50 Favorite Thrifted Decor Ideas From Paris to New England

From the bustling flea markets of Paris to the charming thrift stores of Nova Scotia and New England, this past year has been a whirlwind of treasure hunting and inspiration.

With three stylish friends, numerous guest hosts, and countless stops along the way, we uncovered thrifted finds that tell stories, add character, and elevate any space.

In this year-end edition of Thrifting with the Gals, we are sharing 50+ inspiring thrifted decor ideas featuring unique items and treasures from places like Paris, Nova Scotia, Maine, and beyond.

Is it a good idea to thrift for home decor?

Whether you’re a fan of antique markets, Facebook Marketplace, or local thrift stores, today’s post and all the previous posts in this series will show you endless ways to use thrifted decor to bring personality and charm to your home.

Thrifting Adventures

Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series

This year, I took our thrifting and antiquing to the next level by hitting the road in our newly christened RV!

Suddenly, the thrill of the hunt stretched far beyond local garage sales and thrift stores, leading us to discover great finds in unexpected corners. Learn more in our newest blog series, Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series.

From the flea markets of Maine to the coastal treasures of Nova Scotia, I’ve been on a journey of breathing new life into unique, forgotten pieces. And then there was Paris, too!

With every stop, we found favorite things that brought character and charm to our thrifted home decor. Who knew the open road would be a great way to make this thrifting year so wonderfully different?

My Favorite New Thrift Store Discoveries

Where can I find thrifted home decor?

This year, my thrifting adventures introduced me to several new incredible gems—local thrift stores and antique shops—proving that you can find treasures when you keep an open mind.

From cozy little thrift shops tucked away in small towns to larger, unexpected havens for vintage and antique lovers, these stores have genuinely changed the game for my thrifting routine.

Let me share my top five favorites that stole my heart this year:

Unfortunately, this year, we also lost a true favorite: The Cottage by the Brook, my favorite place to thrift when traveling between Vermont and Maine…

5 Favorite Thrifted Treasures

Are thrift store finds good for home decor?

Some of my most cherished thrift store finds this year turned out to be not just beautiful pieces but also opportunities for DIY projects that added a personal touch to our home.

How do I decorate with thrifted finds?

It’s incredible how a budget-friendly thrifting method can transform a simple object into a statement piece that tells a story. From unique furniture makeovers to small accents that breathe new life into a space, here are my top five favorite vintage finds and the creative ways I’ve used them:

1. Unique Mailbox Thrifted Decor

Imagine driving down a coastal road and spotting the perfect mailbox—a unique design that immediately captures your attention adds a personal touch to the landscape and is a neighborhood conversation starter.

We recently discovered that while antiquing: a charming, rustic wooden mailbox crafted as a miniature house, complete with cedar shake siding, a copper roof, and patina trim reminiscent of our own coastal Maine home. See this unique mailbox and its new fresh look in this Unique Mailbox Creative Curb Appeal Design Ideas post.

2. Crystal Knife Rests Thrifted Decor

While antiquing in Paris, I discovered these French tableware accessories coined knife rests. Have you ever heard of a knife rest before? These elegant table accessories were an entirely new concept to me. Not only do they add a beautiful elegance to a table setting, but they are also oh-so practical! It’s one of my top favorite finds in home decor pieces for the year. Learn more in this Knife Rest French Table Silver and Crystal Ideas post.

3. Johnson Brother’s Chintz Dinnerware Thrifted Decor

I found this set of vintage dishes, the Chintz pattern by Johnson Brothers, at my new-found thrift store, Another Chance Thrift Shoppe, in North Berwick, Maine. I adore the uniqueness of the pattern, and it works brilliantly on our Vermont home’s outdoor porch in the fall. And I think it will also be a favorite on our Christmas table this year! See more in this How to Create a Stunning Fall Tablescape You’ll Love post.

4. Vintage VW Fastback

Can you thrift a car? Why, yes, you can!

This vintage VW Fastback has to be my favorite find of 2024. There is a backstory in finding this beauty, too; we consider it thrifted in a budget-friendly way and couldn’t be more proud of it with its vintage look.

Read all about this thrifted vintage car in this A Classic VW: Embracing the Vintage Vibe post. You may also enjoy it all decorated for an afternoon fall picnic in this Fall in Love with a Vintage Inspired Car Picnic post.

5. Royal Tara: An Irish Twist Thrifted Decor

I adore this 13-piece Royal Tara set made in Galway. I have dreamed of finding a beautiful Irish set just like this one. And there she was at a consignment shop in Kittery, Maine. Learn about these charming Irish dinnerware thrift store treasures in this Bless Your Table with Irish Royal Tara China post.

I found several more thrift finds favorites at flea markets in Paris this past fall; however, they are still on a container making their way back to the United States and have yet to arrive. So stay tuned for more on those finds once they have arrived.

Now, let’s check out what the other four of my stylish Thrifting with the Gals blogger friends found in thrifted decor and how they used them throughout their homes.

21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Thrifted Decor Ideas

Is it recommended to use thrifted home decor?

Yes, of course! Do you have an old tool caddy lying around?

These 21 creative old tool caddy decor ideas will turn your thrifted decor find from trash to treasure.

Shared by Lora of Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder in her 21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Decor Ideas post.

Vintage Décor Inspiration: Top 20 Treasures & Stunning Styling Tips

Vintage thrifted decor can breathe new life into any home, from modern farmhouse to cozy cottage. Paired with contemporary pieces, it creates a unique and inviting aesthetic in vintage decorating.

Rachel’s thrifty finds and stunning styling tips are featured in her Top 20 Treasures & Stunning Styling Tips post.

*And how fun it was to meet Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse this past summer in Maine after three years of online thrifting together! Learn about Rachel’s trip to Maine in her A New England Adventure: Boston To Bar Harbor Favorite Must-See Stops and More post.

How to Make Papier Mache Bells with Vintage Paper

Our guest host, Anna from SkyLark Home, shares these fabulous papier-mache bells, which you can make out of thrifted decor for the holidays, in this How to Make Papier-Mache Bells with Vintage Paper post.

15 Ways to Thrift for Home Decor and What to Buy

Thrifted finds are one of the best ways to curate a cozy home on a budget, but they can also feel overwhelming! Robyn of Robyn’s French Nest shares her Best Ways to Thrift for Home Decor and Tips on What You Should and Should not Buy when looking for thrifted decor.

As we wrap up this incredible year of Thrifting with the Gals, we’re reminded that the magic of thrift shopping lies in the hunt for a good deal and unique pieces that tell a story.

From Parisian flea markets to charming New England shops, the best times were spent uncovering vintage pieces and great deals that now hold a special place in our homes.

With a little creativity, these thrifted items have been transformed into some of our favorite pieces, proving that curated charm doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Here’s to another year of thrifting adventures and discovering even more timeless finds!