In the Details: Customizing Thrift Store Furniture

Seeing an awesome makeover makes me happy.  I LOVE a great before and after.  Whether it’s a person, a room or…a piece of furniture! Creating the makeover myself is even better.

I found this small desk for $5 at a thrift store and I thought with a little love it would be a perfect homework or art station.

A little painting, sanding, wood appliqué-ing, distressing, and cute knob-afying later…

I used a few coats of flat white spray paint to cover.  Then I sanded the edges and added some glaze to give it more antiquing. 

The precious little knobs were a steal at TJ Maxx.  (Like $3 for all of them.)LOVE.

Unique knobs make a huge difference… just check out the before pic again with the basic wood knobs.  See?? Using cute knobs with detail and color, this piece now takes on instant charm with a whole new look.

*no luck finding knobs?  just paint them to get that pop of color!

By adding the little wood appliqué at the bottom of the drawers, this basic piece is instantly feminized which is what I wanted for the space I will be using it in. (my daughter’s room)

Appliqués like this are inexpensive and can add a lot of character and easily customize your thrift store pieces.  *TIP… I stained the appliqué first to match the wood on the desk so when it was painted and sanded it would look the same color as the rest of the desk.

Isn’t she sweet? I love projects like this.  Creating something that I love, and that I can use, with my own personal stamp on it.

So friends,  don’t pass up those seemingly boring or lifeless deals at garage sales and thrift stores… because with a little embellishing you can have a total custom piece!

happy bargain hunting:)