Easy thrift store makeovers transform frames, baskets, mirrors and more into charming cottage decor on a friendly budget.
Hello my sweet friends… today’s collection is especially for anyone who loves the thrill of a thrift store makeover but feels a little nervous about dragging home a giant dresser!
Every project here begins with something small and manageable such as a frame, basket, mirror, lamp, teacup or cutting board. With a little paint, paper, stain, fabric or imagination, these forgotten finds become charming pieces of cottage style decor without demanding a huge budget or an entire week of work.
These are the kinds of makeovers that let you play, learn and enjoy a wonderful transformation without feeling overwhelmed. Pour yourself a cup of something delicious and take a look… I have a feeling your next thrift store trip is going to be extra fun!
Thrift Store Makeovers
Small Cottage Style Projects To Try
1
Elevate Thrifted Frames Cottage Style
This sweet idea takes ordinary thrifted frames and gives them a soft, layered cottage look with fabric covered backing and printable art. The best part is that the artwork can be switched with the seasons, making one little makeover useful all year long. I have a great idea where to get tons of Free Printable!!! Source
2
3 Upcycled Cottage Style Thrift Store Frame Makeovers
Here are three completely different ways to rescue overlooked frames, including warm stain, a faux bronze finish and a beautiful added applique. It is a wonderful reminder to look beyond an outdated color and pay attention to the shape and pretty details instead. Source
3
A Little Footstool Makeover
An eight dollar footstool becomes a darling little riser with leftover paint and patterned paper. Use it on a counter, shelf or laundry room surface to add height to plants, candles, cutting boards or any favorite collection. Source
4
Striped Stool Thrift Store Makeover
This wonderfully imperfect stool keeps its worn character while gaining a crisp painted top and a simple cottage stripe. There is no fussy measuring here, which makes it exactly the kind of relaxed afternoon makeover we love. Source
5
DIY Coastal Thrifted Basket Makeover
Even a damaged basket with a broken handle can become something beautiful. A little repair, soft green paint, jute and seashells give this inexpensive find a fresh coastal cottage personality. Source
6
Painted Thrift Store Basket Makeovers
Three very ordinary thrift store baskets receive completely different painted looks with green, white, stripes and one pretty little knob. They are charming enough to display while still being useful for shoes, towels, magazines or everyday clutter. Source
7
Thrifted Lamp Makeover Ideas
The lamp aisle can hide some wonderful bargains, and this guide shares several ways to update both bases and shades. From polishing brass to painting resin and refreshing a lampshade, you can choose the version that feels just right for your home. Source
8
A Pretty Cottage Mirror Makeover
A six dollar mirror receives creamy white paint and useful hooks on both sides. Place it over a small entryway table and it can help corral keys, hats, dog leashes and other little necessities while looking absolutely charming. Source
9
How To Antique A Thrift Store Mirror
This ornate plastic mirror is almost unrecognizable after a rich painted finish and a carefully aged mirror treatment. It proves that the material matters much less than the shape and detail when you are searching the thrift store shelves. Source
10
Cottage Shelf Makeover
This cozy kitchen shelf refresh is filled with the little layers that make cottage style feel so warm and welcoming. Woven baskets and useful everyday pieces add texture and charm without making the space feel overly decorated. Source
11
Cottage Style Thrift Store Waste Paper Basket Makeover
A two dollar and ninety nine cent metal wastebasket gets blue and white floral napkins, soft paint and gently aged gold details. The finished piece feels much more like pretty cottage decor than something meant to hold waste paper. Source
12
Candlestick Holders In Classic Cottage Style
Layered shades of cream, gray and charcoal give chunky candlesticks the appearance of pieces collected over many years. This is an easy way to turn mismatched candle holders into a lovely grouping for a mantel, table or shelf. Source
13
How To Upcycle A Thrifted Wooden Plate
A plain wooden plate becomes cottage wall or shelf decor with white paint, a lavender floral transfer and a little distressing. Keep an eye out for wooden plates and trays because their simple shapes are perfect blank canvases. Source
14
Thrifted Cottage Art Gallery
This cozy gallery proves that a beautiful cottage display does not have to be expensive or perfectly matched. Thrifted frames, botanical art, silver pieces and a meaningful family plate come together in a collected arrangement that feels wonderfully personal. Source
15
Thrifted Plate Cottage Wreath
Soft floral plates from the thrift store become a completely unexpected cottage wreath with a bow, greenery and flowers. The same simple idea could be changed for different seasons, holidays or color palettes. Source
16
Thrift Store Tin Rescue
This old kitchen canister had damaged graphics, stains and no lid, but it still had far too much charm to leave behind. Gentle repairs and a bit of trim preserve its age while making it useful and lovable once again. Source
17
Thrifted Teacup Fairy Garden
A pretty thrifted teacup becomes the tiniest fairy garden with gravel, moss, miniature furniture and an adorable little twig ladder. Since the pieces are removable, the teacup is not permanently altered, which is perfect when you find one you truly love. Source
18
Cottage Style Doily Art
A vintage window frame and a collection of lace doilies become the sweetest cottage wall art. This is such a thoughtful way to display beautiful handwork that might otherwise remain folded away in a drawer. Source
19
Upcycled Hymn Board
A dated wooden wall calendar is stripped back, stained and rebuilt as an antique inspired hymn board. It takes a little more work than some of the projects here, but the finished piece has beautiful warmth and character. Source
20
Goodwill Cutting Board Makeover
A thick, battered cutting board is sanded, stained and fitted with handles to become a handsome cottage tray. It can hold drinks and snacks or simply anchor a table display with candles, flowers and a few favorite finds. SourceTips For Choosing Small Thrift Store Finds To Make Over
Look At The Shape Instead Of The Finish Check For Damage Before You Buy Think About How You Will Use It Keep A Few Basic Supplies Ready Do Not Overlook The Odd Pieces Let Some Of The Age Show Give Yourself Permission To ExperimentSmall Projects Can Make A Big Difference
I hope these little projects leave you feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed. You do not need a workshop filled with expensive tools or a truck to haul home a giant piece of furniture… sometimes the best makeover begins with a three dollar frame, a forgotten basket or a scratched cutting board. Start small, use what you already have and let yourself enjoy the process. There is no pressure to make everything perfect because the little bumps, scratches and signs of age are often what give cottage style its warmth and personality. Next time, perhaps we will be brave and tackle a few of those beautiful brown furniture pieces together! Happy Thrifting! Andrea @ The Cottage MarketÂ
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