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DIY Thrift Flip Decor – Simple and Affordable

Living Room· Master Bedroom

15 Jan
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Thrifting is the most affordable way to decorate your home. All you need is a little bit of paint and a few dollars to get started. Check out this DIY thrift flip decor project for some simple and affordable home decor ideas.
Mirror layered with a sign surrounded by greenery and wall hanging candle sconces

LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEFORE

When I first started this project, these were brass. Like 90’s dated brass. While muted brass is “in” currently, shiny brass is not. The funny thing about thrifting is that you rarely go in looking for something specific. When I thrift, it’s usually more like “Let’s see what we can find today”. While I didn’t go in looking for these sconces, when I saw them, I thought they were unique and could be really cute painted. I’m sure there are plenty more out there in case you’re hoping to find some for yourself, but this project could also be done to candlesticks or even electrical wall sconces. Or anything, really. “The sky is the limit”.

I originally thought white would be cute (and it was), but I quickly realized that I didn’t want them to stay white. Here they are when this project was started. Some might call them a “blank slate”. I typically love white and it’s usually my “go-to” when painting anything, I just wanted a little more contrast for these. Ok now, let’s get to it!

White metal sconces that hold candles

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Here’s what you’ll need

Sconces or Candle Holders

Charcoal Rust-Oleum Calked paint or a flat paint from any local hardware store (I used Peppercorn by SW but LOVE the Rust-Oleum Charcoal Chalked paint)

Foam Craft Brushes or Craft Paintbrushes

Screwdriver

Dirt and water

Paint paintbrush and screwdriver

If you’ve been here long, you know that painting (and chalk painting) is something I like to do often. For just a small amount of money and in just a few hours, and entire piece can be totally transformed. Affordable and usually somewhat quick. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

LET US PAINT

First, paint the piece. I used Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams in a flat finish. I also love chalk paint and usually use that. It did need two coats, but I find that flat/chalky paint always dries quickly so it didn’t take long. I painted the first coat and then let it dry for maybe 30 minutes before doing the second coat.

Once they were painted, they were cute, but I did decided to go ahead and do one more step to achieve a more distressed/vintage look. Sometimes fake vintage is the best, because you can make almost anything look old. Sometimes the search for specific items that are actually old can feel exhausting, trying to first find it, and second fitting it in your budget etc. This is a perfect solution to make any item look and feel vintage/old.

VIDEO – DIY THRIFT FLIP DECOR

THE MUD METHOD

This is a method of distressing that’s been very popular recently. It’s a simple process of wiping mud on the piece (usually a lamp or vase), letting it dry and then wiping it off for a distressed and worn look. This was my first attempt and I have to say, I’m pretty happy with it! It felt a little bit like a gamble, but it was totally worth it. Obviously these sconces are in a pretty rough state in the photo below. But keep reading because they get super pretty! I really love how they turned out, but don’t take my word for it… keep scrolling and see for yourself!

Painted Gray sconces with mud on them

FINISHED PRODUCT

I LOVE the way these turned out. The mud method really took them to the next level. It added some age and wear to these sconces, which I love! You will most definitely be seeing more of this method moving forward. What piece should we try next? I’m thinking some pottery…

Antique mirror layered with a decorative sign surrounded by greenery and wall hanging candle sconces
Mirror layered with a sign surrounded by greenery and a hanging candle sconce
Mirror layered with a sign surrounded by greenery and a hanging candle sconce

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…

Painting Cabinets with Zero Sanding Involved

Painted Concrete Porch

Painted Fireplace Tile Makeover

How to Paint Furniture Using Chalk Paint – No Prep Needed

Easy DIY Painted Tile Backsplash

Thrift Store Up-cycle – Giving Secondhand Items New Life

As always, thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate you being here.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Antique mirror layered with a sign and gray sconces above them

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So glad you’re here!

Hi! I’m Alleigh. I’m a mom to my two sweet little boys, and wife to a very supportive husband. I’m so glad you’re here! Join me and my little family as we get our hands dirty and add life & personality to our home to create a place that we love.

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I was trying to post this with original audio of m I was trying to post this with original audio of me explaining each item and my thoughts on the price etc etc but apparently I don’t have that capability yet on IG… so, enjoy this reel and just know that I had a lot more to say. 😂
A little IG vs reality for ya. Swipe to see the mo A little IG vs reality for ya. Swipe to see the more realistic view (which is really not bad at all 😂).
I feel like my house is just constantly a mess, no matter how hard I try. Anyone else? It feels like I’m always behind, and to be honest, it bothers me a lot. It overwhelms me and stresses me out. It keeps me from being content and present. Between things constantly being broken (hello middle child) and just too much stuff in general.
Here’s what I’m working on to simplify and calm the chaos.
1. I’ve been removing all toys that don’t get played with often. We currently have magnatiles, Duplos, and race cars out. The rest have been moved to storage in the basement for the moment. We’ll see what we keep as my kids do sometimes notice toys they’re missing and ask for them.
2. I’ve been ruthlessly getting rid of stuff - whether donate or trash. If we don’t absolutely love it, or we have multiples, or no one touches it, or we have a huge pile of random papers and crafts. Gone. 😂 it’s so relieving.
3. I often have artwork and decor laying around because I don’t fully know where it’s going yet. I’ve been removing anything that doesn’t serve a purpose and have been putting it in basement storage. No point having it sit there and clutter. I’ll go get it when I’m ready to hang the picture or use the decor.
4. I’ve been re-assessing where we need more storage. I replaced a dresser that didn’t functional well with a $50 homeschool cabinet from FB marketplace and it’s been so much better.
5. As I remove things from our every day view, I’m noticing the ability to better enjoy the everyday messes and real life, because it isn’t so out of control and overwhelming.

I hope this is encouraging for mamas in the same boat ✨
Enjoying our last flower harvest of the season ✨ Enjoying our last flower harvest of the season ✨
My weekend project ✨ We spent a lot of time in o My weekend project ✨
We spent a lot of time in our front yard, but never really on our porch. I bought this porch paint months ago and finally got it done! Now our porch is a cozy place to sit ✨ Inspired by @mustardseedbeginnings super cute porch.
These frames have been sitting empty for a while n These frames have been sitting empty for a while now… I went to order some prints for them the other day, and I didn’t like the price. SO I decided I was going to make my own art for them. I found a fabric remnant at a local thrift store for $0.99 cents and voila. Took all of 5 mins ✨
Such a fun, special day 🤍 Notice the new toys s Such a fun, special day 🤍
Notice the new toys scattered everywhere 😂
Antiques all day long 🤍 Exciting changes happen Antiques all day long 🤍
Exciting changes happening here at Hand Gathered Home. More to come ✨
Since everyone is saying how social media is fake… here’s some real real life for ya 🙃

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