5 Thrifted Home Decor Categories For Any Room

Ok bestie—does your space feel a little… meh?

Listen, I hear you. I’ve totally been there.

And let’s be honest, most of us aren’t trying to solve the problem with a black card budget or deal with the hassle of a U-Haul rental.

But rest easy—because the secret to a stylish, personality-packed apartment doesn’t involve maxing out credit cards on some viral trend or the stress of lugging bulky, impossible-to-move furniture up three flights of stairs.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a friend roster—or pockets—deep enough for those requirements anyway.

Here’s the real secret: choose the right accessories. The ones that are cost-effective, easy to find, effortless to move, simple to style, and actually make an impact.

Lucky for us budget-conscious girlies, thrift stores are goldmines full of pieces that meet the criteria.

We’re talking five must-thrift accessories that don’t just look good—but add function, depth, and jaw-dropping personality that will take your apartment from mind-numbingly minimal to total vibes.

So let’s kick things off with my all-time favorite thrift finds—mirrors. While sometimes controversial, they’re not just another pretty accessory. These functional beauties can make any boring space feel bigger, brighter, and a million times more interesting.

1. Mirrors: The Thrifted Hack to Make Any Room Bigger & Brighter

Large mirrors like this are great for filling blank space and making any room feel bright and cozy.

I know, I know—if you’ve poked around my blogs enough, you probably already know this. Like, my answer is somehow always mirrors.

I mean, yeah, I might sound like a broken record—but hey, your girl is nothing if not consistent.

Anyway, judge away, Judy, but the sentiment remains: mirrors are hands down one of my absolute favorite things to thrift. And for good reason.

They’re incredibly easy to find secondhand. Maybe it’s because they’re an easy piece to swap out. Maybe it’s because, as the glass turns cloudy and the reflective coating chips away, so does a person's desire to keep it.

Hell, maybe it’s because some people believe they’re so riddled with spirits, bringing one home will turn your place into the Haunted Mansion.

Whatever the reason, they’re everywhere. No matter the size, shape, material composition, or style, chances are it won’t take long to stumble across something that tickles your fancy.

And the best part? Thrift store pricing on mirrors is ridiculously cheap compared to buying new. I’m talking literal pennies on the dollar.

But pump the brakes before running to the checkout all willy-nilly, because not all mirrors are created equal.

If you want to know how I score the best of the best, I’ve definitely got you covered with my top tips here.

I adore the way this thrifted mirrors beautifully reflects the space. Who needs art with a reflection this gorgeous.

Ok, beyond the budget-friendly price tag, mirrors offer the same ornate, decorative appeal as framed artwork—except without the hassle of finding the right art.

Listen, as someone who grew up artistically inclined and even took painting classes in college, I like to think I can appreciate a piece of artwork with the best of them. But appreciation doesn’t mean it would ever find a place on my walls.

So if, like me, you’re not interested in waiting around to find the perfect piece of art then a mirror will do.

Think of it as living art—effortlessly reflecting the beauty of your carefully styled aesthetic back at you. A fun way to admire your own decorating handiwork, if you will.

I’m telling you, mirrors are the MVP of effortless home accessories. Styled correctly, they can instantly make any cramped space feel bigger, brighten up a dimly lit corner, and turn any boring, mundane wall into a point of interest.

And if you’re still not sold on my mirror obsession, you definitely need to check out my favorite ways to style them—I promise you, after a quick read you’ll totally get it.

Okay, okay—since mirrors are only one way to dress up a boring apartment wall, I can probably get off my soapbox and move on to something else—like the artwork we just mentioned.

2. Frames & Artwork: The Thrifted Trick to Instantly Personalize Your Space

Adding small art to unexpected places like kitchen counters is a great way to add personality to your space for a lived in look.

If you don’t share in my obsession for mirrors, that’s totally OK. You can achieve very similar decorative results with artwork and ornate frames.

Seriously, just because you’re living in a rental doesn’t mean your walls should be forever bare—permanently void of any and all signs of personality.

I mean, sure, there probably aren’t any bold paint choices in your future, but you can definitely use large frames and artwork to do the trick.

Need proof? I’ve got a great blog coming soon to show you just how easy it is to use are to breathe life into your space.

