Are you an avid thrifter? It may come as no surprise that I am too. In fact, most of my simple home decor ideas have come to life in thrift stores.
But unlike today’s trend of finding a quirky brass candleholder and racing to post it online, I’ve been thrifting for decades. Long before it was cool.
I’m pretty sure my kids don’t even know you can buy brand-new items from an actual retail store.
But there’s a secret I’ve learned over the years: home decor doesn’t need to be complicated—or costly. In fact, I believe the best home decor is simple. It feels lived-in. Soulful. Like it belongs there, even if you didn’t spend a dime.
Before I grab my purse, keys, and kids and hit the thrift store, I always do one thing first: I thrift my own house. In this post I want to share how you can refresh a space in your home for next to nothing. In this economic climate that is a HUGE deal.
Thrift Your Own Home First (Yes, Really)
I thrift for a lot of reasons:
- Paying retail rarely makes sense to me
- I adore vintage and antique pieces
- Sometimes it’s out of necessity
- Sometimes it’s just for the thrill of the find
- It helps the environment
- And often, it supports good causes
Thrifters tend to lean toward collecting—some might even say hoarding—and if I’m being honest, I could very easily tip the scale in that direction. That’s why I’ve made it a habit to pause before I buy anything new, even secondhand. Instead, I walk through my home with fresh eyes and a little curiosity.
You’ll be surprised what you can find when you look at your own belongings like a treasure hunt. Peek into the attic. Open that storage bin you forgot about in the shed. Take a stroll through your garage, or better yet, your mom’s attic if she’ll let you.
Before you know it, you’ll have a whole room refresh waiting for you—candlesticks you forgot you had, a cozy throw you haven’t used since last winter, an old mirror that looks perfect in a different room. Simple home decor doesn’t always mean minimal or trendy. Sometimes it just means seeing your own things differently.
A Real-Life Example: My Bedroom Refresh
Not long ago, I re-styled my bedroom. I was short on time and funds, and I knew I wanted something feminine and delicate. Rather than starting from scratch, I went “shopping” in my own house. I gathered things I already loved—ones that fit the mood I was going for—and pulled them together with intention.
The result? A soft, inviting space that felt brand new, even though everything in it had already been mine.
As a creative and longtime thrifter, that moment of repurposing what I already owned was more thrilling than any deal I could’ve found at a secondhand shop.
Even though I thrift my house before I go shopping, I do enjoy thrifting. I take time and look for pieces that I can add to our spaces and really enjoy finding a great deal.
What to Look for When Thrifting for Simple Home Decor
Thrift stores can be overwhelming if you don’t go in with a plan. Over the years, I’ve developed a go-to list of items that are almost always worth a second look. These are the things that can warm up a room and bring that layered, lived-in charm without clutter.
My favorite simple home decor thrift finds:
- Lamps – look past the shade- it can be replaced; bases can be rewired or painted
- Candlesticks – brass, wood, ceramic—mix and match styles and heights
- Empty frames – layer them on mantels or create a gallery wall
- Vintage rugs – even small ones can add warmth to unexpected places
- Curtains – especially quality fabrics like linen or velvet
- Baskets – great for storage and texture
- Mirrors – they reflect light and expand small spaces
- Books – beautiful covers or spines double as decor
- Ceramic vessels – vases, pitchers, or planters
- Small furniture – stools, end tables, nightstands
- Artwork – especially original pieces or interesting prints
Because I enjoy the process of thrifting, but also enjoy a space that doesn’t feel cluttered, I go by the one-in-one-out rule. If I buy something that I know will be around a long time, I will get rid of another item I know I can live without. This helps me not to overwhelm myself or my home with too many “things”. Your own kind of minimalism.
Want the full list of Simple Home Decor to take with you?
Grab my free Thrifting for Simple Home Decor checklist—printable and get ready for your next treasure hunt.
Simple Home Decor is Sacred
To me, home is more than a place to decorate—it’s a place to return to. A place where love shows up in the smallest details: a lamp softly glowing (only incandescent will do) in the corner, curtains catching the morning breeze, a worn chair with a new throw.
These small touches, even the ones you’ve had for years, carry meaning. That’s why I believe love is found in sacred spaces, and the most sacred spaces often begins with what we already have.
What treasures have you rediscovered at home? Leave a comment or tag me in your own home-thrift finds—I’d love to see what’s hiding in plain sight.
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