30 Thrift Store Furniture Flips That Look Brand New

I walked past the same wobbly chair in the thrift store three Saturdays in a row. It sat by the door with a faded seat and one loose leg, and each week the price tag looked a little smaller.

I almost left it there again. Then I thought about how much I love a chair that has already lived a little, and I carried it home.

That chair is now the soft cream seat by my window. It holds my morning cup and my evening book, and nobody would guess where it came from.

Thrift store furniture is like that. It often looks tired at first, but the wood under the dust is usually strong and ready for a second life.

You do not need big tools or a big budget to change it. A little paint, a little sanding, and a few small swaps can make an old piece look brand new.

In this post I share simple flips you can try in a weekend. Each one uses plain supplies and clear steps, and you can pick just one to start with.

All 30 ideas are right here in this one post, so you can read them all now and choose your favourites without waiting for more.

1. Paint an Old Wooden Chair Soft Cream

An old wooden chair can look sad with chipped paint and a dull seat. Soft cream paint gives it a fresh face in one afternoon.

Start by wiping the chair with a damp cloth. Let it dry, then check each joint and push it gently to find any wobble.

If a joint feels loose, add a small drop of wood glue and press it tight. Leave it still for a few hours so the glue can set well.

Sand the rough spots with light strokes. Work near an open window or outside so the air stays fresh around you.

Wear a plain mask while you sand, and brush the dust away when you finish. A clean chair holds paint much better than a dusty one.

A small tin of chalk paint costs $8 to $14.

Paint in thin coats and let each coat dry before you add the next one. Two thin coats look smoother than one thick coat.

Let the paint dry fully before you sit on the chair. A full day of drying keeps the finish from sticking to your clothes.

Rub a little clear wax over the paint when it feels dry to the touch. Your chair will look soft, clean, and ready for your table.

2. Swap the Knobs on a Tired Dresser

A tired dresser often needs only new knobs to feel new again. The old knobs may be dull, loose, or missing, but the drawers can still work well.

Take off one old knob first and check how it fits. Look at the screw on the back and note how long it is.

Pick simple knobs in a shape you like. Round wood knobs suit a soft room, and plain metal knobs suit a neat and tidy room.

Clean the drawer fronts with a damp cloth before you fit the new knobs. Dust can hide in the old screw holes and around the edges.

Hold each new knob in place and turn the screw from inside the drawer. Tighten it by hand until it feels firm, but do not force it.

A set of four plain knobs costs $6 to $12.

If one drawer sticks, rub a little wax along the sides of the drawer. The drawer should slide with a soft push after that.

Step back and look at the whole dresser. Small knobs can change the whole look, and you did it without any paint at all.

Put your folded clothes back in the drawers and enjoy the change. This is one of the fastest flips in this whole list.

3. Turn a Wooden Crate Into a Side Table

A plain wooden crate can become a small side table by your sofa. It holds a book, a cup, and a little lamp with ease.

Pick a crate with strong sides and no cracked boards. Turn it over and check the bottom so you know it sits flat.

Sand the rough edges with light strokes until they feel smooth under your hand. Work in a well-aired spot and wear a plain mask while you sand.

Brush off the dust and wipe the crate with a damp cloth. Let it dry in the sun for a short while if you can.

Paint the outside in a soft tone you love. Leave the inside plain wood if you like the warm look of it.

A small tin of paint and a brush costs $9 to $15.

Let the paint dry fully before you put anything on the crate. Wet paint can mark your book or your cup, so give it time.

Add four short legs to the bottom if you want it taller. Screw them in from inside the crate so the screws stay hidden.

Set the crate beside your sofa with the open side facing out. It works as a table and a small shelf at the same time.

4. Sand and Oil a Scratched Dining Table

A scratched dining table can still be a good table. The marks often sit only on the top layer, and sanding can lift them away.

Clear the table and wipe it with a damp cloth. Move it near a door or a window so you have fresh air while you work.

Sand the top with slow and even strokes, and follow the lines of the wood. Wear a plain mask so you do not breathe in the fine dust.

Start with a rough paper for deep marks, then switch to a smooth paper for a soft finish. Feel the top with your hand as you go.

