Thrift Store Shopping - Finding and Redoing Furniture

When you shop at consignment shops you will often find quality furniture from previous decades. The furniture may be ready to use "as is" or need refinishing or reupholstering. Thrift stores do not offer as much quality ready to use furniture although once in awhile you find very good pieces. The things to look for at thrift shops are pleasing shapes and classic lines. You can then redo your treasure with a vibrant accent color that fits your decor. Some items to look for and hints on how to redo them:

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Unupholstered chairs - occasional chairs and dining chairs - not all the chairs around a table must match, they can each be different or select two styles, one style for side chairs and another for the head and foot of the table. Just look for styles that work well together. Occasional chairs are single chairs that are useful in all rooms of your home. Use in a bedroom, bathroom, living or family room as accent pieces and close to a door as a convenient place to put on shoes. The frames can be refinished or painted and fabric seats are easily covered. Small tables - Look for tables that complement your existing furnishings. Wood tables can be refinished to reveal the original wood or painted. Metal tables can be cleaned and polished or painted. Even plastic can be painted or decoupaged. Replace damaged or missing tops with plate glass (often mismatched glass tops are for sale the same thrift stores) or precut shelves from home improvement stores. Stools - of all heights are useful. Bar stools can be used at high counters or tall tables. Use counter stools in the kitchen or with a high, wide shelf to create an informal eating area. Chair height stools can be used in the same way as occasional chairs and function well as side tables or foot stools. Refurbish them as you would a chair or table. Lamps - first, check to make sure it works. If you are shopping for lamps, carry a small light bulb with you to use as a tester. Look for lamps with a shape and size that will work with other items in your room.

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Often an interesting lamp only needs cleaning and a new shade. Metal, ceramic and wood lamps can also be painted or otherwise refurbished. Unique items - this is that piece of furniture or odd shaped vase that for some reason you just love. You are not sure why and certainly don't know what you will do with it. Buy it! If you love it, it will fit somewhere in your home and become a conversation piece. If you take time to think about buying your find someone else will have seen it's beauty by the time you return to the store. The secrets to successful thrift shopping are: knowing your preferred decorating style, a sense of adventure and the willingness to experiment. If you love something, trust that it will work and if the price is low enough it doesn't really matter if you make a mistake. If what looked so perfect in the store doesn't look as good at home, donate it to a thrift store where someone else will find the perfect use for it.

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