Upcycling Thrift Store Vases: A Treasure Hunt for Unique Finds
Thrift store shopping is a treasure hunt for unique finds. But what happens when you find a great deal on some quality but outdated decor vases? After seeing the after of these upcycled thrift store vases, you will never leave a great deal behind again. If they are good quality, but the finish looks like they are straight out of the 90s, don’t worry! This post will show you how to transform those old, outdated decorative vases into stunning, on-trend decor.
The Thrift Store Find
I recently found these two heavy vases for only $3.00 each. I love the shape and size, but that finish looks like my home decor from the 90s. In fact, I’m wondering if I previously donated them. LOL. Regardless, for that price, I was willing to attempt an update, so here’s what I did.
Easy Decor Vase Makeover
To begin transforming the thrift store vases, you need to decide on the style you want. I love looking at the vases and vessels available at Pottery Barn and decided I want the vases to have a weathered textured finish. So, I gathered some spray paint to begin.
How To Add Texture with Spray Paint
First, clean your vases to remove any oils or dirt. These were fairly clean, so I used soap and water to clean them quickly. After they were dry, I painted them with Krylon Stone Coase Texture spray paint in White Onyx. Don’t worry if you can still see some of the original colors through the textured paint. This coat just adds a rough texture.
Tips for a Smooth Finish
Once the textured paint is dry, add another coat of Krylon Paint and Primer in Gray. Be sure that you have good coverage and can’t see the original color any longer.
Insider Tip
I recommend using good-quality paint and primer as a base color when working with ceramic decorative vases. The textured and base colors have a stronger bond than craft paint. If you prime your pieces first, you are less likely to have chipping paint.
How To Add A Weathered Finish To Upcycle Thrifted Vases
Now it’s time to get creative and add a weathered finish to upcycle thrift store vases. Begin with an inspiration piece or a photo. I had this weathered urn that I used for inspiration. It has qualities similar to those of the Pottery Barn pieces I like.
Adding a Layer of Beige Paint
I realized that the gray spray paint was a little darker than I desired, so I added a layer of beige paint with a brush. For this step, I used acrylic craft paint.
Mixing Baking Soda with White Chalk Paint
Next, I mixed baking soda with white Chalk Paint to add more texture to the upcycled decor vases. I used two parts paint to one part baking soda, mixing the baking soda until the paint was almost smooth.
Applying the Mixture
Next, a small paintbrush is used to paint the mixture onto the vases. Don’t feel you need to cover the entire surface – leave open areas, allowing the beige paint to show through.
Rubbing Away Excess Paint
Then, while the paint is wet, use a paper towel to rub away excess paint. Allow some areas to remain heavy while others should be almost transparent.
Adding Heavier Chalk Paint Mixture Patches
Lastly, some heavier chalk paint and baking soda mixture patches can be added to the decor vases to enhance the weathered appearance. Fill the brush with paint and hold it sideways to swipe along areas on the ceramic decorative vase.
Sealing the Vases
Allow the paint to dry, and if you plan to use it outdoors or exposed to moisture, I recommend using a waterproof matte sealer to protect your finish.
DIY Decor Vase Update
Now, the thrift store decorative vases are updated with a weathered finish similar to those at Pottery Barn, but they are much more cost-effective. The thrift store vases were only $6.00, and I already had all the paint that was used. However, if you need to purchase the Stone Texture paint, it is only $18.00, and you can paint several pieces with one can. Still, it costs less than one of the Pottery Barn look-alike vessels.
What To Put In Decor Vases and Decorating Ideas
Now, you may be asking what I can put in the decor vases for decorating. The options are unlimited. Let’s take a look at how stylish the upcycled thrift store decor vases look around the house.
Entry Table Decor
My first thought was to display them on the entry table with topiaries.
Fall and Holiday Decor
Then, as we move into fall, you can fill them with dried flowers from your garden. They are the perfect size for use on end tables and side tables and look stylish with real ferns or faux stems.
Mantel Decor
I will also be decorating the mantel with these upcycled thrift store decorative vases. They will be a stylish addition when filled with fall and holiday decor.
Open Shelves Decor
Add these weathered vases to your open shelves and fill them with dried fruits and flowers, nuts, or real fruit.
Bathroom Countertops
Don’t limit your decorating choices to the main areas of your home. These vases can be handy for organizing your makeup brushes and hair supplies. They add a decorative edge to your bathroom countertops.
Creative Uses
Another fun choice is to fill them with rolls of old book pages, pencils, paintbrushes, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, outdated decorative vases are handy additions to anyone’s home decor. So don’t overlook a great deal just because the color or style is outdated. I promise you can upcycle almost any decor into attractive, on-trend home accessories.
Related articles
I styled the updated vases using many items from previous DIY projects. Since I usually get questions about those pieces, I will give you some of the links here.
- Old Book Page DIY Pumpkins
- Dollar Tree Craft
- Corn Husk DIY Topiaries
- DIY Corn Husk Pumpkins
- Ballard Design Look Alike Hobnail Lamp Project
Resources
- Krylon Stone Texture White Onyx Spray Paint
- White Chalk Paint
- Warm Buff Craft Paint
- Gray Paint and Primer
- Clear Matte Sealer Spray (optional)
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Materials:
- Thrift Store Ceramic Vases
- Stone Textured Spray Paint
- Gray Spray Paint and Primer
- Beige Craft Paint
- White Chalk Paint
- Baking Soda
- Optional Clear matte waterproof sealer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Clean thrift store vase
- Spray paint with Stone Texture Paint, allow to dry
- Spray paint with Gray paint, allow to dry
- Add Beige paint with small brush, allow to dry
- Mix 2 parts Chalk Paint with 1 part baking soda
- Paint lightly over the vases
- Use paper towel to rub away excess paint
- Load brush with chalk paint mixture and dab on heavily in spots for a weathered appearance
- Once dry, spray with a clear matte sealer if vases will be exposed to moisture
Did you make this project?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram. Thank you so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean thrift store vases?
Use soap and water to clean the vases, and make sure they are dry before painting.
Can I use regular spray paint on ceramic vases?
No, it’s recommended to use a good-quality paint and primer specifically designed for ceramics.
How do I achieve a weathered finish on my vases?
Mix baking soda with white Chalk Paint and apply it to the vases, then rub away excess paint with a paper towel.
Do I need to seal the vases after painting?
Yes, if you plan to use the vases outdoors or expose them to moisture, use a waterproof matte sealer.
What can I fill my upcycled vases with?
You can fill them with dried flowers, real ferns, faux stems, dried fruits, nuts, or other decorative items.
Can I use these vases in my bathroom?
Yes, you can use them to organize your makeup brushes and hair supplies on your bathroom countertops.
How long does it take to complete this project?
The total time required is approximately 40 minutes.
What is the difficulty level of this project?
This project is considered easy.
