As many of you guys know if you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, Katie B and I did some thrift store trolling while we were in Destin last week. Which is pretty much a tradition at this point (check out our past adventures here and here). We didn’t have our video camera on hand, but we snapped a junkload of photos for you guys. So without further ado, here are my finds – and you can see Katie’s over on her blog if you’d like.
I’ll lead with my favorites: these amazing woven twin-sized headboards. They were $29 each and I am COMPLETELY regretful that I left without them. Picture them painted white – or even soft blue or bold red. They’re almost quatrefoil-ish in shape (picture the bed going on the bottom to complete the four-things-jutting-out shape), and I lurv-lurv-lurv them. Not only was there no room in the car for them, we have daybeds (two of ’em) so I just couldn’t convince myself they were meant for our house. In my mind, they’re the ones that got away though. Single tear. I hope someone takes them home and pets them every night.
I thought this wicker based table was kind of cool, and although I wasn’t crazy about the rounded-square glass shape, couldn’t you see it with a large round wood top instead? Maybe all painted charcoal like a pedestal table with extra texture in the base?
These two frames were $2.99 and although they’re looking pretty gilded, I thought with some paint on those frames (white, black, yellow, emerald… anything really) and some new fabric inside of them, they could be really fun for a frame collage (it’s nice to break up a lot of squares and rectangles with a few curvier shapes). The little dudes inside of them could even be fun if they were painted and added back into the mix, but they also could be removed completely so the new fabric could be the star.
This leggy wooden side table was $29, which isn’t cheap but it’s also solid wood so I think it could be sanded down and oiled/stained or even painted (cottage red? crisp white? soft gray?) and used as a bedside table or an end table in a living room. You could even slip a woven basket underneath it for added storage.
There were four of these guys for $19 each I think – and although they look a little bland right now (they remind me of oatmeal) I think some glossy white or black paint on the chair part with a new seat cushion (maybe an ikat or a chic little polka dot?) would completely change them. Here’s another color/fabric idea. And of course there are these. The nice thing about chairs like this is that the seats are so easy to remove, both for easier chair-spray-painting and for a simple staple-gun-upholstery-session.
How cool would this sold wood three-drawer dresser look with a treatment like this or this or this? Just picture it stenciled, stained, hand-painted, or even nail-head studded with new hardware. Me-ow right? Or perhaps you’re more of a wood purist who’d rather forgo those detailed designs? I could also see this stained a rich brown color (or even scrubbed with vinegar and water to weather it a la Restoration Hardware items). Add some cool knobs (I keep picturing bright white faceted ones for some reason) and you’re golden. It was $59, so it wasn’t dirt cheap, but it was solid wood and around the same price of a not-solid-wood dresser from Ikea.
These chairs were $15 each (there were four of them) and I didn’t mind them as-is (the medium wood was nice, and the bold cushions were in good shape) but they’d also be easy to paint/stain and recover for a completely new look. I could see them painted in a soft platinum color with a navy velvet seat. I know. I’m fancy.
This little green light was another find that reminded me of something from Pottery Barn kids, and at $6 it was a lot cheaper. I prefer to buy newer-looking lights secondhand unless I’m going to rewire them (or pay to get them rewired by a pro) since older lamps can have weathered/faulty wiring which can result in scary things like shortages or fires.
There were tons of textile finds as well, which can scare some people, but running them through the wash on high heat or the sanitary setting (even with some bleach if you’re extra nervous) can clean secondhand clothes, sheets, tablecloths, etc. Gotta make Macklemore proud. So I never shy away from the idea of giving them a new home if you see something you love. This high contrast chevron-ish comforter was queen sized and $19. I could even see someone buying it just for the fabric… you could cut it up and make pillows, curtains, roman shades, etc. And it would break down to being around three bucks a yard.
This twin sized Ikea duvet was going for $5.99. Once again it would be awesome to use for the fabric (a little red-heart table runner with matching napkins would be cute for V-day) or you could just toss it on a twin sized bed and call it good.
There were also a lot of lace tablecloths, which I pictured dying for a more modern look. How cool would a blue ombre pattern be? Or even just a solid emerald or plum. You can also use lace as a “stencil” (lay it over an old table and spray paint over it, then remove it to see that cool lace pattern translated onto the table).
