6 Tips to Personalize Your Space with Thrifted Finds

Collected, Not Copied: Decorating with Thrifted Finds Beats Fast Trends

If you caught my last post—10 Ways to Style Thrifted Mirrors for Effortless Apartment Charm—you already know I’m a firm believer that secondhand finds bring way more character to a space than anything fresh off the shelf.

But while styling one thrifted piece is fun, creating a home that feels authentically you? That takes a little intention—and a whole lot of self-control to ignore those fast trends.

In this post, we’re slowing it all the way down. I’m sharing 6 tips that prove decorating doesn’t have to be rushed to be beautiful.

Whether you’re just getting started or knee-deep in thrifted treasures, these ideas will help you create a space that feels personal, timeless, and very hard to replicate.

1. Intentional Slow Decorating : Beating Fast Trends

Before I embraced slow decorating, my space was full of trendy big-box finds—cute for a moment, but missing the soul I was craving.

Decorating with thrifted finds means embracing the art of slow decorating—But in today’s fast-paced world that’s a next level skill that’s getting harder and harder to master

They say patience is a virtue, but we’ve entered the digital age of endless social sharing and it’s turned everything into a race. A race that is leaving more and more of us feeling forever behind.

Unfortunately, even decorating hasn’t escaped the pressure of keeping up.

Trends come and go faster than ever.

I started following home decor accounts for inspiration, but it didn’t take long before my feed started to feel like one big, never-ending ad. And if I had to guess, yours probably looks the same.

Every post seem to be expertly curated to make us feel like we needed the latest must-have decor piece. With every influencers pushing viral items that are selling out in minutes—only for those very items to fall out of grace just as fast.

Honestly Bestie, you might not realize it, but all those sold-out Target Dollar Spot items you missed? Probably the best thing that ever happened to you.

Because after a few weeks, most of them end up dumped at Goodwill anyway—cast-offs from yet another viral social media trend cycle.

That’s the problem with rushed decorating and chasing trends—what started as a collection of once-viral pieces now feels like last season’s leftovers. Instead of a home with style and personality, your apartment ends up looking more like a generic furniture showroom—or worse, a going-out-of-business sale. There’s no style, no soul.

But decorating through a series of thrifted adventures? That’s a slow, intentional process—one that builds a home that exudes personal style, adds character, and a unique flare.

If you need proof that slow and stylish go hand in hand, Decor on a Dime: Top Reasons to Thrift Your Apartment Decor (coming soon) makes a strong case for ditching the “quick fix” mindset.

For secondhand pieces that still bring the wow factor, Cheap Thrills: Inexpensive Must Thrift Apartment Decor Ideas (coming soon) is basically your cheat sheet to high style on a low budget.

And when you're decorating on a dime but still want it to look like a million bucks, Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers (coming soon) has your back (and your bank account).

2. Curate, Don’t Consume

No chasing trends here—just pieces I genuinely love. Curating items like this mirror, plant stand, and candlesticks helped me create a space that actually feels like me.

Decorating your home isn’t about endlessly consuming—it’s about curating pieces that reflect who you are, not what the algorithm wants you to buy.

Slow decorating is truly about mastering the patience we touched on earlier. But beyond that, it’s about shifting your perspective.

Most of us have been conditioned to think of ourselves as consumers—constantly chasing trends, filling our carts with whatever’s currently “in,” and replicating styles dictated to us by big-box retailers and influencers.

But what if you stopped consuming and started curating instead?

Rather than waiting for someone to tell you what’s trending, you need to set the tone.

Think of it this way—a curator doesn’t just shop one big-box store; they hand-select pieces from different eras, styles, and sources to create something truly unique.

And you, my dear, are the curator—of your space and your life. You choose the pieces, blending history with modern touches to create something entirely your own.

Slow decorating is about truly embracing your role as curator.

It’s the intentional, thoughtful process of collecting and styling each piece with purpose, crafting a space that feels curated, not copied. It’s about patience—building a home over time instead of rushing to fill a space with mass-produced decor that anyone can buy.

