French Country Inspired Thrifted Finds and DIYs

We’re sharing French Country inspired thrifted finds and DIYs today!

This time of year is such a great time of year to refresh your home with treasured hunted and budget friendly finds from thrift stores and charity shops.

I love shopping for thrifted finds because you can easily customize pieces with a simple coat of paint, fresh fabric, sophisticated trim or updated art.

While my style has changed over the years, I’ve finally settled into an easy cottage style that combines a love of farmhouse living with the grace of French Country and European elegance.

It’s not always easy to find authentic European antiques or home décor pieces in our area though.

So, I’ve learned to take inspiration from books and magazines and create a patina that works for our home.

Learning how to create French Country inspired thrifted finds and DIYs takes a little practice but it’s one of the easiest looks to recreate.

Especially if you adore pieces that look weathered, patinaed or loved over time.  

Here’s a look at French Country Inspired Thrifted Finds and DIYs…

Creating a French Country Look with Spray Paint

If you’re a beginner, start small and use spray paint to create a French Country look.

The stakes are relatively low with spray paint.

Yet it’s an easy way to build confidence so you can tackle bigger pieces down the road.

Decorative Paint

When I first started blogging, chalk, milk, mineral and decorative paints were all the rage.

Paint is still one of my favorite mediums to quickly change the look of a piece of furniture or home décor item.

Decorative paint like spray paint takes a little practice, but again, the stakes are relatively low, and mistakes can usually be fixed.

You can read more about this French Linen Painted Armoire here.

Creating a French Country Look with Latex Paint

If you’re trying to create French Country inspired thrifted finds and DIYs painting pieces with latex paint doable but in my honest opinion, it takes a lot of extra layering which can sometimes be tricky.

That said, I know decorative paints aren’t always readily available in all areas so it’s always worth a try.

You can read more about this French Country Table Makeover here.

Chalkboard Paint

As with decorative paints, there was a hot minute when chalkboards were super popular as well.

Honestly, we still use ours because they’re so utilitarian.

Repurposing thrifted wall art into a chalkboard is another really easy project to try if you haven’t already.

Creating a French Country Look with Rub N Buff

Rub N Buff is great for smaller projects like changing the look of hardware, trim, decorative accents or ornaments.

It can also be fun to try on larger projects like adding patina to a metal bed frame.

Sandpaper

Fine grit sandpaper is something I always have in my tool kit.

Not only does it help to give a bit of tooth to pieces of painted furniture, but it also helps to add a bit of age or a look that feels loved over time.

Case in point, this thrifted painted planter.

Creating a French Country Look with Fabric

One of my all-time favorite DIYs didn’t come from a thrift store, it came from my uncle’s barn.

The minute I saw this mantel, I knew I had to turn it into a French Country inspired headboard.

While I didn’t have access to authentic French Linen at the time, I found a nubby canvas drop cloth that had a similar feel and worked out perfectly.

If a headboard feels too big of a project to tackle though, try recovering a chair seat.

Books

Creating French Country inspired thrifted finds and DIYs with books is one of the most budget friendly ways to make your home feel cozy.

You can wrap them in brown craft paper, paint them or tear off the covers of paperbacks and stain them.

Creating a French Country Look with Decoupage

Finally, don’t overlook decoupage when you’re considering upcycling a thrifted find.

It took less than an hour to create these vintage inspired bucket labels.

I know thrift stores and charity shops can sometimes be hit or miss, especially if you live in a small town.

But they can also be a treasure trove of budget friendly finds to help give your home a fresh feel no matter what the season so be sure to frequent them as often as you can.

Other Thrifted Finds Posts to Enjoy:

Tips and Tricks for Shopping Thrift Stores

Quick and Easy Yard Sale Shopping Tips

Shopping the Renningers Extravaganza

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo