The best part about thrifting isn’t always finding something valuable… It’s finding something with potential!
I’ve always loved the thrill of finding something at a thrift store or antique market that other people might walk right past. Maybe it needs a little repair. Maybe it needs a coat of paint. Maybe it was made for one purpose, but I can already picture it being used for something completely different. That’s the whole idea behind Salvaged Inspirations!
So on my latest thrift store and antique market hunt, I picked up a few things that caught my eye—and instead of showing you a traditional thrift haul, I thought it would be fun to show you what I thrifted vs. how I used it.
Because sometimes the best finds aren’t the ones that need to be completely transformed. Sometimes they just need a little inspiration.
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Here are a few of the items I thrifted…
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SUPPLIES
Thrifted Items – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Artist’s Paint Brush
Anchor Black Paint
Classic Vintage Labels (similar transfers)
Dawn Dish Liquid
FIND #1: THE LATTICE VINTAGE CLOCK
What I thrifted: I found this vintage table clock selling at my local thrift store for $4.99 and fell in love with all this beautiful lattice work and details.
What I saw: I was hoping I could get this clock fixed so it would tell time again. So I brought it to Premiere Time in Hamilton to see if I could get it repaired. The owner explained these styles of clocks were mass-produced back in the 30s or 40s, I think he said. To fix it would cost WAY more than it was actually worth. Fair enough, and I appreciated his honesty.
It’s still a gorgeous display piece, and all it needed was a really good cleaning.
How I used it: I’m going to keep it on my hallway table for now. I set the clock to remind me it’s 5 pm somewhere! 😆🍷 I’ve already used it for styling furniture in last week’s post, and it looks awesome.
How it could be used: If I ever want to remove the clock mechanism, I could use it as a picture frame. I think it would look amazing displaying a family photo!
FIND #2: THE METAL BEDROOM TRAY
What I thrifted: I found this metal tray selling for $3! Originally from HomeSense, the tag was $50+
What I saw: I love trays for organizing and displaying and I’ve been looking for a substantial-looking tray for my bedside table. I like that this one was made of metal. It helps to bring in another surface/element to my decor space.
All this tray needed was a really good cleaning.
How I used it: I’m using it on my nightstand to hold a lamp and my books. I find using a tray to hold items makes it so much easier to keep clean and organized.
And it looks more styled and organized as well. You can also find the DIY No SEW Pleated Lamp Shade tutorial here. And the Thrifted 80s Black Painted Nightstands here, too.
The books I’m currently reading are The Elephants in My Backyard: A Memoir and Meditations – Marcus Aurelius.
FIND #3: THE THRIFTED IKEA JARS
What I thrifted: I found these thrifted Ikea jars some time ago and have never liked how generic they look.
What I saw: Originally, I was thinking of spray painting the lids in black or hammered copper, but then I thought, why not add a French transfer to the glass!
Transfers can be used on wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, and glass, and they are so easy to apply. You remove the backing, place the design where you want it, RUB with the burnishing tool and then lift the plastic once the transfer has adhered. I have a full tutorial on How To Rub Transfers On here.
How I used it: I’m going to keep using these in the bathroom to hold cotton swabs, makeup sponges etc. The one square transfer I picked for the small jar was a little too big and didn’t go on perfectly – so lesson to myself: pick the right size transfer. Aside from the small imperfection, they have so much more character now and look great with the DIY fluted board backdrop.
How it could be used: These jars have so many uses. They can be used to hold soap, coffee, tea, dry goods, art supplies, office supplies, studio supplies, paint brushes — and why not give them some character and personality with transfers and make them look good too.
FIND #4: THE EMBROIDERED CUSHION
What I thrifted: A beautiful embroidered Pier1 100% cotton cushion. This pillow was selling at the thrift store for $7.99 with 20% off.
What I saw: Something that was already perfect that would fit into my decor and add a lovely floral pattern. Sometimes I salvage by repairing. Sometimes by painting. Sometimes by repurposing. And sometimes I simply recognize when something is already beautiful and should be left as is.
How I used it: I cut off the tag, removed the existing filler pillow, and gave the 100% cotton pillow cover a washing in the gentle cycle. Then I added my own pillow insert and put it to work on my living room couch.
It’s Gidget-approved! And it was a great reminder to myself that not everything needs a makeover.
FIND #5: LARGE FAMILY ROOM TABLE TRAY
What I thrifted: I’ve been looking for a large round tray for my glass table.
What I saw: This tray had a very interesting design. It’s also heavy-duty and the perfect size. However, it did need a little paint touch-up to bring it back to its full potential. I grabbed an artist’s brush and some black paint to freshen it up.
How I used it: I’m so happy I grabbed this one because it’s a great size for my glass table and adds some interesting pattern.
I love the reflection and shimmer it adds as well.
FIND #6: THE GLASSWARE
What I thrifted: I thrifted this glassware that wasn’t necessarily something I needed… but I’m glad I picked it up for $1.50!
