HOW TO DECORATE WITH THRIFT STORE FINDS

Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt or the satisfaction of scoring a real bargain, thrift stores can be the most exciting places to find interesting and one-of-a-kind décor for your home. There are some tricks, though, to finding those treasures at your local Goodwill or church resale shop. Here are our best tips for transforming your home with ordinary thrift store items.

HAVE FUN EXPLORING

When you visit a thrift store, it’s best not to be looking for a very specific item – like an orange mid-century sofa, for example. Chances are you’ll be disappointed. Instead, think of it like a treasure hunt. Explore what they have to offer and use your imagination to discover new uses for old items.

START SMALL

If you’re new to the thrift store game, start small and build up from there. While you may have a huge project in mind involving a dresser and chalkboard paint, try experimenting first on smaller pieces – like an old frame that can be transformed into a shabby chic chalkboard for your kitchen.

VISIT OFTEN

You really never know what you’re going to find on each trip, and merchandise changes every day at most stores. If you go often, you’re more likely to find interesting items that you just can’t live without.

BEWARE OF HOARDING

On the flip side of visiting the stores often, you do want to beware of crossing the line from collector to hoarder. It can be easy to imagine transforming an object into a work of art, but if it’s more likely to sit in your garage for the next five years unfinished, then skip it.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

Many of the items have landed in the thrift store because their former owners deemed them ugly or outdated. So it pays to have a little imagination when you walk in the doors. Yes, that owl figurine looks like it just flew in from 1977, but with a coat of white paint, it’ll look like you just swooped it off the shelf from Anthropologie – and at a much better price.

ITEMS TO LOOK FOR

It can be overwhelming to step inside some thrift stores because there’s just so much stuff! But there are certain items that are the best deals. Keep your eye out for:

* Trunks and old suitcases – great for storage or for stacking as a side table.
* Lamps – can easily be painted or given a new shade for a fraction of what you’d spend at a retail store.
* Artwork and frames – great for making a gallery wall, especially if you spray paint all the frames the same color.* Dishes – if you like a rustic, mismatched look then the thrift store is a great place to pick up really interesting dishes.* Furniture with good bones – maybe those dining chairs have outdated upholstery or that desk is a hideous color, but those are cosmetic issues that can be changed. Look for sturdy construction that stands the test of time.

HANGING CURTAINS 101

Hanging curtains seems like a no-brainer, right? Install the curtain rods, pop on the window treatments, and you’re done.

While it really can be that easy, there are some tricks and tips to keep in mind if you want your curtains to go from average to amazing. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Determine their purpose

Are the curtains going to be decorative or more functional? If you just want to add a little pizzazz to the room without worrying about filtering the light or maintaining privacy, then lightweight, unlined curtains will do the trick. However, if you want to block out the light or create privacy, you’ll need heavier or lined curtains.

Measure, measure, measure

Before you rush out and buy your new curtains, be sure to measure the windows, taking into account how you want the curtains to hang. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your project stalled by having to return curtains and rods that are the wrong size.

Speaking of size…

A great trick if you want your windows to appear larger than they really are is to hang the rod higher and wider than the window. Hang the rod at least four inches from the frame, but consider hanging it as close to the ceiling as possible. Just make sure the curtains reach the floor or even puddle a little. If you’re hanging cafe curtains they should skim the sill.

Go for fullness

Curtains should be hung so that they extend between 8 – 12 inches wider than the window. Choose panels that give you the most fullness, especially when completely closed. A good rule of thumb is to buy panels that are 2.5 times the width of the window.

Consider the hardware

The curtains are the main attraction, but don’t forget about the supporting players – the hardware. If you’re buying heavy curtains, make sure to purchase a rod that can handle the weight. Also think about the style of the room and choose finials and tiebacks that complement.

Get creative

Don’t feel you have to limit yourself to the selection of curtains you find in the store. There are many items you have around your home that make excellent curtains when repurposed. Vintage tea towels, silk scarves and even sheets can all take on a second life as curtains. You can even skip the sewing machine by purchasing curtain hooks that clip onto the fabric.

Don’t forget the iron

Now that you’ve put all this time and effort into making sure your curtains do your room justice, don’t diminish the effect by hanging them wrinkled or dirty. Wrinkled curtains look like an afterthought and can take away from an otherwise beautiful window treatment. Before you hang them, be sure to bust out the iron and give them a good once over. Also be sure to iron anytime you take them down to have them cleaned.

While hanging curtains may seem a little daunting, by following these tips you’ll turn otherwise boring window treatments into brilliant additions to your room!