Anyway, you can find statement pieces secondhand for next to nothing. Which means you don’t have to stress over spending a fortune to decorate a temporary space. Girl, in this economy? Please.

And the affordability factor gives you total creative freedom—guilt-free.

Even as a renter you add that homey vibe with art—even a gallery wall isn’t off limits.

You can buy a frame you like and swap out the art, buy art you like and swap out the frame, or mix and match both—without feeling like you just wasted a ton of money.

Not to mention the creative ways you can upcycle frames—simple swaps can turn any frame into a calendar, marker board, chalkboard, or even a bulletin board. More complex upgrades can repurpose frames into holiday wreaths, display shelves, or even an upgraded frame for your TV if the dimensions are right.

And honestly, if you really want to ditch the boring basic walls that totally tip off your followers to apartment living, don’t stop at just one piece of art.

A thrifted gallery wall can turn your space into something so unique and stylish it looks ripped straight from a Pinterest board.

If you’re intrigued, you can see how I pulled off a gallery wall in my apartment in this blog that’s coming soon.

Okay, blank walls are kind of that low hanging fruit, so let's talk about floor space.

3. Small Furniture & Plant Stands: The Small But Mighty Apartment Upgrade

Here is an example of how I make my space feel lived in by thoughtfully placing smaller furniture elements.

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “obviously furniture.” But apartment layouts aren’t exactly known for accommodating bulky furniture.

First, everything from the lack of elevators to the awkwardly shaped staircases makes moving large furniture next to impossible.

Seriously, I don’t know who the hell designs these buildings, but it’s clearly someone who’s never had to move an oversized couch or maneuver a queen size mattress up five flights of stairs before—and it shows.

And then, there are the apartments themselves.

The layouts aren’t exactly designed with the accommodation of furniture in mind. Wall space is often broken up by awkward door placements, making it nearly impossible to style even standard-sized furniture pieces without sacrificing functionality.

And let’s be real for a second—us apartment dwellers (ugh, why does that make us sound like sewer rats or something?)—move way more often than the average homeowner.

And honestly, who wants to lug around a giant buffet, an oversized hutch, or some heavy-ass dresser?

Sure, in theory, it’s totally feasible… right up until moving day, when reality sets in and that totally impractical piece takes up permanent residence in the bulk trash area.

Totally speaking from experience here, btw.

I think I’ve painted a pretty vivid picture of why small accent furniture is going to be your new best friend.

Side tables, plant stands, mini cabinets, and bookshelves help give your apartment that filled-out and lived-in look without all the backbreaking hassle.

As you can see, plant stands are obviously another one of my favorite ways to make a space feel homey. They are so much less hassle than large furniture.

Trust me, an apartment with these thoughtfully placed little pieces still achieves a similar finished look—and creates that same cozy, lived-in charm.

The beauty of these smaller thrifted finds?

They’re affordable, easy to source, and incredibly practical.

Whether you need a chic plant stand, a side table for your cozy lamp, or a petite cabinet for a bit of extra storage, these pieces add character and function—best of all, you can totally get them home in the backseat of your car. No U-Haul or movers required.

What’s even better? The next time you move, you won’t be sweating over how to fit a ten-foot dresser into an eight-foot trailer. (Do they even make ten-foot dressers? Ah well, you get the point.)

But I hate to break it to you, bestie—even the cutest of furniture won’t make your apartment feel cozy with nothing but that harsh overhead lighting beating down on you like you’re the lead suspect hotboxing in an interrogation room.

Never mind the fact that half the apartments out there don’t even have overhead lighting anywhere except the kitchen.

Seriously, what is that even about?

4. Lamps & Lighting: The Easy Fix for Apartment Lighting Struggles

I snagged this table lamp from Goodwill for $11.99, and after a head-to-toe DIY glow-up it’s become quite the little conversation piece in my apartment.

Anyone who’s rented an apartment knows the lighting struggle is so real.

It somehow always seems to tetter on the edge of way-too-harsh or completely nonexistent—which is exactly why lamps are an absolute must-have thrifted accessory.

The good news?

Thrift stores are a lamp goldmine.