What I saw: While I was watching Homeworthy, one of the designers was buying up old crystal serving plates and bottles and using them in interesting ways – it looks amazing. These can be used as trays / serving pieces / styling elements/ catch-all / whatever you actually use these for will look great.
All this glass needed was a really good cleaning.
How I used it: I used the crystal serving plate as a tray holder for the glass pump. I added Dawn dish soap mixed with a little water so it will pump out easily. I’ll be keeping this beside my sink, and it looks SO MUCH better than the plastic bottles of dish soap.
MY THRIFTING TAKEAWAYS
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Look for potential, not perfection: The thrill of thrifting is finding items that others might walk past because they need a minor repair, a fresh coat of paint, or a good cleaning.
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Repurpose and think creatively: An item doesn’t have to be used for its original purpose. For instance, a vintage table clock with a broken mechanism can serve as a decorative display piece or a photo frame.
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Not everything needs a complete makeover: Some items just need a proper cleaning or a quick touch-up. Appreciate when something is already beautiful on its own.
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Practicality over status: High-end items (like a HomeSense tray or brand-name home decor) can often be picked up for a fraction of their retail price, making organizing and decorating budget-friendly.
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Small additions add character: Simple DIY updates—like adding transfers to plain glass jars or touching up a tray with black paint—can completely transform generic thrifted items into unique decor pieces.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it’s inspired you to go shopping at your local thrift stores.
Thank you so much for being here and for following along my salvaged journey. If you have a question or want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below — you always brighten my day!
Happy creating, sweet friends! 💙
Denise x
RELATED POSTS:
PAINTED FRENCH PROVINCIAL IDEAS
BLACK PAINTED FP NIGHTSTANDS
USING BOLD COLOR TO UPDATE FURNITURE
1980S LINGERIE CHEST MAKEOVER
MONOCHROMATIC FRENCH PROVINCIAL MAKEOVER
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Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Aww Denise, that little Gidget is so adorable! I love your new to you pieces and what you did with them. I really enjoy this theme and hope we’ll see more of them. It’s so refreshing to know that recrafting is a possibility because the pieces are not expensive or cumbersome. It gives encouragement to the beginner crafters. I’m not in that category and I’ve been with you for probably twelve years, but I always enjoy seeing what you recreate. You are inspiring. So, thank you for sharing these fun and wonderful projects, small and large. I appreciate you!
I appreciate you, Catherine. Thank you!💙 You are always so encouraging and inspiring, and I’m happy you chimed in on the thrift theme. It’s a great break from furniture and so darn fun. And it’s easy to forget that we are all at different stages of our crafting/creative journeys, so it’s nice to mix it up. And ya, my little Gidget is like a DisneyCharacter – she’s sweet on the inside and out. I can’t believe she’s 12 years old already! Enjoy your weekend! XOXO
Hi Denise. I love how you styled these thrift store finds. I don’t know why I never thought of putting transfers on glass? And I’ve always been afraid of buying thrifted decorator pillows because I couldn’t wash them…why did I never think to change out the insert??? Lol. Thanks for sharing your tips. Btw.. your dog Gidget looks like a star ⭐️
Hi Monique! Aw, thanks so much and I’m happy this gave you a few ideas! And yes, my little Gidget is a SUPER STAR… ⭐️🐶⭐️🤗 love her to bits! Have a great week my friend. XOXO
You found and reimagined some fun items, and thank you for all the thrift tips. On my next trip to the thrift store I’ll be buying a crystal hors d’oeuvre dish to use as a tray. It looks BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you Nicki and so happy this gave you some ideas! Have fun thrifting and enjoy the rest of your week/weekend! XOXO
What a great idea to share how you used thrifted items. I personally loved the tray beside the bed. I’m always knocking things over in the morning, trying to find my glasses. Problem solved! Guess who is on the hunt for trays now? Thanks, Denise, for such a fun post. Pinned 📌Have a good rest of your week. xo :0
Me too Do!…. 👓 😆 👓 Enjoy the rest of your week as well! XOXO
I love this blog theme and hope that you will repeat it in the future 🙂
Oh I’m so glad and thanks for letting me know!😃 I can definitely do more of these themed posts… I had so much fun and I LOVE sharing with you!💙💙💙
What a fun post! I loved seeing how you styled everything! The pillow and the clock were amazing finds!! XOXO
Thanks my friend! XOXO It was a ton of fun finding, buying, and styling all these as well. Enjoy your week! 💙
Love everything! Thanks for all the treasure tips. I want to go thrifting this week now!
Really like your “new” coffee table tray. And it’s Gidget approved is too adorable. Thank you for all the beauty an inspiration you bring to us each week. 💐
Aww thanks Jewels… and thanks for dropping by and sharing each week as well!💐 And happy thrifting if you decide to go. Hope you find something spectacular!😃