This polka dot twin sheet set had me at hello. It reminded me of the sets that places like Pottery Barn and Serena & Lilly sell, and it was 100% cotton (which is always something I look for in sheets). At $7 for the set, I was sold. These babies came home with me and are already on Clara’s daybed. There’s not much the girl loves more than polka dots these days, so she’s just as smitten as I am.
This is just a crazy picture of me displaying my sheet set like Vanna White.
Duck!
That was $1.99 and very enticing, but somehow I held it together and left him behind. I think my ceramic animal count might be in the double digits, so I thought it best to leave Mister Mallard for someone else.
Oh and don’t forget to check out books at thrift stores! This one was $3.99 and giant (the picture doesn’t do it justice – it was easily 18″ tall).
It had gorgeous color photos that could be cut out/blown up/framed and also would just be pretty on a coffee table or console (either closed with some other books stacked on top, or open to a pretty page. I’d switch the page every week or so, just to keep it spicy. I know you guys, I’m a wild woman.
So there you have it, my thrifty finds. In the end I only popped one tag (those cute polka dot sheets) but the thrill of the hunt is the best part. Plus John would have had my head if I came back with ten bags of stuff to cram into the car for the drive home. #carpackingtyrant
What are you guys hunting for these days? Any thrift store scores going on in your neck of the woods? Do you ever go second-hand hunting on vacation? I’m a fan.
Sarah says
Thrifting is just smart. I have found so many great things. Right now I am picking up wool blankets/throws. I have been making wool totes and purses, lined and sporting leather handles. At Christmas I sought wool sweaters. After shrinking/felting them in the wash I made gift card holders with a vintage button closure. After using the gift card, friends are using the pouches for glasses, coupons, cell phones etc. Oh, so fun!
danielle says
that duck would make an awesome scarf-holder
Laura says
I love your thrift store posts… Color me a little jealous of the cool things you find. There are only Goodwills around where I live, and they def do not have the great selection or amazing prices that you find. Lucky, I would have got the sheets too for my little girl. I love the pinterest idea options you add in your post for the item you saw at the thrift shop. Especially the dresser you saw, I would love to stencil it and have it in my house.
Abby Wilkinson says
I love your creativity. I am sad you left the duck. I have one that I am obsessed with. Here is my take on the duck head.
http://mrsincrediblyaverage.com/2013/02/18/red-duck-towel-holder/
YoungHouseLove says
Love the red duck!
xo
s
Peggy says
We have the same polka dot sheet set! They’re from Target like 3 years ago or something. Maybe they still have them…I don’t know.
Joseph says
Ooh man, I wish that dresser and those chairs after it were kicking around in a local thrift store. I’d have to run out and snatch them up. We’re looking for a new dresser for our bedroom and keeping an out for some cool dining room chairs that we can mix and match but reupholster with matching fabric.
Laura says
We rent a small trailer when we go on vacation/road trips. We map out flea markets and antiquing towns along the way. You never know what you won’t be able to fit in the car! It’s also easier to keep the car free of luggage so there’s more room for our kids.
A friend of mine used to bring sea containers back from Europe about 15 years ago filled with antiques and vintage items to resell. That was the ultimate thrift shopping expedition which I benefitted from!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing!
xo
s
Marissa says
I love painted furniture! I read your blog every morning with a cup of coffee during my break. The posts are really interesting and I’m loving the new house.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Marissa!
xo
s
Michelle says
Those are some pretty awesome finds.
That dresser and the chairs with the blue seats would have been shoved in my car or strapped on the roof. I have been looking for chairs like that forever. The thrift stores in my area really stink. I never find anything. I take that back I found a really cool dresser last week but it was sold!
Laura & the Shell says
omgoodness, those headboards are incredible! I have no use for them either, but man, what a steal!
Andi says
Those headboards look like women’s hair. As if the women are looking down and you see the part down the middle and the bun at the back. ha!
-andi
YoungHouseLove says
Ha!
xo
s
Linda G says
Oh, Andi, you’ve made me laugh. That’s all I can see now when I look at those headboards!
esther says
in our old play room, i had made cafe curtains out of that heart patterned duvet but in gray! love the pattern!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute!
xo
s
Ali Burtt says
Ooh, thrifting! My favorite subject! I found a great little ivory globe from the 1950s for $4 today. That’s just my latest score.
