Turn A Dated Thrift Store Shelf Into A Stunning Statement Piece With An Easy DIY

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Some might consider an old, shabby shelf to be junk — while others see it as a hidden treasure. Thrift stores and garage sales are the perfect places to find vintage pieces of furniture that frankly, just need a little TLC. If you're willing to roll up your sleeves, not only can you restore an old thrifted shelf, but you can also give it brand new life with creative additions. Even a fresh coat of paint can go a long way!

Wall shelves are very useful to have, especially in the kitchen or dining room to help organize your essentials — or they can be used to display treasured antique items. While it's possible to buy new ones, vintage furniture can really elevate a space, and is oftentimes cheaper too, if found secondhand. With supplies like sandpaper, paint, and a floral transfer set, you can make your find into a statement piece you'll be proud to hang on any wall. It's just one of many simple DIY thrift flips you can start and finish in one weekend.

The first thing you want to do is get your shelf all cleaned up. Likely it's a little dirty from years of use and being tossed around the donation bin. Products like Krud Kutter Concentrated Cleaner are great for eliminating grime – or for a lighter job, you could use a natural solution, such as a mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe the shelf nicely with a soft cloth so that it's ready for the next step. If your shelf is in rough shape and needs to be sanded — now's the time to get it smooth with either sandpaper or an electric sander. It's not always necessary to sand a piece of furniture before it's painted — using milk paint mixed with a bonding agent can help you skip this step.

It's overall up to you what color you want to paint your shelf, or if you'd prefer to stain it instead. But if you want to go for an antique look, consider using white. Once it's dry, you can make it look even older by going over some of the piece with sandpaper, creating crackles. Decorate your shelf by adding floral accents, like Redesign with Prima Transfers, which go beautifully with a country-style vibe. Finally, seal it with a top coat, and once dry, change out any hardware if needed. Your shelf should now look like a million bucks and be ready for hanging. It goes to show that there are all kinds of tricks for updating furniture you already have for a new look that can make you fall in love with it all over again.