Tips for finding a second-hand treasure to remake
Over at The Design File last week, I told readers about Curbly’s newest addition to it’s Make It! how-to library: Thrift Store Chic. It’s a collection of 14 inspiring, budget-friendly makeovers of thrift store finds, including some by my favorite DIYer Shelly Leer of Flipt Studio. Read the post about it here.
So it’s fun today to get to share this list of second-hand shopping tips put together by contributors to the book.
Remember, these folks are the experts…so pay attention!
Metal Furniture: Make sure metal pieces have no major dents and its hardware and drawers in working order. A little rust is fine; small spots can be sanded and treated.
Wood Furniture: Real wood is best, if you can find it. Less intricate detailing means less work when sanding and painting. Tight joinery is
preferred, but a bit of wood glue and some clamps can resolve most wobbly problems. Shelly nabbed the great mid-century styled coffee table at right.
Upholstered Furniture: Sit on it; check the seat, pad and springs to assess if they’re in good condition. Flip the piece over to examine its joints and frame. Mortised joints are better than glue and staples and a hardwood frame is better than pine. Above are some of the “before” chairs Shelly has found.
Paint is Your Friend: Look for things that are easily paintable. Metal, wood, MDF and even plastic—with the advent of special paint for plastics—means you have a lot to choose from!
Plan Ahead: When rummage saleing or thrifting, bring a tape measure with you. If you have a specific item in mind — like a dresser — you’ll want to know
your space’s measurements before hand so you know a piece will fit the spot
once you get it home. Also, most second-hand shops have half-price days; call ahead to see when they are.
Think ‘repurpose’: Just because something is in the ‘kitchen’ area doesn’t mean it can’t be used in the bathroom or bedroom. Being in a ‘repurpose’ frame of mind will open up a whole new aspect of your thrifting experience. Check out the great bench at right that Shelly made from an old, garage sale coffee table.
Don’t Dilly or Dally: Things sell fast at second-hand sales! If you fall in love with something at a rummage sale or thrift store, buy it, because most likely someone else will fall in love with it too, and it’ll be gone before you know it.
Fabrics Galore: Fabric, in the form of clothing, is plentiful at second-hand shops. Large shirts for men provide enough yardage for children’s items andjust about anything can provide quilt squares. If considering sweaters forfelting, make sure they contain at least 80% animal fibers such as wool or alpaca.
And Most Importantly: Keep an open mind and have fun!
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