Sarah says
So…with the new sheets, am I sensing that there may be some updating in the works for Clara’s big girl room?!
YoungHouseLove says
John and I had a hair-brained idea in the car that we asked her about and she went crazy. Now just to figure out how to execute it…
xo
s
Ren says
I’m one of those readers that wants every post to detail an exciting update to your new house (I know, not feasible for real life!), so I was briefly disappointed when I saw a shopping post. But you made it an interesting, fun read anyway! I would totally snap up those wooden chairs (with the blue fabric seat cushions) as is.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you white-wash the fireplace and paint the wood paneling, though… and I’d love to see the master bath sans wallpaper… (Patience is not my strong suit.)
Gail says
What a fun post! I love thrifting but haven’t been in a while. I liked all your ideas for changing things/using things. The leggy side table is cute…as is the solid wood dresser. Right now I’m hunting for 2 living room chairs with wood legs, a solid wood dresser for my son’s room that I’d like to paint, and a fun rug for my baby’s room (but I think I’ll buy that new). :)Glad you bought the polka dot sheets- they’re super cuuute!!
Oh happy day,
Gail
timothy says
i love thrift store shopping!!!! those bed frames were so cool! ive been looking for a cool light fixture to hang in my bedroom but so far, i havent had any luck…i also have been looking for a table lamp…also no luck. although i found on one of those cool old metal lunch boxes with the rounded top that construction workers used to use, and i gave it an overhaul and left it a little old looking and now its all ready for use! im a nerd.haha :P
-tim
Hayley says
Gasp! LOVE that dresser! I’ve been looking for one JUST LIKE THAT to replace the builder-basic vanity in my guest bath. I’d love to paint it a grey-blue color, restain the top to be a walnut color, and then poly the heck out of the top to protect it from water. Sigh, wish Florida wasn’t so far away…
Yetunde says
OMG! Please tell me you have a manufacturer or brand name for the wicker table and chairs. That’s what I have in my kitchen right now and I hate them (you just gave me some good ideas by the way). I glass won’t stay on the base and I’m hoping a manufacturer will have some helpful tips
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry I don’t have that info. Anyone know those details for Yetunde?
xo
s
Ces @ Interior Decorating Ideas says
Such great finds! I enjoy going to thrift stores too. You can never tell what you will find there. And yes, I buy second hand clothes, sheet, etc also. You just have to wash and sanitize them properly just to be safe.
Laura says
The duck head would make a cute towel hook!
Is Clara still sleeping in her crib? Do you plan to convert her crib into toddler bed like it’s made to?
YoungHouseLove says
She’s still in her crib (ours isn’t a convertible one) but her daybed it also in her bedroom for whenever she’s ready. She’s still sleeping 12 hours a night for us, which the doc says is great, so we’re not messing with a good thing!
xo
s
Laura says
Are you sure it doesn’t convert? Only asking because I happened to be perusing your archives and clicked on the crib you linked to since my BFF is looking for a crib…and it says the Baby Mod ParkLane is convertible. There’s even a pic of a toddler bed on the page. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-ParkLane-3-in-1-Baby-Convertible-Crib-Amber-and-White/5983290
Might make for an easier transition! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, at some point we had to relink to it because the old link was broken and it turns out now the ParkLane converts! But I don’t believe the one we got is a convertible at all (it’s 3+ years old). Isn’t that funny?!
xo
s
Laura says
I bet you could DIY convert it! Just take off the one side so it’s open (looks pretty low to the ground, so she wouldn’t get hurt if she fell out) or build a small guard rail yourselves to attach and voila – toddler bed!
Or you could even buy a guard rail for under $20: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=guard+rail&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=5427
Laura says
Actually you may want to double check yours not being convertible. This person bought theirs before you did and they write about using the toddler function:
“Had it for 2+ Years- No Problems!
10/04/2010
My little guy just hit 2 and a half year old and we are currently using the toddler feature on this bed. We have never had a problem with it. It did take a little while to get together, but we have moved twice since and have had no trouble re-assembling it.
It is also very cute and modern without being expensive.
