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.
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!
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
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!
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…
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…
Painting Cabinets with Zero Sanding Involved
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.
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