Thrift Store Shopping Made Chic

With spring comes both the cleaning bug and the urge to redecorate. If you are on a budget, shopping at thrift stores is both a good idea and kind of fun! In addition to finding bargains (if you look beyond the junk), these visits are like a step back in time, usually to about the 1970s and 1980s. 
 
Here are some suggestions to satisfy your spring fever: 
 
Ceramic and glass platters. When people clear house, they often discover an excess of kitchen and household accessories. We recently decided to spruce up our kitchen for each season and holiday by getting a plate stand and finding a nice platter (one with a witch for October, and a snowman for December) to display in the corner of the countertop. All cost under $8 each. 

Old patchwork quilts. Are your pets digging and scratching at your good furniture? Find a colorful old quilt (usually $10-$15, depending on the size), wash it and tuck it over the cushions and back of the couch or loveseat. Not only does it protect the furniture but brightens a room instantly! 

Vases. Bring spring inside. Glass vases are available in all colors, shapes and sizes and usually cost less than $2. Splurge and create a mantel display of fresh flowers! (If you are lucky, you may come across a quality vase!) 

Tablecloths. Think out-of-the-box and buy colorful tablecloths for your outdoor table. They cost $5-$10 and are way more classy than flimsy plastic ones. In fact, ditch paper plates and buy sets of dishes for outdoor use. Whole sets are available for about $20 for any size outdoor function. 

Lamps. Does your living room seem gloomy but you are not willing to splurge on expensive new lamps? Check out thrift store lamps. I’ve found heavy brass lamps that just need a good cleaning and new shade for $25. Someday, I hope to find a  Stiffel!