I would buy this again in a heartbeat!”
Laura says
“Just what we were looking for
03/30/2008
This crib was just what we were looking for: very sturdy with four even sides on top. We are also very pleased that it converts to a toddler bed without having to buy any additional parts. “
YoungHouseLove says
Duuuuuuuude! You’re right! I have no idea why that completely fell out of my brain! I think we’re happy to leave it as-is until she’s no longer sleeping well though, and since we have a daybed in that room it’s probably easier to transition her to that once than transition her twice (from crib to toddler bed to daybed). Thanks for the reminder though! Holy cow, I have no memory of that at all.
xo
s
Laura says
Hahaha. Np! And now I look completely crazy posting all this stuff! I just somehow enjoy researching things LOL. In any case though, since the transition to toddler bed really just means taking off the side rail and everything else stays the same and familiar, I didn’t see that as a “transition” – just thought would be a perfect middle ground for her since you say she loves the crib so much! You know – getting used to not being completely surrounded by bars, but still in her familiar space, mattress, bedding, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s true! I’ll talk to John about it tonight!
xo
s
Maria@TheBrooklynFig says
I’m shocked you didn’t get the duck, especially for $1.99!!
The blue and white upholstered chairs are actually really cool in my opinion- our house tones are blue and ivory so they’d fit well here. Jealous of the tablecloths too, I’m always on the lookout for good prices on tablecloths. But I have to say- leaving behind those headboards must’ve been tough. I could def use one for our guest bedroom which is really lacking in design!
Erin says
I just saw the same duck at my GW last week! I did the same thing, mulled it over but left him there. Apparently I have caught your love of white animals bug! :)
Serenity says
I got the same sheet from Walmart. They are holding up well after two years. I have cute matching curtains with concentric polka-dot circles on them. Love me some polka-dots!
Linda G says
I dig that dresser with the little “backsplash” lip!
I wish you had bought the headboards and made them over to show the potential in them. I just don’t see it, and I’m clearly in the minority on that, judging by the comments. They, like the bentwood and wicker pieces, just have too much of a “Golden Girls” vibe for me.
Debbie Holley says
Love thrift shopping….it’s always a treasure hunt. Some of my most favorite things are from thrift stores. Looks like you had fun!!!
Ryan says
I just donated that exact same set of sheets to the Goodwill in Destin (out near Stinky’s)about 3 weeks ago. Could it possibly be that you now own our old twin sheets?!?!?!?!?!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, that’s funny! We weren’t at the one by Stinky’s but they could have shipped them to the other one!
xo
s
Athina says
Hi Sherry & John! Just popping in with a little bit of trivia: I think (even though I am certainly no expert!) the “little dudes” in your frames are actually two Olympian Greek gods. The dudette one (actually!), on the left, looks like goddess Athena (aka Minerva) {http://www.goddess-athena.org/Encyclopedia/Athena/Piraeus.jpg} and the dude on the right looks like God Hermes (aka Mercury) {http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/1360600530_Hermes.jpg}. It was really fan seeing them all the way across the world in a thrift-store in Destin Florida so I just had to let you know :) :) :) Greetings from Greece!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
Jean S. says
My little ones have the same sheets! We got ours at Wal-Mart. The girls share a bedroom, so we got the polka dots and the flower pattern (same colors on both) then we switched up the flat sheet to mix it up a little! ;o)
Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Christy says
I was literally just thinking I needed to share my tag poppin in a blog post! I can’t get enough of thrift store finds. The hunt is all part of the fun! Most of my house is secondhand.
You totally scored on the wood chairs with the blue fabric seats!
kina says
The previous owners of my house left that exact duck in a closet! Crazy. E-mail me if you would like it, I have no problem mailing it to you if you are regretting your decision of leaving it behind!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny and you’re so sweet! No need to send him packing (I’m on a ceramic animal hiatus since my collection might be getting too big, haha!).
xo
s
Lisa says
OMG! We had that same duck on the wall as a towel holder in our starter home! When we redid the kitchen my hubby (who thought it was creepy) made me get rid of it. I threw it in the trash (cracked when we took it down) or I’d be suspicious that Duckie had traveled to Destin!
Thanks for the good memory!
