21 Inspiring Thrift Store Transformations

You know how I love a good thrift store transformation, right? I’ve done an entire 31 day series in addition to numerous makeovers of the thrifted goods I find (many copying catalog items, too). So you’re probably not surprised that I’m drawn to a good makeover whenever I find one and I’ve been loving all the great inspiration I’ve been finding on Pinterest lately (I even created a board for all the thrift store transformations I pin) – wow, are there a lot of incredible things happening out there!
I didn’t want to keep all the great ideas myself, so I thought I round up a few of the best of them to share with you guys. I specifically focused on projects that used items I see ALL the time at thrift stores, things like plates, mirrors, and ugly furniture (you canĀ read more about what I always look for at thrift stores, plus shopping tips, here). And most are relatively easy to recreate using paint and basic diy skills. So no excuses – be inspired and then hit the stores!
Please follow the links provided to pin any of these individual projects from the original page (you can pin the graphic above to remember where all these great ideas are on AOC, though!).

Green thrift store mirror wall @ Dimples & Tangles

Gold frame chalkboard wall @ Michelle Hunt

Painted thrift store plate wall @ Apartment Therapy (no longer available)

Sharpie personalized plate & mug @ Kelsi Carma

Thrifted plates & candlesticks dessert towers @ Bargain Hoot

Window Valance out of a thrift store tablecloth @ One Good Thing By Jillee

Thrift store sweater pillow @ Sunshine & Sawdust

Felted Wool Boot Cuffs from thrift store sweater @ On Sutton Place

Thrifted Sweater Refashion Tutorial @ The Renegade Seamstress


Painted glass bottles @ Indiana U LaLa

Painted lamp with map shade @ Silver Boxes

80s brass to modern lantern @ The Happy Homebodies

Painted and stenciled desk @ While They Snooze

Incredible 70s cabinet redo @ Centsational Girl

Painted buffet makeover @ Bella Nest

$7 Nightstand to industrial style table uploaded to Pinterest

Updated vintage chair @ A Little Bit of Zazz

Upcycled chalkboard file cabinet @ Live Love Diy

Ottoman makeover @ Leone Designs

Outdated entertainment center to kid’s play kitchen @ Giggle Berry Creations

The repurposed entertainment center is brilliant! Love the map lampshade and I’m gonna paint our file cabinet black, just because. Thanks!
Okay, I have a think for mirrors, so I’m loving the all green wall. And the frames on the chalkboard wall are super fun, too. The tablecloth valance is SUPER cute. And I’m coveting a spot where my sewing machine could live permanently. Not gonna happen in this house – unless it’s once the kids are in college. š
Wow!! I love the white 70s cabinet and the kid’s kitchen from an old entertainment center. I would like one of them in PINK for our great granddaughter.