As many of you know from our Instagram and Facebook posts, Katie B and I went thrifting in Destin last week. It’s become something of a tradition for us. We didn’t have the video camera with us, but we did take lots of photos. Here are my thrift store finds, and you can see Katie’s picks on her blog if you’re curious.
My favorite items were a pair of woven twin headboards priced at $29 each. I still regret not buying them. Imagine them painted white, a soft blue, or even a bold red—the woven texture would make a dramatic focal point. Their shape almost hints at a quatrefoil; picture a bed placed beneath to complete the look. They didn’t fit in the car and we already use daybeds at home, so I had to let them go. They’re the ones that got away.
I also liked a wicker-based side table that had a rounded-square glass top. I pictured replacing the glass with a large round wooden top, or painting the base a deep charcoal to read like a textured pedestal table. With a simple top swap and fresh finish it could easily become a useful and stylish accent piece.
Two ornate frames were priced at $2.99 each. Right now they read gilded, but a coat of paint in white, black, yellow, or emerald would modernize them. Replacing the inserts with fabric or printed art would make a fun gallery wall—curvier shapes break up a grid of squares and rectangles nicely. You could even paint or remove the small decorative figures inside the frames for a cleaner look.
A leggy wooden side table was $29. It’s solid wood, so it could be sanded and stained or painted—cottage red, crisp white, or soft gray would all work. Use it as a bedside table or an end table in the living room; tuck a woven basket underneath for extra storage and texture.
There were four simple chairs priced around $19 each. They looked a bit bland in their current finish, but a glossy white or black paint on the frame paired with new seat cushions in ikat or polka dots would completely transform them. The seats are easy to remove, making spray painting and reupholstering straightforward weekend projects.
A solid wood three-drawer dresser caught my eye at $59. It would look great with stenciling, a hand-painted design, or even a nail-head detail and new hardware. If you prefer the natural look, a rich stain or a weathered finish would be lovely too. Given that it’s solid wood, the price was comparable to lower-quality options from big-box stores.
Four medium-wood chairs with bold cushions were $15 each. I liked them as-is, but they’re also easy to refresh by painting or reupholstering—imagine a soft platinum frame with navy velvet seats for a more polished vibe.
A small green lamp that felt right at home in a kids’ room was $6. I prefer secondhand lights that look newer unless I plan to rewire them—old wiring can be a safety risk—so I check condition carefully before taking any lamp home.
There were lots of textiles, which intimidates some shoppers, but most linens and bedding can be washed on a high-heat or sanitary setting (add a little bleach if you’re nervous). A queen-sized high-contrast chevron comforter was $19 and would be great for fabric projects—make pillows, curtains, or Roman shades, or simply use it on a bed. A twin Ikea duvet went for $5.99 and would be useful on a child’s bed or for craft fabric.
Several lace tablecloths suggested fun dyeing possibilities—ombre blues, deep emerald, or plum would modernize them. Lace also makes a great stencil: lay it over a tabletop and spray paint to transfer the intricate pattern.
A polka-dot twin sheet set in 100% cotton was $7 and came home with me. It reminded me of high-end retail designs and already looks adorable on Clara’s daybed—she’s obsessed with polka dots right now.
There was a small ceramic duck for $1.99 that tempted me, but I decided to pass. My ceramic-animal collection is already fairly large, so I left Mister Mallard for someone else to love.
Don’t overlook books at thrift stores. I found a large coffee-table-style book for $3.99—about 18 inches tall—with vivid color photos that would be beautiful framed, cut up for art projects, or simply used as a display piece on a console or coffee table.
In the end I bought only the polka-dot sheets, but the hunt was the fun part. Thrifting on vacation is a great way to find unique decor and fabric, and I always enjoy the search more than the haul. What are you hunting for these days? Any thrift-store treasures in your area? Do you ever go secondhand shopping while on vacation?