The result? A home that is completely and unapologetically you. A space where every piece has a story—no matter how brief—but together, they tell a story no one else could replicate.

Slow decorating isn’t just about what you choose—it’s about how you find it. And there’s no better way to embrace the process than through thrifting. With each secondhand treasure, you’re not just decorating—you’re curating a space that evolves over time, piece by piece.

Before you toss random finds in your cart, 7 Must-Know Tips to Create Your Perfect Thrift Wishlist will help you thrift with a plan—not just vibes.

New to the thrift scene and feeling a little lost? 8 Thrift Tips For Beginners: Secondhand Shopping Made Easy breaks it down so you can skip the stress and get straight to the good stuff.

And if you want to develop that “ooh, I know a gem when I see one” energy, Treasure Hunting Hacks: Simple Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Gems (coming soon) is your fast track to curating like a pro.

3. Thrift It: The Secret To Slow Decorating

This gallery wall didn’t happen overnight—each piece was thrifted over time, proof that slow decorating creates the most meaningful spaces.

If slow decorating is the goal, thrifting is the not-so-secret weapon that makes it possible—one meaningful piece at a time.

One of the biggest downsides of modern decor trends? The manufacturing behind them.

You’ve heard the saying, they don’t make things like they used to—and bestie, it’s the truth. Unless you’re willing to pay premium prices for high-end pieces, most mass-produced furniture and decor just isn’t built to last.

In some cases, the poor craftsmanship is to keep costs down—but in others? It’s by design. The modern consumer cycle depends on things having a short shelf life so they can keep you moving on to the next big trend.

Think about it—it’s a lot easier to sell someone something new when what they already have feels broken, damaged, or unusable. And so the cycle continues: they keep churning out mediocre goods, we keep buying them because the price is right, and they keep lining their pockets with our money.

This is where thrifting changes the game.

When you curate your space through the secondhand market, you can prioritize craftsmanship, character, and quality—instead of settling for whatever’s mass produced crap is trending right now.

You have the freedom to hold out for solid wood furniture that will stand the test of time and to mix and match pieces that actually speak to you—instead of buying a showroom-perfect set that feels staged and lifeless.

The beauty of thrifting? It forces you to decorate with patience and intention.

You’re not walking into a Goodwill and walking out with an entire living room set in one afternoon. Instead, you’re piecing together a home over time—choosing items that resonate with you, layering textures and styles, and letting your space evolve naturally.

And honestly? That’s what makes thrifting so exciting.

There’s no algorithm telling you what should go with what. No influencer-approved bundle of must-have items to mindlessly add to your cart.

Instead, you learn to trust your own taste. One of the best things about the beautiful chaos of thrift stores is that the right pieces just seem to jump out at you.

And when you embrace thrifting as a slower, more intentional way to decorate, you naturally start building a home that feels collected—not copied.

If thrifting feels more chaotic than charming, 11 Reasons Thrift Shopping Feels Overwhelming (Tips To Fix It) will help you slow your roll and enjoy the hunt again.

Still side-eyeing the whole secondhand thing? Thrift Myths Exposed: Debunking Secondhand Shopping Misconceptions clears up all the noise so you can shop with confidence.

And if you're ready to level up from digging through bins to winning the bids, Mastering the Bids: How to Navigate Goodwill Auctions Like a Pro (coming soon) has the goods on going digital without losing your mind.

4. Collect, Don’t Copy: Keys to a Timeless, Thrifted Home

This room is still a work in progress—and that’s the point. Working to slowly collect each piece through thrifting, with space left for future treasures.

A truly timeless home isn’t built overnight—it’s collected piece by piece, with thrifted finds that tell your story, not someone else’s.

Ditching the cookie-cutter look of modern trends and embracing a personally curated aesthetic comes down to a few key elements. It’s about mixing eras, playing with contrast, and prioritizing what speaks to you—even if it doesn’t fit into a neatly packaged design trend.

If you want to pair a mid-century velvet couch with a Victorian marble coffee table? Do it. Love modern lighting but crave antique wood furniture? Mix them.