Brush the dust away and wipe the top with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry for a few minutes before you add any oil.

A small bottle of wood oil costs $7 to $13.

Rub the oil into the wood with a soft cloth in small circles. The wood will turn a warm tone, and the marks will fade from view.

Let the oil soak in and dry fully before you set plates on the table. A dry top feels smooth and will not mark your dishes.

Your table will look warm and cared for again. A little oil once in a while keeps the wood looking its best.

5. Paint a Bookshelf in Two Soft Tones

A plain bookshelf can look much better in two soft tones. One tone for the frame and one tone for the back makes the shelves feel calm and neat.

Take the books off and wipe each shelf with a damp cloth. Check for loose shelves and push them back into place.

Sand the shiny spots lightly so the paint can grip the wood. Do this in a well-aired room and wear a plain mask while you sand.

Paint the back panel first in your lighter tone. Let it dry fully before you move on to the frame.

Paint the frame and shelves in your second tone with thin coats. Thin coats dry faster and look much smoother.

Two small tins of chalk paint cost $14 to $22.

Let each coat dry before you add the next one. Rushing the coats can leave brush marks that are hard to hide later.

When the paint feels dry, rub a little clear wax over the shelves. The wax helps the paint last longer when books slide in and out.

Put your books back with the tallest ones at the ends. The two tones will make the shelf look like a new piece of furniture.

6. Add Tall Legs to a Low Coffee Table

A low coffee table can feel hard to reach from a sofa. Tall legs lift it up and make the whole room feel taller too.

Turn the table over on a soft cloth so the top does not scratch. Check the old legs and see how they join to the frame.

Unscrew the old legs one at a time. Keep the screws in a small bowl so you do not lose them on the floor.

Pick tall legs in a plain wood tone that suits your room. Hold each leg in place and check that the table will sit level.

Fix the new legs with strong screws from under the frame. Tighten each one well, then turn the table over and test it with a gentle push.

A set of four tall wood legs costs $12 to $20.

If the table still wobbles a little, turn it over and tighten the loose leg once more. A firm leg makes the whole table feel safe.

Paint the legs to match the table top if you like. Let the paint dry fully before you set cups or books on the table.

Your coffee table now sits at a comfy height. It is a small change, but you will feel it every time you sit down.

7. Turn an Old Door Into a Table Top

An old door can make a wide and sturdy table top. It already has a flat shape, and it only needs legs and a little care.

Pick a solid door with no soft spots or broken panels. Lay it flat on the floor and check both sides for rough edges.

Sand the top and sides with light strokes until they feel smooth. Work outside or by an open door so the dust can clear away.

Wear a plain mask while you sand, and brush the dust off when you stop. A smooth top is much nicer to eat and work on.

Paint the door in a soft tone or rub oil into the wood if you like the grain. Thin paint coats look best on a wide flat top.

A tin of paint and a set of table legs costs $18 to $28.

Let the paint dry fully before you add the legs. Wet paint can stick to your hands and tools, so give it a full day if you can.

Fix the legs to the bottom of the door with strong screws. Ask someone to help you lift it, since a door top can be heavy.

Set your new table in the room and add chairs around it. An old door now has a fresh job, and it looks made for the spot.

8. Line Dresser Drawers With Plain Paper

Plain paper inside a drawer makes it feel clean and fresh. It also hides old marks and stops small things from sliding around.

Take everything out of the drawer first. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and let it dry all the way.

Measure the bottom of the drawer with a tape or a strip of paper. Mark the size on your lining paper with a pencil.

Cut the paper a little smaller than the drawer base. A small gap at the edges stops the paper from curling up.

Pick a plain paper in a soft tone or a simple print. Plain paper suits a calm room, and a light print adds a small surprise when you open the drawer.

A roll of plain lining paper costs $4 to $9.

Lay the paper flat in the drawer and smooth it with your hand. Press out any air bubbles from the middle to the edges.

If you want the paper to stay put, add a tiny dab of glue at each corner. Let the glue dry before you put your things back in.

Put your clothes or small items back in neat rows. The drawer will feel new each time you open it.

9. Paint a Nightstand Sage Green

A plain nightstand can look soft and calm in sage green. The colour suits a bedroom, and it sits well next to white sheets.

