Thrifting for artwork is one of my favorite ways to decorate my home. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also helps create that layered, collected look that makes a space feel warm and personal. If you love decorating with thrift store art but aren’t sure what to look for, these are my tried-and-true tips.
Whether you’re searching for original paintings, vintage prints, or simply beautiful frames, here’s how to find thrifted artwork that works in your home.
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1. Pay Attention to Frames
Artwork can be swapped out easily, but quality frames are expensive when purchased new. Thrift stores are often full of solid wood, ornate, or vintage frames that would cost a small fortune at a frame shop.
When a piece catches my eye, I turn it around and inspect the back. A professionally framed piece usually has brown paper backing and sometimes even a label from a local frame shop. Those details often signal quality.
I bought the painting below solely because I loved the ornate frame. The artwork itself felt dated and wasn’t my style. The color palette leaned heavily into purples and turquoise. Months later, I found a painting that fit my home perfectly and simply swapped it into that beautiful frame. It instantly looked custom.
If you’re decorating on a budget, focusing on frames is one of the smartest thrift store art tips you can follow.
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” completely transformed it into a rich, aged bronze finish. This simple trick instantly elevated the piece, and now it looks like something I splurged on at an antique shop!
Updating the frame color is one of the simplest ways to elevate thrift store art and make it feel high-end. A small tweak can take something from “secondhand find” to “designer detail.”
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!
If it complements your home and feels special to you, that’s what matters.
Final Thoughts on Decorating with Thrift Store Art
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.
Often, the magic is in what it could become.
Want to Take It a Step Further?
If you find a frame you love but it needs a little refresh, you’ll love my post 5 Easy Steps to Re-Frame Thrifted Frames (and Save Money). I walk you through exactly how I update secondhand frames so they look custom and polished without the custom price tag.
It’s one of my favorite ways to stretch a decorating budget while still creating a collected, timeless look.