The magic happens when you combine pieces that resonate with you, regardless of whether they “technically” belong together.

It can be hard to trust your own vision at first—after all, we’ve gotten pretty used to letting the world tell us who we are and what our style should be. But remember, not everyone will connect with what’s authentic to you—and that’s okay.

Sometimes, the more true we are to ourselves, the less we resonate with others—and that, my dear, is a beautiful sign that you’re finally being true to you.

And above all remember a home should feel lived in—not staged.

Take it from me—There was a time when I wouldn’t burn the candles, use my beautifully folded throw blankets, or keep paper towels on the counter because I thought it disrupted the aesthetic. But now, I realize that half-burnt candlesticks, a casually draped blanket over an armchair, and a marble paper towel holder on the counter are all a reminder that my space is a home, and a home is meant to be lived in.

Don’t set out to curate a home so pristine it instantly sets you on edge—instead create a home that feels like a warm hug. A home that brings a smile to your face the moment you open the door, a place where memories are made, comfort is prioritized, and beauty comes naturally.

And the real beauty of curating a home through thrifting? You eventually realize it will never truly be “finished.” Not because you’re chasing trends, but because—like life itself—your home is in a constant state of evolution.

Not sure what’s worth bringing home? Fix It or Skip It: Essential Considerations for Secondhand Treasures (coming soon) teaches you how to thrift with standards, not desperation.

Trying to find that perfect secondhand sofa without the mystery stains? Furniture Finds: Smart Tips for Thrifting Perfect Secondhand Pieces (coming soon) helps you spot the good stuff without the guesswork.

And if you need a little thrift-store etiquette refresher, Mind Your Manners: Etiquette Rules Every Thrifter Should Know keeps your cart (and karma) in check.

5. Start Decorating: How to Curate with Thrifted Finds

This mirror was one of my very first thrifted finds—and the moment I realized I could build a home that reflected my style, not just trends.

Now let’s bring it all together—here’s how slow decorating comes to life through thoughtful, thrifted finds that make your space truly yours.

A lot of people will tell you to start with large-scale anchor pieces, like furniture.

But honestly? I don’t really vibe with that advice.

Here’s why: at the beginning of your thrifting journey, you’re still in a “detox” phase from mainstream trends and social influence. If you rush into buying a big-ticket item, there’s a good chance it still reflects some of those lingering influences rather than your actual personal style.

For example, if your social media feeds have been plastered with sleek, modern interiors, you might walk into a thrift store and instinctively grab a mid-century bookshelf—not because you love it, but because it feels familiar.

Fast forward six months and a few thrift adventures later, and suddenly you realize you’re drawn to smooth lines with ornate, Queen Anne-style details. That mid-century bookshelf? Not your vibe after all.

That’s why I actually recommend starting small. Think candle holders, trays, mirrors, or frames—pieces that let you experiment with style without major commitment.

It’s much easier to move on from a thrifted candle holder that doesn’t quite fit than it is to regret a huge, expensive couch. The smaller finds help “grease the wheels” of your personal style journey, letting you discover what truly resonates without feeling boxed in.

At first, you might experience a little bit of buyer’s remorse. It’s normal. But the more you thrift, the more you’ll hone your eye, define your aesthetic, and become more intentional with your purchases.

Over time, you’ll learn:

• How to resist impulse buys in favor of long-term treasures.

• Creative ways to repurpose pieces that don’t immediately fit your vision.

• The power of a DIY facelift to transform an almost-perfect find into the perfect addition to your space.

And eventually, you’ll realize that the magic of slow decorating isn’t just about creating the perfect room—it’s about the thrill of the hunt.

In a small way, you won’t want to reach a point where your home feels “finished.” Because the adventure? That’s the best part.

If you’re wondering what this actually looks like in real life, let me show you how I used slow decorating and thrifted finds to transform my own apartment.

Ready to go beyond your usual thrift circuit? Thrift Stores: A Beginner’s Steppingstone to Estate Sales and Auctions shows you where to go next when you’re feeling bold.