Lisa
Angela says
I got the same polk dot sheets at Walmart for my daughter a few years ago! =)
Rachel says
Love your thrift shop posts. Actually, I love all your posts. But I just wanted to let you know that the little green light will cause *fires. I know how well-edited you try to keep your blog. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Rachel! All fixed!
xo
s
Susan says
I would have snapped up that $29 end table, even if it meant strapping it to the roof of my car! Endtables are SO overpriced at antique stores. It’s fun to go “virtual thrifting” with Sherry! Love love love this blog!
Gaby says
I had breakfasts and meals in that little table on the cover of your book… what a surprise to find pictures of my country here at YHL!
Barb says
Macklemore might say “Imma take your grandpa’s style”, those Ikea red and white “heart” sheets look like grandma’s boo-bees!!! Low and saggin’!!!
Loved everything else you found!!! Now is time to buy an old U-Haul bumper trailer for your car to bring all the goodies home!!!
Caitie says
you guys.
i love your blog and design choices & ideas!
makes me sad to see all the negativity!
keep doin’ what you’re doin’
:)
that is all.
Melissa says
I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but do you know that Goodwill pays their disabled workers as little as 22 cents an hour while the CEO is paid millions? (Just Google Goodwill salaries for documentation). So, I won’t shop there. Hope you take this into consideration in future thrifting forays and visit other venues instead.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! Thanks for the tip Melissa! Off to read about that.
xo
s
Niki@VillageCapeCod says
If I lived even 5 hours away, I would be tempted to drive over to the thrift shop and buy those twin beds! How cute would they be in one bedroom that is shared for two little ones? I love the shape as well.
Ali says
Love the stenciling ideas for that dresser! I’ve been staring at one that we’re using as a makeshift sideboard in our dining room and haven’t known what to do with it. I know now! :)
Also, is your hair naturally that wavy, or did you do something to it? I’m growing mine out and it’s the first time I’ve had long hair! Trying to get ideas what to do with it. :)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s naturally wavy but really frizzy- especially at the beach!
xo
s
Josh R says
Hi!!! Not sure if I’ve missed it yet, but was just wondering if you guys had anything to show us about that new house you will be decorating?? I believe it’s for charity?? Could be wrong. Anyhow, would love to see your ideas. Love you guys! Thanx
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah we can’t wait to update you guys! We are still working on the plans and will share them when they’re finalized! They haven’t broken ground on it yet so it’ll be a long-term project over the next ten months, but we can’t wait to share our journey as we go!
xo
s
Heather says
My daughter has (what I think are) those exact same polka dot sheets on her bed! We got them at Target and paid quite a bit more than $7.
Carol H. says
I have the twin of the three-drawer dresser. It came to me painted an awful green. Lots of paint removal later… it turned out to be solid chestnut! Which, since the Chestnut Blight killed off all of the Chestnut trees in the early 1900’s, makes this a real find. Don’t be so quick to paint solid wood!
Chloe R. says
Great finds – I love those headboards, and hope that they find a great home soon! And I love the last photo of Patagonia in the book – I actually think I’ve been to that hotel! (Explora Patagonia) – it was the most incredible view. I have a photo I took of those mountains as my desktop wallpaper.
Glad you had a fun thrifting adventure, and found a tag to pop!
sam says
I have to disagree with the majority here… because I think the headboards are hideous. Look like artfully smeared poop lol
I like the chairs though
Amy says
I’m pretty sure the polka dot sheets are from or a pretty close match to the ones currently at Target in the kids bedding section. I bought them for my daughter to take to dance camp 2 months ago :)
Colette says
I love that you have such great vision for everyday pieces. I went to my local thrift store yesterday and there was a wicker based table just like the one in your post, with two? matching chairs. I walked right past them, but after seeing your ideas I would go right back and buy them today, if only I had room in my house. Now I’m thinking that it could even be a project to re-sell. Ironically enough, I had a set with four chairs that I sold years ago because they weren’t my style *rolls eyes*.
Amber says
What an awesome Goodwill! Amazing finds! Sherry you are gorgeous either way, but I love seeing your hair down! Hope you guys had a great vacation!
Dana says
I love your website and am so glad to see your creativity with thrifting! Thanks! It makes me so excited for our upcoming move and a new place to re-do!
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