Say Bye To Blank Walls: The Thrift Store Find That Creates A Lush Look On A Budget

If you want to decorate blank walls while sticking to a more reasonable budget, thrift stores are your best bet. More often than not, you will find charming items worth taking home, from kitschy trinkets to once-popular vintage decor, for a fraction of the price at retail or curated antique shops. If you are looking for something eye-catching yet practical that adds texture and charm to blank walls, an ornate mirror has both function and form that'll complement any room.

You probably have seen them in your favorite period drama, in scenes where the protagonist stares into their own reflection, often lost in thought, with the ornate mirror perfectly framing and capturing the glamour, gloom, and everything in between. Whether its designs are inspired by the Late Baroque, Victorian, or Gilded Age eras, these mirrors are identified by its innately detailed frames, usually made of carved wood, plaster, or metal, sometimes with gold or silver gilding, that surround the reflective material in a way that gives it a more elevated form. Furthermore, the level of craftsmanship involved in these ornate mirrors is sure to attract curious eyes and of course, a couple of mirror selfies, made classier.

Ornate mirrors won't be much of a challenge to find in thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces. If you're looking for vintage round, curved, or arched mirrors, Rococo and Baroque-style mirrors may match your aesthetic with their intricate wooden frames brandished with gold or silver gilding. Mid-century modern mirrors are also worth checking, especially if you want asymmetrical shapes with soft, curved edges. Alternatively, you have Victorian-style mirrors, which mostly take on rectangular shapes; and Art Deco designs, which are known for their sharp, geometrical shapes.

Finally, to achieve the lush, elegant wall, it's important to know where to place your mirror. There's no need to worry if some decorations clash; playing with contrast and varying styles of decor can make your home a more interesting space. With that in mind, try experimenting with opposites — use round or curved mirrors to bring a more relaxed, softened look in a room full of angular furniture; or pair symmetrical decor to rectangular mirrors on walls if you want to achieve a clean, balanced look. Another thing to consider is to know what your mirror can be reflecting upon placement — it's best to avoid reflecting harsh light or other eyesores, so have it positioned in a way that it can bring natural light into the room. If you think you need more elements to balance and fill up that blank wall, there's no stopping you from getting more thrift store items to transform your space.