Clear the top and take out the drawer. Wipe the whole piece with a damp cloth and let it dry.

Sand the shiny spots with light strokes so the paint can hold. Sand in a well-aired space and wear a plain mask while you work.

Brush the dust away and paint the frame first with thin coats. Wait for each coat to dry before you add the next one.

Paint the drawer front in the same sage tone. A matching drawer makes the nightstand look neat and planned.

A small tin of sage chalk paint costs $8 to $14.

Let the paint dry fully before you put the drawer back in. Wet paint can stick to the frame and leave marks.

Rub a little clear wax over the top when it feels dry. The wax gives the paint a soft sheen and helps it last.

Set a small lamp and a book on top. Your nightstand now looks calm, fresh, and made for your room.

10. Turn a Wooden Ladder Into a Blanket Rack

An old wooden ladder can hold blankets by your sofa or bed. It leans on the wall and keeps soft blankets in easy reach.

Pick a ladder with strong rungs and no cracked rails. Wipe it down and check each rung with a firm push.

Sand the rough spots with light strokes until the wood feels smooth. Do the sanding outside or by an open door, and wear a plain mask.

Brush off the dust and paint the ladder in a soft tone if you like. Leave it plain wood if you love the warm grain.

Let the paint dry fully before you lean it on the wall. Wet paint can mark your wall, so give it plenty of time.

A small tin of paint costs $8 to $13.

Lean the ladder at a slight angle so the feet sit firm on the floor. The top should rest flat on the wall, not on a sharp edge.

Fold your blankets over the rungs with the softest one on top. Hang them in a neat row so you can see each colour.

Your blankets now have a home of their own. The ladder looks sweet in a corner, and it keeps the sofa tidy too.

Area	Main change	Typical Cost
A small tin of chalk paint	paints an old chair soft cream	$8 to $14
A set of four plain knobs	gives a tired dresser a fresh look	$6 to $12
A small tin of paint and a brush	turns a wooden crate into a side table	$9 to $15
A small bottle of wood oil	smooths a scratched dining table	$7 to $13
Two small tins of chalk paint	paint a bookshelf in two soft tones	$14 to $22
A set of four tall wood legs	lifts a low coffee table	$12 to $20
A tin of paint and a set of table legs	turns an old door into a table top	$18 to $28
A roll of plain lining paper	lines dresser drawers	$4 to $9
A small tin of sage chalk paint	paints a nightstand sage green	$8 to $14
A small tin of paint	paints a wooden ladder for blankets	$8 to $13

11. Re-cover a Chair Seat With Plain Fabric

A chair seat with worn fabric can look new with a fresh cover. Plain fabric in a soft tone suits most rooms and hides old stains well.

Turn the chair over and unscrew the seat from the frame. Keep the screws safe in a small bowl.

Pull the old fabric off the seat base. Check the padding under it and add a thin layer if it feels flat.

Cut your new fabric a little larger than the seat on all sides. Lay it face down on a table and set the seat on top of it.

Pull the fabric tight over the edges and fix it with small staples under the seat. Work from the middle of each side toward the corners.

A yard of plain cotton fabric costs $6 to $11.

Fold the corners neat like a gift wrap, and staple them flat under the seat. Smooth corners make the seat look neat from above.

Screw the seat back onto the chair frame and test it with a gentle sit. The fabric should feel firm and smooth under you.

Your chair now looks fresh and cared for. Plain fabric is a kind choice, and it is easy to change again later.

12. Paint a Plain Mirror Frame Soft Gold

A plain mirror frame can glow with a soft gold coat. The warm tone suits a hallway or a bedroom, and it lifts the whole wall.

Take the mirror down and lay it flat on a soft cloth. Cover the glass with paper and tape so no paint can reach it.

Wipe the frame with a damp cloth and let it dry. Check for loose corners and press them firm if they move.

Sand the frame lightly so the paint can grip. Work in a well-aired room and wear a plain mask while you sand.

Paint the frame in thin coats of soft gold. Let each coat dry before you add the next one, so the gold stays smooth.

A small tin of soft gold paint costs $7 to $12.

Let the paint dry fully before you hang the mirror back up. Wet paint can mark your hands and your wall.

