Furnishing and decorating your home for the first time or as a refresh doesn't have to be expensive. Not everything needs to be brand-spankin-new and come with a shipping fee, assembly instructions, or a pay-in-4 plan. Instead, I urge you to check out some of the Goodwill stores in your area for items that can be given a new lease on life with about an hour of your time and half the price of a new order. To inspire you further, I encourage you to check out the below 15 home DIY projects that started at a local Goodwill and turned out to be amazing enhancements in the home. From glassware to tabletop decor to furniture , these help bump a Goodwill run to the top of your to-do list.
I likely would have scoffeed at this rattan dresser and question why Goodwill employees even put it on the salesroom floor but this gorgeous green transformation answers that question right away.
Oh wait a coat of black paint and gold hardware finishings can do for a piece of furniture. Truly, if all else fails, paint the thing black and add brass or gold hardware. It's a win-win every time. Watch the complete DIY transformation of this wooden bar below:
TikToker nad expert DIYer Kenzie Marie turned a beat-up half-off bowl into a higih-end vintage-style holder for sand candle. Stunning, right? Check out the full how-to video here.
A ceramic snail transformed into a metallic windowsill planter.
To be honest, this Goodwill snail figurine was adorable as-is (well, if you're the type to find snail decor adorable in the first place). However, it was somehow made even more charming with a splash of gold paint (or hey, Rub N Buff if you aren't in a painting mood) and a tiny drilled hole for real or faux plants. Check out how this DIYer made this happen in this how-to video .
A $20 really dingy brown reclining chair upgraded into a Sherpa-style design.
TikToker @nilsadhaiti wanted the Pottery Barn version that costs over $200. However, when she stumbled upon this ugly chair with potential in Goodwil, $20 just made far more sense. To reupholster the chair, she simply grabbed furry white blankets from Walmart. Cool, right? Watch the full how-to tutorial here .
Yet another bar cart proving m black and gold theory true
Go tell someone else this isn't gorgeous but keep but keep all those lies away from me, dear. This bar cart didn't need much of a refresh because the black paint and gold hardware hack came through and easily upped the value of this Goodwill find by @Flip.Daddie .
(Spoiler alert: I feel similarly about how most shades of green fair with gold or brass hardware. Looking for a splash of color? Go green.)
A beatup ottoman transformed into a chic farmhouse-style bench.
Liking cowhide print is a prerequisite for this fun update but it was executed wonderfully. The next time you need extra storage or seating, pop over to Goodwill for an ottoman. For the full transformation deets, check here .
An unsuspecting cheap mirror given a checkered, squiggly update.
There are probably a few different ways to execute this retro-chic asymmetrical framed mirror. After cleaning it, removing gunk from the Goodwill price sticker, and cutting away the original frame — DIYer Kenzee Shayne used cardboard and plaster to pull off the design in her home. Check out the full tutorial here .
Beat-up seating proves its worth yet again with this refurbished asymmetrical couch
Never sleep on the potential of dingy Goodwill couches and chairs! DIYer and TikToker @Tailorhim snagged this Nickelodeon set throwaway-looking couch and turned it into a Sherpa style stunner using throw blankets from Target as upholstery fabric.
Basic plates and candle holders turned into museum-worthy wall sconces
Goodwill find update: When it doubt, spray paint it gold! All you need is plates and a candle holder from Goodwill plus hot glue and gold spray paint to pull off this DIY project.
A vintage plaster lamp upgraded with a single cute lampshade.
Listen, don't let ANYONE tell you this doesn't count as a DIY project. One of the fastest ways to make a lamp truly yours is to pick one with a style you like and then abandon the original lampshade for something that feels more you. In the case of a Goodwill find, the owner typically abandons the first lampshade for you!
FYI: If this cool design isn't enough to sell you on looking for lamps in Goodwill first, then perhaps you'll find an extra nudge knowing that this baby is $1500 if bought brand new.
A ceramic pitcher transformed into a drop-dead gorgeous vase
At Goodwill, it's not about spotting things that look amazing. It's about seeing what their potential can be and being willing to take a minute to let things play out. TikToker did just that by turning this plain ceramic into a stunning chinoiserie vase using contact paper. Watch the full DIY video here .
An old wooden spoonholder upgraded to serve as a jewelry holder
I honestly would have never looked at a vintage spoon holder and thought about an alternate use for it. With a fresh coat of green paint (I told you about green!) and clear pushpins to support necklaces, this was a perfect substitution! So inventive!
A plain ceramic catchall swan for bathroom hand towels
I don't see myself (or anyone, realistically) constantly re-rolling a hand towel after I use it so I must presume that this is for keeping in a guest bathroom. It's cute nonetheless! Many people balk at spray painting white ceramic but I think the black gives it a stunning modern touch.
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