How to Style Your Home With Thrift Store Scores

Ask me what a perfect Saturday would look like, and thrifting would be in there somewhere (along with coffee and perhaps a little sun). Whether you’re a long-time thrifter with the uncanny ability to point someone in the direction of any Goodwill, or are just now hopping on the secondhand bandwagon, thrifting is a joy to be experienced by all.

One gal who knows the thrifting game inside and out is Melissa Overbeck. The Seattle-area local started her career in fashion design and has since launched a home staging company, started a real estate business with her hubby, and followed her dream of creating The Camano Shop.

Her couldn’t-be-more-charming boutique on Camano Island (in an old farmhouse, no less) blends vintage finds with new, on-trend pieces (think: home décor, clothing, and the sweetest kitchen must-haves that you ever did see) to create a cozy, home-sweet-home vibe.

Expert tips for styling your home on a budget

Overbeck is all about building one’s own style. “I like to shop secondhand first, and then fill in the gaps with new. Each trip is different, and there’s excitement in the unknown. The more you thrift, the more you get to think about what catches your eye and why. It’s also fun to think about the history of an item and how you can give it new life.”

While most of us have a soft spot for Target and Home Goods, Overbeck says, “Big box stores can have the tendency to oversaturate trends.” Plus, there’s something to be said about the thrill of the hunt and scoring that unique piece.

When it comes to styling, Overbeck emphases the importance of color palettes and mood boards to achieve the look you’re going for. “This helps keep the space from looking too cluttered or chaotic,” she says.

Her favorite items? “Vintage mirrors and vintage art are the best! They’re so unique and bring so much character to a space. They can act as a room’s focal point.” She mixes old with new: an antique mirror in a modern bathroom; painted copper pots against a new backsplash.

Styling your thrift haul

Shelving

Open shelving is where you can let your inner designer out. These spaces are great for showing off collections or standalone pieces. Swap out items for easy kitchen updates or seasonal décor. For example, a Studio McGee-esque kitchen calls for stacks of white ironstone and vintage art, or you might want to show off your Otagari seagull mugs and eclectic cookbook collection.

Bookshelves and built-ins are made for displaying your favorite finds. Books, candlesticks, vases, cool bookends, frames, even those cool MCM cats you found at Value Village. And plants (real or faux) go with everything.

Dining room hutches (check out Facebook Marketplace for good finds!) are fabulous showcases for collections. Go for a theme: think vintage quilts, stacks of mix-matched dishes, or that collection of ironstone you’ve been adding to over the years. Rotate your collection over the seasons. Add a faux wreath or two.

Lighting

Lighting is one of those subtle things that can transform a room. Go cozy cottage-core with a small lamp tucked in a kitchen nook, or entertain those ’70s vibes with a vintage pottery-base lamp. An art deco shell lamp screams ’80s (in the very best way), and a classy banker’s lamp can make any reading nook feel like a corner of the New York Public Library.

Gallery walls

One of my favorite things to look for while thrifting are old prints and frames. Over the years, I’ve collected enough to start a gallery wall. Depending on personal taste, less is more, or go big or go home (I went big). Mix and match true vintage finds with vintage-inspired prints from Target and Hobby Lobby.

Thrift faves

Books

Books add texture and interest to any space. From faded spines to color coordinated stacks, books can enhance your overarching theme. Style them with spines toward the wall for a neutral look.

Candelabras

Who doesn’t love a set of real brass candlesticks? A pair can add rich depth to any table setting or mantle.

Copper

I’m a sucker for copper. Copper kettles, pots, measuring cups (yes, even those copper fish your grandma flaunted). Give me all the copper.

Wicker baskets

Wicker is warm and adds texture to a room, plus it’s a practical way to store those thrifted throws or toys. A basket wall enhances a Scandinavian theme, and a collection of hanging wicker baskets adds depth to a farmhouse kitchen.

Garden pots

They’re cheaper than new, and any moss left on them says you’re a green thumb (even if you can’t keep a faux plant alive).

In the spirit of Forrest Gump, thrifting is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get. So keep your eyes peeled and your imagination open. You might even strike gold once or twice, like the time I found a green Le Creuset Dutch oven for $12.

Happy thrifting!