If you’re dreaming of cozy on a budget, Dream Deals: Practical Tips for Shopping Secondhand Bedding (coming soon) is your go-to guide for scoring soft goods that don’t feel sketchy.

And for my busy babes who don’t have time to dig for hours, Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties (coming soon) is packed with time-saving tips that still deliver the goods.

6. Do What I Did: How I Transformed My Apartment

This little coffee bar is one of my favorite corners—styled with thrifted frames and vintage china, it’s a perfect example of how secondhand finds can totally transform a space.

Here’s a peek into how I brought all these ideas to life—one thrifted find and intentional choice at a time.

Honestly, when I think back on all the trends I’ve dabbled in, it’s hard to believe where it started. Burnt orange walls, cheap safari décor, and a space that feels so foreign I can hardly believe it was ever a reflection of me. Yikes!

I definitely found myself caught up in the cycle of chasing trends and trying to “complete” my apartment as quickly as possible—grabbing whatever pieces I could find from HomeGoods shelves, but they never really felt like mine.

That all began to change when I started thrifting (again)—not just picking up random secondhand finds, but truly curating my space piece by piece.

Instead of buying things that were trendy, I started waiting for the things that spoke to me, things that felt like they had a story. And that process? It’s not overnight. It’s slow, evolving, and incredibly rewarding.

I share a lot about my personal journey in my From Dust to Designer: Confessions of a Thrift Addict series because honestly? Thrifting didn’t just change how I decorate—it changed how I see my home.

If you’re curious about where it all started, check out Confessions Of A Thrift Addict: How It All Began, where I talk about the moment I fell in love with secondhand treasures and the thrill of the hunt.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through slow decorating? Perfection is overrated. I used to believe my space needed to look “finished” before I could enjoy it. But thrifting has a way of teaching you that the beauty is in the process. I dive deep into that mindset shift in Perfectly Imperfect: How Thrifting Helped Me Ditch Perfectionism because learning to let go of perfect results was the key to creating a home that truly reflects me.

Now, when I find the perfect antique mirror, the just-right marble side table, or a piece of art that makes my heart skip a beat—I know it was meant to be part of my space. Not because it fits a trend. Not because I need to “complete” a room. But because I’m curating my space with patience, intention, and a deep love for the story each piece carries.

And that? That’s why I believe slow decorating will always win.

Still translating thrift store tags like they’re a foreign language? Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo helps you speak fluent thrift without the confusion.

If you’re not sure where to start, Goodwill: The Ultimate Stepping Stone to Secondhand Shopping Success (coming soon) is beginner-friendly, budget-approved, and full of hidden gems.

And to avoid the classic “Why did I buy this?” moment, Thrifter’s Trap: Rookie Thrifting Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid (coming soon) is your built-in safety net.

Slow Decorating Creates a Home That’s Uniquely Yours

My style doesn’t resonate with everyone—and that’s exactly why I love it. This gallery wall reflects the beauty of decorating for you, not the masses.

At the end of the day, slow decorating isn’t just about what fills your space—it’s about how your space makes you feel. When you step back and curate intentionally, you’re not just assembling a collection of furniture and decor—you’re building a home that tells a story.

Each thrifted find, each carefully chosen piece, adds to the layers of personality and charm that fast decor simply can’t replicate. And the best part? The journey never truly ends. A home built over time is a home that continues to evolve, reflecting not just trends, but the person living inside it.

And speaking of adding unexpected charm—why stop at the living spaces? The bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to styling, but with a little creativity, it can be just as elegant and curated as the rest of your home. One of my favorite ways to elevate bathroom decor? Vintage glassware.

From repurposed apothecary jars to delicate crystal catch-alls, thrifted glassware is the perfect blend of functional and beautiful. If you’re ready to bring that same collected charm into your bathroom, check out Elegant & Unexpected: How to Use Vintage Glassware in Your Bathroom (coming soon) for styling inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

I’d love to hear about your slow decorating journey! Do you have a thrifted piece that took forever to find but was totally worth the wait? Or a room that evolved over time into something you love? Drop a comment and let’s swap stories—I can’t wait to hear what you’ve curated!