7 Thrifted Fall Decor Makeovers That Look Expensive

Decorating for fall doesn’t always mean buying an entirely new collection of seasonal decor. Sometimes the best pieces are already hiding in a cabinet, packed away from a previous season, or waiting to be discovered at the thrift store.

For these fall projects, I took several inexpensive finds and older pieces that were no longer working with my style and gave them a fresh, elevated look. With warm metallic finishes, rich textures, and a little creativity, these forgotten items became beautiful accents that feel perfect for fall.

These are not complicated or expensive transformations, either. Most started with items from Goodwill, Dollar Tree, or my own decor collection.

I’m sharing a quick look at each makeover below, but you’ll want to watch the full video to see the complete transformations and tutorials.

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1. An Inexpensive Figurine with an Antique Brass Look

The first makeover began with a small black bird figurine that I had used in a previous project. It was no longer working with my decorating style, but I still loved its shape and all of its pretty details.

Instead of getting rid of it, I gave it an antique brass-inspired finish with the help of my favorite Rub n Buff. The new color highlights the bird’s raised details while allowing the darker finish to remain visible in the crevices. That contrast gives it so much more dimension and makes it look like a beautiful vintage accessory.

This same technique could be used on almost any ceramic or porcelain figurine. The next time you’re thrifting, don’t overlook an animal figurine simply because you don’t like its current color. Try to imagine what it could become with a more sophisticated finish.

2. A Dollar Tree Vase Turned Elegant Candleholder

One of my favorite finds was a large glass vase from Dollar Tree that cost only $3. I loved its size and shape, but I wanted to use it in a way that felt more special than an ordinary flower vase.

With the addition of a small hardware-store fitting, I transformed it into an elegant candleholder that can also serve as a fall centerpiece. I intentionally made the addition removable so I can take it apart and reuse the vase for another project later.

I also experimented with a thrifted metal pedestal and discovered several ways to style the finished candleholder. It can be displayed on its own, elevated on either side of the pedestal, or filled with beautiful fall foliage and seasonal vase filler.

You can see all three styling options in the video. I would love to know which version you prefer!

3. A Fall-Inspired Jewelry Box Makeover

This little thrifted jewelry box became one of my favorite fall makeovers. It already had a lovely shape, but the original decorative detail didn’t give it the autumn-inspired character I envisioned.

After removing that piece, I created small three-dimensional leaves with air-dry clayand arranged them across the front of the box. A soft beige paint color and antiquing glaze completely changed its appearance, giving it a warm, aged-wood finish.

The finished box is beautiful enough to leave on display as part of a fall vignette, but it’s still functional for storing jewelry and other small treasures.

Watch the video to see how the plain thrifted box took on an entirely new personality.

4. Thrifted Apples with a Rich Copper Finish

Sometimes even the smallest thrift-store finds can make a beautiful impact. I found a set of about 20 decorative apples for only $1, but their original colors didn’t coordinate with the warmer, more elegant fall palette I wanted to use.

A combination of black and Spanish copper finishes gave them a deeper, moodier appearance. I also tested a glossy topcoat, which made the apples look more polished and considerably less like inexpensive foam decor.

Once they were finished, I displayed them in a thrifted glass pedestal bowl. Together, the copper apples and clear glass create a simple fall accent that feels timeless and sophisticated.

The video shows the difference between the matte and glossy versions so you can decide which finish you like best.

5. Giving an Old Wreath Another Season

This project is a wonderful reminder that our older DIYs don’t necessarily need to be discarded when they begin to change.

I made this unusual split-pea wreath many years ago, close to the beginning of my YouTube journey. Its original green color lasted for several seasons, but over time, the peas naturally changed to a golden yellow.

Rather than throwing the wreath away, I decided to work with its new color. I replaced the original neutral bow with a rich brown velvet ribbon, instantly making the wreath feel warm and appropriate for fall.

What could have been considered an imperfection became the very thing that gave this wreath its new seasonal charm. Now it can continue to be enjoyed in our home for several more years.

6. A Simple Thrifted Pumpkin Treat Jar

Not every seasonal find needs a complete makeover. Sometimes a good cleaning and thoughtful styling are all that’s required.

I found a pumpkin-shaped treat jar that was originally sold at Dollar General, but I purchased it secondhand for only $3. Its warm color and classic pumpkin shape already worked beautifully for fall, so I simply cleaned it and filled it with individually wrapped caramels.

I love keeping small treats like these available for my family during the holidays. The jar is both decorative and practical—and it took almost no effort to incorporate into my fall kitchen decor.

This is also a good reminder to look beyond the craft aisle when thrifting. Seasonal dishes, jars, and serving pieces can become some of the most useful decorations in your home.

7. A $2.99 Thrifted Lamp Gets an Elegant Update

The final makeover is one that can easily transition from fall into the rest of the year.

I found a small black plastic lamp at Goodwill for only $2.99. Although the lamp was inexpensive, it had a classic shape and plenty of potential. My first finish wasn’t quite what I envisioned, so I continued experimenting until I achieved a warm antique-gold look that made it appear much more substantial.

I then recovered an older cylindrical lampshade with patterned fabric. The combination of the antique-gold base and fabric shade adds warmth, texture, and a collected look that fits beautifully with my fall decor.

This project is also proof that a DIY doesn’t always turn out perfectly on the first attempt. Sometimes you have to keep adjusting until the piece begins to match what you imagined.

You can watch the full lampshade transformation—and all the other projects—in the video.

Decorating for Fall by Using What You Have

I hope these projects encourage you to take another look at the pieces you already own before purchasing something new for fall. A different finish, a beautiful ribbon, or a simple change in styling may be all an item needs to feel fresh again.

Thrift stores are also full of overlooked decor with wonderful shapes and details. Try looking past an item’s current color or finish and imagining how it might look after a little creativity.

For the complete tutorials, supplies, techniques, and before-and-after transformations, be sure to watch the full video below.

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 After you watch, leave me a comment and tell me which project was your favorite. I would also love to know which version of the glass candleholder you would use in your own home.

If you enjoyed these ideas, please give the video a thumbs-up and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more affordable home decor, seasonal inspiration, and creative DIY projects.

You can also download the sweet vintage-inspired artwork displayed beside the finished lamp from my free printable library. Simply sing up for access here if you haven’t done so already. 

I will see you all back here with more DIYs and home decor inspiration. 

Until then… adios!