painter with paint roller painting a wooden commode
If you’re designing your home and looking for more cost-effective options, shopping for gently used items at Goodwill is the way to go. Finding furniture, linens, decor and more at a fraction of the cost can save a lot of money. Plus, it gives you a chance to put your own spin on whatever you find. There’s a certain warmth that repurposed and thrifted finds bring into a home. Knowing you had a hand in curating each piece is just the icing on the cake.
With a little bit of DIY inspiration, you can take gently used items and turn them into one-of-a-kind pieces that look more expensive than they are. If you’re willing to go on the hunt for quality pieces that can be repurposed in your home, here are some DIY projects to consider.
Whether you’re designing a baby’s nursery or needing just the right piece for your entryway, a vintage dresser can add so much character to a space. Often the furniture that’s donated to Goodwill isn’t donated because it’s in bad shape, it’s mostly because the owner just doesn’t have the space for it anymore or they’ve changed their style. So, chances are you can find high quality pieces that are gently used.
Painting or staining a dresser is an easy way to give a used dresser a fresh new look. Use painter’s tape to create a geometric stripe with two different colors or find a more modern stain color to bring your piece into a more modern aesthetic. Adding new hardware is the finishing touch. Use gold hardware for a more modern look, and antique or aged brass for a vintage, but updated feel.
Reupholstering often sounds like a bigger deal than it really is. With the right tools, recovering a couch or chair is an easy way to give new life to a piece of furniture. Plus, choosing a fabric that you love and that matches your home decor is one of the best ways to ensure you achieve the look you want.
Rather than purchasing a brand new sofa or chair, look for one that has good bones. Consider the quality of the materials used to make the furniture. It’s also a good idea to look at shape. Does the shape of the chair or sofa fit with the same aesthetic of other pieces in your home?
Another way to add a little more luxury to your reupholstered project is to consider swapping out for a better filling. Even if you spend a little more on fabric and filling that you love, you’ll end up saving hundreds of dollars with this type of project.
Most homeowners don’t realize that curtains are expensive until it’s time to buy them. You could end up spending thousands of dollars on curtains, or you could shop Goodwill’s extensive selection of linens. The best part about linens is that they can be easily spruced up with a good wash and steam. You may even consider getting some hemmed if you find the perfect pair.
If you can’t find a matching set, consider using this designer tip: find fabrics and textures that blend well but aren’t identical. Look for the same color palette and similar textures. For example, don’t mix a silk panel with a textured wool panel. It’s all about creating a cohesive look for your window treatments at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it’s fun to go on the hunt!
If you’re looking for art for your walls but aren’t loving the high prices, you can create your own. Shop for quality frames at Goodwill. You may even score on an oversized frame for one statement piece. Otherwise, mix and match a variety of frames to create a collage. Then, switch out the photo for a fun wallpaper, greeting card or anything that you’ve always thought would be beautifully framed. This trick is especially unique for kid’s rooms, offices and playrooms because you can get playful with the type of wallpaper you choose.
There’s almost nothing you can’t spray paint to turn into a designer decor item. Vintage bronze candlesticks? A coat of matte black paint will turn them into a more modern style. Anything from small pieces like pots, plates, vases, jars, decor items and even old art canvases—simply spray paint them a color of your choice!
When decorating a space, like a kitchen for example, many designers are displaying a cohesive look by selecting items of the same color. This kind of styling can be done for less with the spray paint trick. Find pieces you like then spray paint them all the same color. Then you’ll have a variety of decor items that will give you one cohesive look.
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona stores are known for their sizable selections, unique goods, fun finds, and of course our low prices! You never know what you’ll find at a Goodwill location near you. For more special offers and coupons, sign up for our email newsletter.
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