Rub a little clear wax over the frame when it feels dry. The wax keeps the gold soft and stops it from flaking.

Hang the mirror where the light can reach it. A soft gold frame makes the room feel warm and a little bit fancy.

13. Turn a Small Chest Into a Toy Box

A small chest can become a toy box for a childs room. It keeps toys in one place, and the lid makes tidy up time much faster.

Pick a chest with a lid that opens and shuts with ease. Check the hinges and make sure no screws stick out inside.

Wipe the chest inside and out with a damp cloth. Let it dry in fresh air before you paint it.

Sand the rough spots with soft strokes. Work by an open window and wear a plain mask while you sand.

Paint the outside in a soft bright tone your child will love. Paint the inside plain white so it stays easy to wipe.

A small tin of paint costs $8 to $14.

Let the paint dry fully before you put toys inside. A dry chest will not mark the toys or your hands.

Add a soft pad on the lid if you like, so the chest can work as a small seat too. Fix the pad with glue and let it dry.

Put the toys in and show your child where they live now. A toy box makes play time fun and clean up time much simpler.

14. Add a Fresh Top to a Worn Desk

A worn desk top can make the whole desk feel tired. A fresh top gives you a smooth place to write, read, and work.

Clear the desk and wipe the old top with a damp cloth. Check the edges for chips and the corners for rough spots.

Sand the old top with light strokes until it feels smooth. Sand outside or near an open window, and wear a plain mask.

Brush the dust away and wipe the top again. A clean top helps the new finish stick well.

Paint the top in a soft tone, or add a thin wood board on top for a fresh surface. Fix the board with small screws from under the desk.

A thin wood board and paint costs $15 to $24.

Let the paint dry fully before you set your books and pens on the desk. Wet paint can stick to paper, so give it time.

Smooth a little clear wax over the top when it feels dry. The wax keeps the surface smooth and easy to wipe.

Your desk now feels like a new work spot. A fresh top can change how much you enjoy sitting down to work.

15. Paint a Wooden Stool Bright Yellow

A plain wooden stool can turn into a bright spot in your room. Bright yellow paint makes it cheerful, and it is easy to spot from the door.

Wipe the stool with a damp cloth and let it dry. Check each leg and push it gently to find any wobble.

Sand the rough spots with light strokes so the paint can hold. Work near an open window and wear a plain mask while you sand.

Brush the dust off and paint the legs first with thin coats. Let each coat dry before you paint the seat.

Paint the seat in the same bright yellow. Two light coats give a much smoother finish than one heavy coat.

A small tin of bright yellow paint costs $7 to $12.

Let the paint dry fully before you sit on the stool. Wet paint can mark your clothes, so wait until it feels dry and firm.

Rub a little clear wax over the paint when it feels dry. The wax helps the bright colour stay fresh for a long time.

Set the stool by your door or your desk. A small bright stool can lift the whole room, and it only took one afternoon.

16. Turn a Headboard Into a Bench Back

I found a plain wood headboard at a thrift shop last spring. It had a soft curve at the top and strong legs.

I cleaned it with warm water and a soft cloth. I let it dry in the sun for a full day.

I sanded the rough spots in a well-aired space on my porch. I wore a plain mask while I sanded the old finish down.

I rubbed a little clear oil into the wood to bring out its warm tone. The oil made the old wood look fresh and cared for.

A pair of plain wood screws costs $4 to $7.

I fixed the headboard to a plain wood seat base with the screws. I checked that the back felt firm when I leaned on it.

I added a plain seat cushion in a soft cream fabric. It made the bench feel soft and ready for shoes and bags.

I set the bench by my front door. It now holds coats, books and a small basket.

I let the oil dry fully before I sat on the bench. A slow dry keeps the finish smooth and strong. I love how it greets me each day.

17. Paint Kitchen Stools Navy Blue

My old kitchen stools looked tired and dull. The wood had small marks from years of use.

I wiped each stool clean and let it dry. I sanded the seats in a well-aired space near an open window.

I wore a plain mask for the light sanding. I brushed off the dust with a dry cloth.

I chose a deep navy blue for the legs and the seat. The dark colour hides small marks and looks neat in a kitchen.

