Thrifting for artwork is one of my favorite ways to decorate my home. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also allows you to find unique pieces with character. Whether you’re searching for an original painting or just a beautiful frame, here are my top tips for scoring the best thrifted art.
1. Pay Attention to Frames
It’s so easy to swap out artwork you don’t love, but quality frames can be expensive when bought new. Thrift stores are full of beautifully crafted frames just waiting for a new life! Whenever I spot a frame that catches my eye, I always turn it around and inspect the back. A professionally framed piece will usually have brown paper backing and sometimes even a label from a frame shop.
I bought the painting below solely because I loved the ornate frame. The painting itself felt dated. The color palette was full of purples and turquoise and wasn’t my style. I’m so glad I held onto it though! Months later, I found a gorgeous painting that fit perfectly, and I simply swapped it in.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Change the Frame Color
Sometimes, you’ll find the perfect piece of art, but the frame just isn’t right. Luckily, this is an easy fix! I thrifted this stunning vintage print of hunting dogs for our home office. The only problem? The frame was an unflattering yellow gold.
A little Rub ‘n Buff in “European Gold” was all it took to transform it into a gorgeous aged bronze. This simple trick instantly elevated the piece, and now it looks like something I splurged on at an antique shop!
3. Not Everything Has to Be an Original
When thrifting, I focus more on quality and color scheme than whether a piece is an original. Prints can still be beautiful, and some are made to mimic the look of a real painting.
While in the store, I was convinced the painting below was an original. It was printed on a canvas material with raised details that looked just like brushstrokes. It wasn’t until I brought it home and inspected it more closely that I realized it was a high-quality reproduction. And you know what? I still love it just the same!
Final Thoughts
Thrifting for art is such a fun and rewarding way to decorate your home for a fraction of the price of buying new. Whether you’re hunting for an original painting, a high-quality print, or just a gorgeous frame, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to find some amazing treasures.
