Thrift shopping isn’t just about trinkets and tote bags. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut going to the same sections of the store that you always visit, but there are some really BIG Goodwill® finds that might fit into your life in surprising ways. Here are some of my favorite thrifted purchases that could make a huge impact on your home decor and life, but, thankfully, not on your wallet.
Image via facebook.com/goodwillwesttexas
This buffet-table-turned-bathroom-vanity shared on Goodwill West Texas (Abilene)’s Facebook page is the perfect example of how a little ingenuity can dramatically increase charm even in one of the most boring rooms of the house: the loo! On many occasions, I’ve noticed a gorgeous, but gigantic, piece of furniture at Goodwill that I didn’t buy because I didn’t need, say, a new dresser at the time. If only I’d thought about how else it could be used! As this furniture update makes clear, you can truly customize your finds fit your needs by crafting decor that is both useful and unique: just add a faucet!
Image via sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com
What’s bigger than a buffet table? An entire living room set! In just a week, Sarah M. Dorsey Designs pieced together enough decor from her Goodwill trips to fill a whole room. Her new chair, lamp, coffee table, large mirror, framed art and decorative bowl only totaled around $35! Don’t forget that a few updates, like color changes, can pull together different styles so they still feel like a set. Even if you aren’t able to pin down this many pieces in such a short period of time, we can see in Sarah’s blog post that it’s very possible to make big changes in any living space with thrifted finds.
Image via Instagram.com/goodwillready
Sometimes big things come in small packages. A wedding or engagement ring, for example. Get ready for the big day when you track down one of the most meaningful details of the entire ceremony: the ring. With heirloom and vintage jewelry being donated every day, you could find a gorgeous historical piece on any budget. This Instagram photo shared by Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula (OH) showcases the variety of treasures available at one of its locations. With real gold, silver, diamonds and other highly sought-after adornments, you can be certain that your ring is as special and long-lasting as your marriage. Since you’re saving so much on the ring itself, even if it needs to be resized, it will still be affordable.
But one of the biggest impacts that Goodwill has made is actually invisible: skill development! In 2015, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access education, training, mentoring and online learning services offered by Goodwill organizations to strengthen their skills. Through online learning tools and other virtual services, people around the world use Goodwill organizations’ training services in their homes, workplaces, libraries, schools and other neighborhood locations. Not only does this make an enormous positive impact on the individuals who participate, but it also filters out into their (our) communities, when they find steady employment.
It’s all about the big picture, right? When you shop at and donate to Goodwill, you’re helping to support this important mission.
