect bowl to fit your decorating style.

Whether you prefer classic and elegant or funky and fun, there’s a gold-painted wood bowl out there for you.

So why not give this cheap and cheerful home decorating trend a try?

You might just be surprised by how much you love it. Wooden bowls like these make great modern jewelry holders.

Another great thing to hunt for when cruising the thrift store aisles! Wooden bowls like these make great modern jewelry holders.

Supplies needed: Gold liquid leafing, white matte spray paint, and clear coat.

6. DIY Painted and Distressed Candlesticks

Candlesticks are an essential part of any home decor, but they can be surprisingly pricey. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, thrift stores are a great place to look. However, thrift store candlesticks can often be a bit lackluster in terms of style. That’s where paint comes in.

Chalk paint is a type of paint that’s designed to adhere to almost any surface, and it can be easily distressed to create a shabby chic look. Best of all, it’s available in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find the perfect shade to match your decor.

Once you’ve painted your candlesticks, don’t be afraid to get creative with the decoration. Add some ribbons, beads, or even dried flowers to give them a personal touch. With a little effort, thrift store candlesticks can be transformed into beautiful home decor items.

A perfect example is this project. With some matte spray paint, sandpaper, and black paint you can create some beautiful distressed candlesticks for your home. I am a big fan of this shabby chic look with vintage candlesticks. like. love. 

7. Vintage Window Turned into Decorative Hanging Wall Garden

A thrift shop find can be the perfect way to add some personality to your home decor. This vintage window was likely overlooked by many shoppers, but with a little bit of imagination, it can be transformed into a beautiful hanging wall garden.

First, remove the glass panes and give the frame a good cleaning. Paint or stain the wood to match your existing decor, then add some hooks on the top so that it can be hung from a nail or screw.

Take tired old window pains and turn them into outdoor wall art as planters. With some chain, and planter boxes you can turn this into a conversation starter in your home.

This could easily be an indoor art project too with fake plants.

8. Framed Chalkboard

A thrift store home chalkboard can be a great way to add a decorative touch to your home. For a few dollars, you can find a used piece of art and frame it to match your other wall decor. You can also use chalkboard paint to create a chalkboard surface on any wall in your house. Just be sure to prime the wall first and sand it down smooth before painting.

Once you’ve created your chalkboard, you can use it to write memos, leave messages for your family, or even draw pictures.

So next time you’re looking for a thrift store bargain, keep an eye out for a framed chalkboard—it just might be the perfect addition to your home.

With an old piece of art, you can create a beautifully framed chalkboard. I find pieces of art all the time at thrift stores and I have never painted over one. I think I need to try this project! Supplies needed: Spray paint for

Supplies needed: Chalkboard spray paint for frame, frog tape, and metallic paint.

9. A Tea Cup Turned into a Desk Lamp

I bet you never thought your old tea cup could be turned into a desk lamp! Well, with a little creativity, it can be one of your favorite home decor items. Teacups can be found at thrift shops for relatively cheap and they make great lamps with a little bit of decoration. All you need is a small desk lamp and some glue.

Then, get creative with how you want to design your teacup lamp. You could use paint, fake flowers, ribbon, or anything else you can think of. Once you’re done decorating, just glue the teacup to the desk lamp base and you’re finished!

This is such a great idea for anyone who loves thrifted finds and unique home decor items.

So the next time you’re at a thrift shop, keep an eye out for teacups that could be turned into lamps! Whether it’s a teacup from your collection or one you find at a thrift store.

This is a fun and creative upcycle that I really love.

10. Cheap Upholster Office Chair Makeover

Who says thrift store furniture can’t be chic? I’m here to prove that theory wrong with my latest thrift store makeover – a cheap upholster office chair makeover! This project is simple, thrifty, and perfect for anyone looking to add a little personality to their home office.

To start, you’ll need to find an old office chair at your local thrift store. Make sure the chair is in good condition and has a solid frame.

Once you’ve found the perfect chair, it’s time to get creative!

Choose a fabric that reflects your personal style, and use coordinated accessories to give the chair a unique look. For example, I thrifted a vintage scarf and used it as the chair’s new upholstery. I also added a few pillows for extra comfort and style.

Not only is this project thrifty, but it’s also a great way to add some personality to your home office. So what are you waiting for? To find your thrift store chair and get started on your own cheap upholster office chair makeover today!

Finally, someone has done something cute to a boring swivel armchair! Yay! Snaps for them.

Supplies needed: an upholstery staple gun, a couple of yards of fabric, and spray paint. 

11. Antique Plate Tea Party Tiered Tray

Looking for a unique way to decorate your home? Why not shop for your favorite things? You can find all sorts of hidden treasures while thrifting, including antique plate tea party-tiered trays!

These thrift store items are perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind display in your home.

Plus, thrifting is a great way to save money on home decor. So next time you’re at a thrift store, keep an eye out for antique plate tea party-tiered trays!

You can get really creative with the separators for this project. I love the idea of using mismatched plates. It also looks like candlesticks are great to use as stands. Simple and adorable project. Simple and adorable project.

Supplies needed: 4 Plates and 2-3 short candlesticks, & epoxy.

12. DIY Fake Bird Bath Pedestal Decor

Who says you need a real birdbath to enjoy the beauty of birds in your backyard? With a little thrifting and some DIY creativity, you can make your own fake bird bath that will be the envy of all your feathered friends.

And the best part is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg – just a trip to your local thrift store.

To start, find a thrift store pedestal or plant stand you like. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – in fact, the more chipped and worn it is, the better.

Once you’ve found your perfect pedestal, give it a good cleaning, and then decide how you want to decorate it. You can paint it, decoupage it, or simply leave it as is. Then, all you need to do is add a bowl or dish on top, fill it with water, and voila! – you’ve got your very own DIY bird bath.

Best of all, this thrifty project can be customized to suit your style.

So whether you’re looking for a whimsical touch for your garden or a more rustic look for your backyard, there’s no wrong way to go about it. Just use your favorite thrifted items and let your imagination run wild. After all, that’s half the fun of thrifting in the first place.

Another great example of ransacking thrift stores to get creative. Find a few items and put them together with some hot glue. Add some metallic spray paint… boom… you have a cute piece of home decor.

Supplies needed: Metallic spray paint, a flowy-edged ashtray or bowl, a short candlestick holder, a small bird figurine, flower beads, & a hot glue gun + hot glue sticks.

The most important thing to remember when going to thrift stores is to keep your mind open. Creativity can come when you least expect it. I admire all of these DIY-ers for their budget-shopping skills and their creative minds! Thank you for always inspiring me.

There you have it! Twelve amazing and creative thrift store craft ideas for art and decor projects. Give one or two of them a try and let me know how they turn out.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more ideas, tips, and hacks. And as always, happy crafting!

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