What This $32 Thrift Haul Taught Me About Decorating Smarter, Not Bigger

Kristen, a home decor YouTuber with an eye for charm and budget-friendly style, recently filmed a full day of thrifting and antique shopping—and her haul proves something every home decorator needs to hear: it’s not about how much space you fill, it’s how intentionally you do it. She walked away with a lamp, three jars, and a set of glasses for under $35. But more than that, she walked away with pieces that tell a story—and gave us a masterclass on what to look for while thrifting

I’ve been deep in the Pinterest rabbit hole lately looking for fresh ways to elevate my home without spending hundreds—and that’s when I found Kristen’s video. This woman walked into a thrift store with $32 and walked out with glassware, vintage jars, a stunning brass lamp, and actual style. The kicker? It all looked high-end. That’s when I knew: this wasn’t just a haul, it was a blueprint.

If you’re trying to build a curated home with charm and personality—on a budget—you need to see how Kristen thrifts. Here’s what I learned.

How to Spot the Good Stuff at Thrift Stores

Kristen starts where most people walk right past: the lamps. Forget the dated lampshades. She’s looking for solid bases with structure and character. She found one for $7.99 that she plans to rub-and-buff into an antique brass finish. That’s the Pinterest trick right there—see the bones, not the surface.

If you’re pinning home inspiration with brass finishes and cozy glow-ups, look for thrifted lamps, even if they’re dusty. The shape is what sells it. You can always transform the finish.

1. Lamps Without the Lampshades
Kristen heads straight to the lamp section and grabs a brass lamp for $7.99. Why? Because the shape was timeless, and the lack of a shade makes it easy to modernize. Her tip: don’t judge a lamp by its dusty top. Look at the base. She plans to rub-and-buff this one into an antique brass finish and style it in a cozy corner.

2. Clear Canisters That Actually Do Something
Three large glass jars landed in her cart—headed for the laundry room. These are the types of containers that elevate everyday chores. Instead of keeping detergent pods in plastic tubs, she pours them into these glass jars to make the whole room feel cleaner, more styled, and intentional.

3. Books as Decor
Kristen browses used books for style and personality. She finds an old car book for her husband and recommends looking for coffee table books, cookbooks, or topics you already love. Strip the cover if it’s too loud. Let the content or the spine color guide your choice. It’s about adding soul, not clutter.

4. Project Furniture: Imperfect on Purpose
She spots a $16.99 table and a worn chair—both ideal for reupholstering, restaining, or simply giving new life. These pieces might not be ready for display today, but they’re full of potential. Kristen reminds us: a one-of-a-kind look often starts with a $17 investment and a weekend of DIY.

5. Antique Stores for Inspiration (Not Always Purchases)
She heads into an antique store next—not to buy everything, but to get ideas. She spots moody paintings, tartan blankets, vintage vases, and a pharmacy lamp. While the prices are higher, they serve a purpose: they help shape her vision. She notes that many of these pieces could easily be found at a thrift store if you know what you’re looking for.

6. Basket Finds and $2 Vases
Back at a thrift store, Kristen grabs a $3 basket perfect for holding bathroom supplies, and a tiny $2 vase she describes as ideal for a single flower. It’s the kind of simple, under-the-radar piece that brings warmth and personality into a space without trying too hard.

7. Art That Feels Like Travel
She finds a pair of architectural sketches for $5 each. They feel like Paris or Florence—soft pencil lines, warm-toned paper. Art doesn’t have to be big or expensive to transform a wall or a shelf.

8. The Outdoor Bonus: Ice Bucket and Brick Pavers
Near the end of her trip, Kristen discovers a vintage ice bucket cart and thin brick pavers for her yard project. She reminds viewers that thrift stores aren’t just for interiors. If you’re upgrading your outdoor space, don’t overlook Habitat for Humanity or the outdoor sections of your local resale shops.

Final Takeaway
Kristen’s haul isn’t massive—but it’s deeply considered. Every piece she picked up had a place, a purpose, and a vision. This isn’t about maximalism. It’s about styling your space to feel collected over time. Want to start shopping this way? Make a list of your top 3 thrift goals. Know your colors. Know your gaps. Then go get inspired—and spend less doing it.

Ready to take that intentional style outdoors? Don’t miss 50 Whimsical Cottagecore Garden Ideas—a dreamy guide to creating cozy garden spaces with the same charm, purpose, and thrifted magic.