A small tin of navy paint costs $9 to $14.

I painted thin coats and let each coat dry. Thin coats give a smooth finish with no drips.

I left the stools to dry for a full day before I used them. A full dry keeps the paint from peeling.

I put the stools back at my kitchen counter. They now look smart next to my pale walls.

I wipe them with a damp cloth when they get dusty. The navy paint still looks fresh after many weeks. The blue still makes me smile at breakfast.

18. Turn an Old Trunk Into a Coffee Table

I found an old wood trunk with a flat lid. It was strong but the top had many small scratches.

I cleaned the trunk inside and out. I aired it outside for a day to freshen it up.

I sanded the lid in a well-aired space in my yard. I wore a plain mask while I smoothed the rough wood.

I rubbed a little dark oil into the lid to bring back its deep tone. The dark lid and the warm old wood look calm and neat together.

A set of four plain wood legs costs $10 to $16.

You can add short legs if you want the trunk a little taller. The legs would lift it up and make it easy to reach.

I let the paint dry fully before I moved the trunk. A dry finish will not stick to the floor or a rug.

I set the trunk in front of my sofa as a coffee table. I keep books and a plain tray on top of it.

I store soft blankets inside the trunk now. It works as a table and a storage box at the same time. It feels good to give an old trunk a new job.

19. Add Casters to a Heavy Cabinet

My old cabinet was too heavy to move. I had to push it hard each time I cleaned behind it.

I tipped the cabinet on its side on a soft rug. I checked that the base was strong and flat.

I marked four spots on the base for the wheels. I made sure each spot sat near a corner.

I sanded the base edge in a well-aired space. I wore a plain mask for that short sanding job.

A set of four plain casters costs $11 to $17.

I fixed one caster at each marked spot. I tightened each screw by hand and checked that it felt firm.

I turned the cabinet back up and gave it a soft push. It rolled in a smooth line across the floor.

I let any fresh paint on the base dry fully before I rolled it. A wet finish can mark the floor.

I now move the cabinet with one hand when I clean. The wheels make a heavy piece feel light and easy. I wish I had added the wheels years ago.

20. Paint a Wardrobe Door With Chalk Paint

My wardrobe door had old marks and a dull finish. The rest of the wardrobe still looked fine.

I took the door off its hinges and laid it flat. I wiped it clean and let it dry.

I sanded the door in a well-aired space by an open door. I wore a plain mask while I smoothed the old surface.

I picked a soft sage chalk paint for the door. The matte finish suits the old wood well.

A small pot of chalk paint costs $9 to $13.

I brushed on two thin coats of the paint. I let the first coat dry before I added the next one.

I added a plain brass knob to the door. The new knob made the whole wardrobe look fresh.

I let the paint dry fully before I hung the door back up. A full dry keeps the paint from smudging on the frame.

I hung the door and stood back to look. The soft sage door now lifts the whole room. The room feels lighter with the new door.

Area	Main change	Typical Cost
A yard of plain cotton fabric	re-covers a chair seat	$6 to $11
A small tin of soft gold paint	paints a mirror frame soft gold	$7 to $12
A small tin of paint	turns a small chest into a toy box	$8 to $14
A thin wood board and paint	gives a worn desk a fresh top	$15 to $24
A small tin of bright yellow paint	paints a wooden stool bright yellow	$7 to $12
A pair of plain wood screws	joins a headboard to a bench	$4 to $7
A small tin of navy paint	paints kitchen stools navy blue	$9 to $14
A set of four plain wood legs	lifts an old trunk into a coffee table	$10 to $16
A set of four plain casters	makes a heavy cabinet easy to move	$11 to $17
A small pot of chalk paint	paints a wardrobe door	$9 to $13

21. Turn a Drawer Into a Wall Shelf

I had one spare drawer from an old dresser. It was too good to throw away.

I cleaned the drawer and sanded the edges in a well-aired space. I wore a plain mask for the short sanding.

I wiped a little clear oil over the wood to bring out its warm tone. The oil made the wood look fresh and new.

I picked a spot on my wall for the new shelf. I wanted it near my desk for small books.

A pair of plain wall brackets costs $6 to $10.