But fair warning: most lamps end up in the donation bin because the shades are either missing or damaged—and occasionally, because the wiring is faulty.

So while that’s not always the case, I definitely recommend mastering the art of looking beyond the ugly lampshade (or lack thereof) and learning to rewire lamps like the ameture elictricain you were born to be.

Seriously though, if rewiring feels a bit too high on the intimidation scale, no worries.

There are plenty of perfectly functional lamps out there. But honestly—as someone who has rewired a few now and lived to tell the tale—it’s really not as hard as it seems. And once you’ve mastered the skill, you really open yourself up to the vintage and antique lamp market.

But if you want to keep it simple, stick to lamps that just need a shade swap—quick and easy.

Fair warning: lampshades can be weirdly expensive when purchased new. So consider your willingness to work a little DIY magic to recover the existing or used shade for a custom look.

I snagged this cherub lamp in a set of two from an estate sale for $25—all it took was a coat of paint and new wiring to make the perfect matching bedside lamps.

All things considered, lamps are still one of the easiest ways to give a cold, dull apartment a touch of those cozy, homey vibes we all love.

Whether you choose a floor lamp as a statement piece, a chic bedside lamp, or just a small accent lamp for a touch of ambiance, the secondhand options are endless. And remember—there isn’t much a new shad and a little spray paint can’t fix.

Need a lamp upgrade but not sure where to start? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered with a little lamp glow-up inspiration here (coming soon).

And if you’re not really sure how to style them then I’ve got some suggestions you should definitely take a look at here (coming soon)

Just like that—with a few tweaks—a $10 secondhand lamp can be transformed into a designer-worth piece.

And in a world where apartment lighting is tragically lacking, that’s a glow-up worth investing in.

So now your space is well-lit (finally), but what about all the little things that tend to clutter up your apartment? That’s where organizational accessories come in—because let’s be honest, no matter how cute your decor is, a messy space will ruin the whole vibe.

5. Organizational Accessories: The Chic Way to Cut Clutter & Add Style

Keeping a little basket of extra throw pillows and blankets is the perfect way to store extra items while keeping them handy and adding to the homey vibes we all love.

Listen bestie, I’ve got a more than a few years of renting under my belt—so take it from me. One of the key differences between an apartment that feels like a temporary space and one that feels like a home is the attention to detail.

It’s not just about paint, renovations, or even furniture—it’s those small, thoughtful touches that make a space feel like you.

I get it—as a renter it’s easy to hold back on fully styling a space because it kind of always feels like you’re living in limbo. But take it from me: the years pass faster than you think.

So stop letting your apartment be a living billboard advertising that you’re just passing through. You don’t have to own a a place to invest in decorating it, and you don’t have to wait for a forever home to buy forever pieces.

You deserve to love your space now and thrifting organizational accessories is a great low commitment place to start.

A tray to corral coasters and remotes on the coffee table? Instantly more polished.

A basket to gather extra throw pillows and blankets for brisk fall days? Cozy, not cluttered.

A glass apothecary jar to store your coffee beans for your daily dose of caffeine? Way cuter than a sad paper bag stuffed in the cupboard. (And yest, I know coffee should be stored in a dark place, but what can I say, I guess I just like to live life on the edge.)

The best part? These accessories are cheap, functional, and aesthetic. It’s like the trifecta that makes them the perfect thrift editions to make your temporary rental feel like home.

Your Apartment, Your Style—Make It Feel Like Home

Romanticize your life now—drink the coffee, use the china, hang the art. You have one life, and everyday should be nothing short of amazing, and that includes the space you inhabit.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’re renting for a few months, five years, or forever—your space should feel like home now. Like, today.

You don’t need a massive budget, designer decor, or a “forever home” mindset to make it happen. You just need to know how to thrift.

And that’s exactly why I created my Thrifting for Beginners series—to teach you everything I know. Because I believe everyone should be able to afford and design their own little corner of heaven in this world of chaos.

Remember, thrifting is about being creative, mixing the old with the unexpected. Whether it’s a vintage lamp giving off the perfect warm glow, a beautifully aged dresser that just needed a little tlc, or the perfect basket that made your space feel instantly more put together—those small touches add up in a big way.