DIY: How To Easily Modernize Inexpensive Thrift Store Vases

Every once in a while I score big time when I hit my favorite thrift store. I find more items to upcycle at thrift stores, for less money than I do at craft stores. I love taking something that someone else discarded and turning it into a unique, beautiful item; something you won’t see in anyone else’s home. When it comes to decor in my home, I lean towards fewer large sculptural pieces that make a dramatic statement rather than numerous smaller items. I’m drawn to items with clean simple lines. If you can look past an items finish and focus on the shape instead, you can easily transform almost anything with a coat of paint and give it new life. So when I spied this trio of vases for less than $20 (for all three), I snapped them right up even though the colors were all wrong.

Design Principle: The “Rule of Three” is the secret formula of interior design. There is a natural appeal with groupings of three. It adds far more interest than just a single item and it’s much less formal than a grouping of just two items.

There’s something so satisfying about turning someone else’s trash into a beautiful treasured item. I love how chalk paint produced a smooth stone finish that emphasizes the beautiful shapes of these vases. You won’t get the same smooth finish by brushing on paint so spray paint is the perfect solution for a flawless smooth finish. Hmmm…I wonder if it would smooth out all my wrinkles? LOL!

I’m no stranger to chalk painted finishes. I used chalk paint to update a 1980’s golden oak china cabinet for my home and I love the end result!!! It turned an outdated solid piece of furniture into an updated stylish piece that’s a stunning focal point for my dining room. For those of us that love to entertain, a china hutch is essential for storing all our china.

Learn How to Chalk Paint Wood Furniture to transform an outdated piece of wood furniture into a beautiful focal point in your home. Wood furniture back in the day was made out of solid wood and it’s sturdier than most pieces you can purchase today. No need to get rid of it when you can update it and give it many more years of life.

When I came across these Chalky Finish spray paints I knew I wanted to give them a try. The beauty of using spray paint is how easy it is to change the color of just about anything and it produces a nice smooth finish that looks like stone with no brush marks.

You will only need a few supplies for this project and a couple of hours of time, most of which is spent waiting for paint to dry.

Supplies:

• Assorted Vases
• Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint in Classic White
• Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint in Misty Gray
• Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint in Mink
• Krylon Chalky Finish Matte Sealer in Clear
• Drop cloth

You will get the best results applying 2 to 3 thin coats of paint instead of trying to apply just one thick heavy coat. Spraying too heavy a coat may result in drips that will ruin the overall finish of your pieces. So be patient and apply thin coats, allowing them to dry in between, until you get good coverage. Finish with a light coat of clear sealer to protect the finish. You will be rewarded for your patience!

I love, love, love how these vases turned out! Bye, bye dated ugly finishes, hello stylish, sleek new vases.

So the next time you’re at the thrift store keep your eyes peeled for ugly ducklings. Look past the dated colors and ugly finishes and look at the shapes instead. I guarantee, the uglier the finish, the cheaper the item will be. Stop by Lowe’s or Home Depot and pick up some spray paint and you’ll be able to recreate these stunning vases for your home too.

These vases are quite substantial in size and make a dramatic statement on my dining room table. That “Rule of Three” is working its magic in my dining room. They’re the first thing you see when you come in the front door. No one has to know how inexpensive it was to make them. It can be our little secret.

Did You Try This DIY Project?

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Colossians 3:17

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