8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

The Hudson Valley has no shortage of beautiful, historic homes that have seen better days—but with some work and a little elbow grease, they can be restored to their former glory. Hudson Valley from Newburgh, NY to Hudson, NY, is known as one of the nation’s best sources of antique furniture and home decor, thanks to local thrift shops and antique shops you can find some real gems if you look hard enough! Here are eight rustic fixer-upper home decor ideas from Hudson Valley thrift shops that will add character to any space in your home.

8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops
8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

1) Old doors
Since so many of our homes were built in an era before recycling, it’s not uncommon to find old doors that can be repurposed as planters. If you live near a Hudson Valley thrift shop, I’d encourage you to head over and scope out their selection of doors for sale. You never know what you might find. All you have to do is sand down a few rough edges, add a layer of paint, and display them on your porch or yard. Whether they’re filled with flowers or hanging plants, old wood is an attractive way to add some country charm to your home décor.

2) Window shutters
Hudson Valley thrift shops are chock full of old, worn window shutters that can be painted and used to decorate your home. This adds a rustic charm to any room and works especially well in bedrooms, living rooms or entryways. It’s an easy, cost-effective DIY project that you can do in a day or two. And if you don’t have time for all that painting, try picking up old shutters at a flea market and handing them off to someone who is better with a brush than you. Or check out one of Hudson Valley Rescued Woods ‘ newer locations, which offers handcrafted shabby chic furniture like reclaimed wood tables and chairs.

8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops
8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

3) Old crates
Old wood crates and wooden milk crates make for a great decorative element in your home. You can stack them or lay them on their side as additional seating around a coffee table. They also make great storage pieces to help keep toys and books organized. Reclaimed crates are especially popular right now, since they have a vintage feel to them. However, new crates can be easily painted with your favorite colors or stained with your favorite shades of stain. If you’re looking for more options beyond crates, here are 10 DIY storage solutions you won’t believe exist!

4) Pinecone garlands
Create rustic garlands for your mantel or shelves by stringing dried pinecones onto twine. The pinecones can be kept natural or painted with a neutral color like white, which will look great even after they’ve faded over time. Select larger cones to keep as is, while smaller ones can be drilled and strung on wire if you plan to hang them as mobiles.

8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops
8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

5) Antique mirrors
Don’t spend a fortune on a mirror—instead, find an antique version at a Hudson Valley thrift shop. For less than $10, you can add old-world style to your decor. The best part? Antique mirrors come in any size you need. Some are quite ornate and others are more streamlined; just keep an eye out for the next time you’re out thrifting.

8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops
8 Rustic Fixer-Upper Home Decor Ideas from Hudson Valley Thrift and Antique Shops

6) Lanterns made of glass bottles
There’s a really amazing store in Beacon, NY that sells all sorts of glass bottles. I bought a bunch to use as lanterns, but any kind of decorative bottle would work. If you want to be cheap and thrifty, grab some Mason jars and dress them up with paint and ribbon! Or how about vintage bottles? I found these great whiskey decanters for $4 each on Craigslist.

7) Antique floor tiles
If you’re looking for a bold new style statement, consider using antiques in your home decor. Floor tiles are a great option, since they come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as styles. A mixture of different tile types will give your home interior a classic look that’s never boring. If you want to try it but aren’t sure where to start, visit one of these Hudson Valley thrift shops for some cheap floor tiles

8) Wooden letters
Turn wooden planks into letters to spell out your living room’s name, or hang them on a string in your bedroom to serve as DIY wall art. Reclaimed wood is great for rustic decor, and many thrift stores have shelves full of salvaged pieces. Just be sure you don’t leave these hanging around after you get home, though—bacteria from other homes can live in old wood, which could lead to health issues like mold growth.