I fixed the brackets to the wall first. I checked that they sat level with a small tool.

I set the drawer on top of the brackets and fixed it in place. It now sits firm against the wall.

I let the oil dry fully before I put books in the shelf. A dry shelf keeps book covers clean.

I filled the shelf with a small vase and books. The old drawer now holds my favourite things. It is a small shelf with a big job.

22. Stain a Pine Table a Warm Walnut Tone

I found a plain pine table with a pale top. The wood felt smooth but the colour looked flat.

I cleaned the table top and let it dry. I sanded the top in a well-aired space on my porch.

I wore a plain mask while I sanded off the old shine. I wiped the dust away with a dry cloth.

I chose a warm walnut stain for the top. The deep tone made the pine grain stand out.

A small tin of wood stain costs $10 to $15.

I brushed the stain on in long, even strokes. I wiped off the extra stain with a soft cloth.

I let the stain dry fully before I touched the top. A slow dry gives the colour time to settle.

I sealed the top with a plain clear wax. The wax gives the wood a soft sheen and a smooth feel.

I set the table by my window with two chairs. It now looks warm and rich in the light. I run my hand over the top and feel the smooth grain.

23. Paint a Rocking Chair Pale Blue

My old rocking chair had chipped paint and a dull seat. It still rocked in a smooth way.

I cleaned the chair and checked each joint. I tightened one loose screw by hand.

I sanded the arms in a well-aired space in my yard. I wore a plain mask for the light sanding work.

I picked a pale blue paint for the whole chair. The soft colour suits a quiet corner.

A small tin of pale blue paint costs $9 to $14.

I painted the chair in thin coats. I let each coat dry before I added the next one.

I draped a plain cream blanket over the arm. It made the chair feel cosy and warm.

I let the paint dry fully before I sat in the chair. A full dry keeps the finish smooth on the arms.

I set the chair by my window with a small book. It is now my favourite spot for a quiet rest. It is the best seat in the house now.

24. Turn a Magazine Rack Into a Plant Stand

I found a plain wood magazine rack at a thrift shop. It was tall and slim with open slats.

I cleaned the rack and sanded it in a well-aired space. I wore a plain mask while I smoothed the wood.

I gave the rack a light coat of clear oil. The oil brought out the warm wood tone and the slats looked fresh and neat.

I set a small plant pot inside the rack. The pot sat snug between the slats.

A small plain plant pot costs $5 to $8.

I added a plain tray at the base to hold water. The tray keeps the floor dry when I water the plant.

I let the oil dry fully before I added the plant. A dry finish keeps the pot from sticking to the wood.

I put the rack by my front window. The green leaves look bright against the warm wood.

I water the plant once a week and wipe the leaves. The old rack now brings life to my room. The plant seems happy in its new home.

25. Add Beadboard Panels to a Plain Cabinet

My plain cabinet looked flat and dull. The doors had no shape or detail.

I cleaned the doors and let them dry. I sanded them in a well-aired space near an open window.

I wore a plain mask for the sanding work. I brushed the dust off with a dry cloth.

I picked plain beadboard panels for the doors. The small lines on the panels add a neat look.

A plain beadboard panel costs $12 to $18.

I cut each panel to fit one door. I fixed each panel with small wood glue and tiny nails.

I painted the panels and the doors in soft cream. I waited for each coat to dry before I added the next one.

I let the paint dry fully before I closed the doors. A full dry keeps the panels from sticking to the frame.

I added plain brass pulls to the doors. The cabinet now looks crafted and neat in my hall. The cabinet looks like a new piece now.

26. Paint a Desk Drawer Set White

My desk drawer set had old paint and worn knobs. The drawers still slid in and out well.

I took the drawers out and cleaned each one. I let them dry in the sun for a day.

I sanded the drawer fronts in a well-aired space. I wore a plain mask while I smoothed the old paint.

I chose a soft white paint for the whole set. The white paint makes the desk look bright and clean.

A small tin of white paint costs $8 to $13.

I painted thin coats on the fronts and the frame. I gave each coat time to dry before I added the next one.

I added plain brass knobs to each drawer. The new knobs give the set a fresh and neat look.

I let the paint dry fully before I slid the drawers back in. A dry finish will not stick to the frame.

