Use These 11 Thrift Store Items To Transform The Space Behind Your Bed On A Budget

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If you have a blank canvas behind your bed, spruce it up to boost your room's aesthetic appeal. Although you can put up wallpaper and accent decorations, you don't have to spend a fortune to transform the space. Just plan a trip to your thrift store, yard sale, or flea market to find gems on a budget. In case you can't go thrifting physically, scour through listings on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to score gorgeous items at a discounted rate.

A few items that'll help you touch up the dead space include lace doilies, candle sconces, mirrors, rugs, baskets, and headboards. But keep in mind that although this route is sustainable and will save you money, it's a little effort-oriented. For instance, you'll have to clean almost all things before using them. Plus, you'll have to prettify a few, like a plain headboard, so they better suit your interior and preferences. Excited to dress up the empty space behind your bed on a budget? Here are 11 thrift store items you can use.

Thrift vintage doilies to give the space behind your bed a stunning transformation and DIY some boho-style wall art. Simply use hot glue to stick the fabric pieces to embroidery hoops, like Caydo's 6-Piece Embroidery Hoop Set, and hang them on the wall. If you'd rather not have to cut too much of the beautiful lace or crocheted doilies, be specific about your hoop size. You could even paint the doilies so they match your bedroom's décor. Just dampen them to make them easier to paint. Once they're dry, brush on some watered down glue to seal their finish.

An easy way to transform the space behind your bed is to hang a few thrifted mirrors. This creative use of mirrors will make your space look bigger. Plus, it'll brighten up your room whenever light hits the glass. Just ensure you pay attention to the frame before making a purchase — this is because fancy ones with intricate details will help you make an even bigger statement without much effort. But, of course, it all depends on your personal style. To clean the glass, combine distilled white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and dip a clean microfiber cloth in the solution to wipe the dirt off.

If you love thrifting your wall art instead of buying from home décor stores, create a massive gallery wall to showcase all your vintage finds. They will add life to a neutral bedroom and complement the range of colors and textures of a maximalist design scheme. But avoid hanging them haphazardly, or they'll clutter up the space in no time. Sketch out their placement on paper to find each frame their rightful spot behind your bed. You can even choose a theme to help guide your art selection.

A plain headboard might not seem like a good addition to your bedroom, but you can turn this thrifted item into a charming focal point with some paint. Repaint the entire surface so it fits in seamlessly with your bed's frame. Or, draw gorgeous designs in the visible areas to bring a few elements of your favorite fantastical world to life (Harry Potter or Narnia, anyone?). Stencils and decals are always a great choice, too. In case you find an upholstered piece at the thrift store, spray paint its frame to enhance its beauty. However, the actual fabric is an item you should think twice before painting.

Room dividers might seem unnecessary when you don't share your room with other people, but you can thrift a room divider to use as the most perfect vintage headboard. Just scoot your bed forward and put the thrifted privacy screen in place. Go for a bold piece to add visual interest to your bedroom, or opt for a simple one for an understated finish. While thrifting, make sure the divider matches your bed's width. Otherwise, you'll have to adjust your other furniture to accommodate a lengthier version. Comparatively, a compact piece would leave empty space on both sides of your bed and require additional decoration.

Thrift wall sconces for your bedroom if you want to lend the blank walls behind your bed some character. Plus, they'll be a handy source of illumination for your bedtime reading sessions or other downtime activities. Mount them 30 to 36 inches above your mattress and about 1 foot away from either side the bed. However, avoid using real candles, as they present a fire hazard. Instead, fill the sconces with LED taper candles, like the Homemory Real Wax LED Flameless Taper Candles.

If you can't keep your nightstand organized no matter how hard you try, keep an eye out for a vintage storage headboard. The extra room will make it easier for you to store all your bedtime essentials. In case you plan on storing a few non-essentials as well, find one with sliding panels or built-in doors to keep them out of sight and minimize visual clutter. Moreover, don't leave the top empty. Jazz it up with decorations, like plants (both real or artificial work), cutesy alarm clocks, and funky decorations, to further decorate the blank wall area behind your bed.

Do you like giving your bedroom a refresh without spending a fortune every few months? Thrift a beautiful quilt to give your headboard a quick upgrade. Simply fold it in half and drape it over your headboard. Get tapestry hangers, like Crebri's Small Quilt Hangers, to keep it in place and simply remove the clips when you're ready to change it out. In case you don't have a headboard, hang a curtain rod over your bed to hang the quilt. Don't want to drill a hole for the brackets? Opt for no drill options, such as Codoule's No Drill Curtain Rod Brackets.

Rugs aren't just meant to grace your floor; you can use them to decorate the space above your bed. Thrift a runner that's in fairly good shape and features beautiful designs, like the kilim one shown here. Bonus points if it doesn't sport suspicious stains, because they'll stick out like an eyesore. Still, wash the rug to maintain a hygienic environment in your bedroom. Once dry, suspend its edges between two hooks. To employ it as a tapestry behind your bed, hang the rug a few inches off your mattress.

Want a boho-themed décor behind your bed to suit your interior? Grab a couple of baskets on your next visit to a thrift store and hang them above your mattress. Use them as is, or, alternatively, spray paint them (or decorate their edges), so they match your bedroom's aesthetic. As for their placement and arrangement — don't eyeball it. Measure the inches you'd like to keep between your head and the woven baskets prior to drilling holes in the wall (you can use an adhesive as well). Additionally, conduct a dry run to decide where each basket will go for a stunning effect.

You don't need a four-poster bed to enjoy a canopy-like feel. Instead, use thrifted curtains to add texture to the space behind your bed and sleep in style — without a headboard. String a few strands of battery-operated string lights, like Brightown's 12 Pack LED Fairy Lights, for a magical effect. You just need to keep a couple of things in mind: First, ensure the curtain complements (or contrasts) the wall's tone and blends in well with your bedding. Moreover, pay attention to the fabric. Luxe materials like velvet and silk are ideal for curating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, cotton, linen, and sheer curtains will give off a chill and breezy vibe.