I love thrift store makeovers for a lot of reasons.
First of all, repurposing something used keeps that item out of the landfill and is therefore an environmentally friendly option.
Secondly, upcycle projects are a great chance to get creative and try out a new technique. Low cost materials mean you only have your time to lose when doing a project!
People do makeovers on any type of thrift store finds - but my favorite are DIY projects making home decor.
What is the difference between a thrift makeover and an upcycle?
A makeover is an update to any thrifted item. Thrift store makeover ideas include:
- Painting or staining a piece of furniture
- Spray painting an accessory
- Add details such as florals that give the item seasonality
An upcycle project involves taking an existing item (or items) and giving them a new purpose. Thrift store upcycles are more than just a new look - the item gets an entirely different role in your home.
New to thrifting? Be sure to check out my article on what to thrift and what not to thrift.
I hope that you enjoy these imaginative thrift store upcycle ideas. They really inspired me!
Thrift store makeover and upcycle ideas
I love finding things at the thrift store and making them over and giving them a new purpose. Here are a ton of different upcycle ideas for you!
I made this side table from a cutting board and a chair... would you have guessed it?
This is another side table that I made. This was made from a chip and dip platter!
We used a countertop scrap (actually the sink hole from our kitchen!) to build this outdoor coffee table.
I found this old bird cage, spray painted it, and turned it into a planter!
We got an old cabinet and added a topper and wheels so it could be a miter saw cart.
This pineapple clock was super weird before - almost a bowling trophy. I love it after the makeover!
Would you believe that this bench was made from an old headboard?
This peacock chair was amazing, but the rattan was totally rotten from being outside. We did what we had to do!
Megan turned thrifted metal bowls into hanging planters!
I love this idea for how to turn a full sized bar stool into a shorter stool for a plant stand!
Would you believe that this jute tray was made from the lid of a holiday cookie tin?!
Oyster shells totally transformed this old thrifted mirror!
Old jars and vases are often 25 cents at my thrift store! I love how this paint totally upcycled them.
A wagon wheel is such a unique find - even better to turn it into a beautiful wreath.
Thrift stores are overflowing with old picture frames. I love this idea to frame a new wooden sign!
I always see bath mat sized rugs at thrift stores - but never thought of turning one into a wall hanging!
I am obsessed with how these updated folding stools turned out!
I would have never thought of turning old pie pans into frames for old recipes, but it's a great touch for a farmhouse kitchen.
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We've been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips
Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!