I set the drawer set back on my desk. It now holds pens, paper and small tools in neat rows. My desk feels neat and calm again.

27. Turn a Wooden Bench Into a Hall Seat

I found a plain wood bench with a strong frame. It was low and plain but it felt very firm.

I cleaned the bench and sanded it in a well-aired space. I wore a plain mask for the sanding.

I wiped the bench with a little clear oil to bring out its warm tone. The warm wood suits a hall by the front door.

I added a plain seat cushion in soft grey fabric. I fixed the cushion with small ties under the seat.

A plain seat cushion costs $12 to $19.

I set a small basket under the bench for shoes. The basket keeps the hall tidy each day.

I let the oil dry fully before I sat down for the first time. A full dry keeps the cushion ties from marking the wood.

I hung a plain hook above the bench for coats. The hook and the bench now make a neat hall spot.

I sit on the bench each morning to put on my shoes. It is a small seat that makes my day feel calm. It makes the hall feel warm and welcoming.

28. Refinish a Wooden Tray With Oil

I had a plain wood tray with a dull top. It had small marks from cups and plates.

I cleaned the tray and let it dry. I sanded the tray top outside on my porch in the fresh air.

I wore a plain mask while I sanded the marks away. I wiped the dust off with a dry cloth.

I picked a plain wood oil for the tray. The oil brings out the warm grain of the wood.

A small bottle of plain wood oil costs $7 to $11.

I rubbed the oil on with a soft cloth. I worked in small circles across the whole top.

I wiped off the extra oil and let the tray dry. A full dry keeps the tray from feeling sticky.

I set the tray on my coffee table with two cups. It now looks warm and smooth in the light.

I rub on a fresh coat of oil once in a while. The tray keeps its soft sheen with little care. It is a tray I reach for every day.

29. Paint a Tallboy Dresser Two Colours

My tallboy dresser had a plain brown finish. It was tall and strong with five deep drawers.

I cleaned the dresser and took off the old knobs. I let the wood dry in the sun for a day.

I sanded the dresser in a well-aired space in my yard. I wore a plain mask while I smoothed the old finish.

I picked two colours for the dresser. I chose a soft cream for the frame and a soft sage green for the drawers.

Two small tins of paint cost $16 to $24.

I painted the frame cream first and let it dry. I then painted each drawer front in sage green.

I fitted plain brass knobs to each drawer. The brass knobs look neat against the sage green paint.

I let the paint dry fully before I put clothes back in the drawers. A full dry keeps the drawers from sticking.

I set the dresser in my bedroom by the wall. The two colours make the tall piece look fresh and bright. It is the tallest piece in my room and now the prettiest too.

30. Build Your Thrift Store Flip Kit

I keep all my flip tools in one plain box by the door. It saves me time on every new piece.

One small tin of chalk paint costs $8 to $14. It paints the flip pieces a soft new colour.

A pack of sandpaper sheets costs $3 to $6. It smooths old wood before paint.

A plain paint brush set costs $5 to $9. It paints legs, frames and drawers with ease.

A small tin of clear wax costs $6 to $10. It seals painted wood with a soft sheen.

A set of plain brass knobs costs $7 to $12. It gives dressers and cabinets a fresh look.

A pair of plain wooden table legs costs $9 to $15. It lifts a low table to a new height.

The whole thrift store flip kit costs $38 to $66. I buy the kit once and I use it for every flip.

I check the box before I start a new flip. I add a fresh brush or a new sheet when one runs low. A tidy box means a tidy start.

Area	Main change	Typical Cost
A small tin of chalk paint	paints the flip pieces a soft new colour	$8 to $14
A pack of sandpaper sheets	smooths old wood before paint	$3 to $6
A plain paint brush set	paints legs, frames and drawers with ease	$5 to $9
A small tin of clear wax	seals painted wood with a soft sheen	$6 to $10
A set of plain brass knobs	gives dressers and cabinets a fresh look	$7 to $12
A pair of plain wooden table legs	lifts a low table to a new height	$9 to $15
Total	whole thrift store flip kit	$38 to $66

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Pick one old piece from this list this weekend and enjoy how new your home feels when it finds its spot.