Recently while walking my dog, I came across some awesome garage sale finds in my neighborhood. Isn’t that when it usually happens? I didn’t even have cash on me. Empty pockets! I had to do some fast shopping and some heavy pleading that I was legit and only lived a mile down the road and most certainly would be back to pick up my haul with cash in hand. On this day, I was fortunate, and the sweet elderly lady saved all the items away for me.
You better believe I was two-stepping it in double time to get home and grab the Jeep. By the time I got home. Both our tongues (me and my dog) were hanging out.
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7 Garage Sale Finds That I Won’t Pass Up Ever!
I can’t explain it when it comes to garage sales, but it’s like a lightbulb that goes off in my head. My mind instantly goes into decorating and repurposing mode. And because I love vintage and anything farmhouse-related, I can usually find a way to incorporate or recreate almost anything into my home decor style. Today I’m sharing 7 categories that I look for when I want to add budget-friendly decor with garage sale finds.
#1 Vintage Books
Books! It’s my go-to item for decorating with garage sale finds. I scored these vintage cookbooks for fifty cents each. Half of a Dolla Dolla bill y’all! If you can find hardback books for .50 cents, grab them all.
CLICK HERE to learn 9 charming ways to decorate with books in your home.
#2 Wooden Decor Items
If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how I love DIY wooden churches. You can call it a church decor fetish if you will, but this one came home with me for $1! I know!!! I’m not sure if I will paint it or not. What do you think I should do to this amazing find? Check out the details!
It was insane how cheap everything was at this garage sale. Hang on… there’s more to come.
#3 Tool Boxes | Metal Garage Sale Finds
Here are some other great garage sale finds… vintage metal toolboxes. Or any metal containers you can use as a tray. I find these all the time, and sometimes they are full of tools. BONUS! $!
I love decorating my patio table, and these make cute trays to display all kinds of fun decor. Use them indoors or outdoors. I added some moss rocks, a wooded tag, and a cute vase with a yard flower. Endless ideas, and I can change the decor every day if I want. We creatives love a change-out!
#4 Cute Signs
I’m a sucker for a cute sign at a garage sale. I found this Hobby Lobby sign that still had the price tag on the back for $29.96. No way!
I PAID $1!
#5 Antique Decor | Garage Sale Finds
Now this garage sale find was a total surprise. I knew it was old and possibly an antique. It was priced at $1, so it was definitely coming home with me.
Later that day, I discovered it was a wooden printer’s tray. I’m not much of a nicknack/whatnot collector, but I think it makes perfect sense to display it on this side table. And I added a few books with a glass hobnail vase I found at a thrift store.
#6 Vintage Wood Furniture
And always keep your eyes open for vintage wood furniture at a garage sale. This garage sale finds side table was $20 and is made of hickory wood, and it was super heavy. Those hand-carved details grabbed my attention. Even if it needs repairs, most can be fixed!
CLICK HERE to see how it looks now with its raw wood ombre finish.
#7 Vintage Quilts!
This doesn’t happen very often, but more than you would think. A vintage quilt in any condition is a good find, and a great way to add that country farmhouse feel to your home. I hit the MOTHER LOAD on this one. Not only was it in mint condition, but it was also hand sewn. That’s unheard of these days! All that love in every stitch.
I love decorating with these vintage quilts. You can stack them in a wood chair, drape them over your bed, hang them from a wall, or simply curl up in a comfy chair with them. There is no right or wrong way to display these amazing works of art.
Being from a family of quilters (Mom and Grandma), I know the value of these quilts. Let’s say I have a few, but I don’t think you can ever have too many of these timeless treasures. Hand-sewn quilt sells anywhere from $300 to $500 in my area.
I tried not to look too excited for fear she would change her mind about this garage sale find. Wait for it… $25! I assured her that I would take good care of it. We chatted for a while about quilting, and I could see in her eyes how proud she was of her work.
And that amazing linen-covered wingback chair… I picked it up at another garage sale for $40!
Happiness Is Decorating With Garage Sale Finds
As I drove away with my garage sale finds, my only thought was that I was proud that my Mother and Grandmother taught me the art of thrifting. Yesterday’s treasures are today’s memories, and it gives me great pleasure to know that these items have stood the test of time.
Thanks for joining me today, and I would love to hear about the best garage sale find that you scored. Let me know in the comment section below, and as always, I love hearing from you. You are my kind of people!
Until the next project… xo, Do
Hey Donna! What a great haul! I would not paint the church. It’s just too pretty. I too look for metal boxes. That quilt is beautiful. Score!!
Hey Cheryl! So good to hear from you. Aren’t the metal boxes fun? As far as the quilt, I’m pretty sure I’ll never find another like it. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime find, and I’m blessed to have a little piece of that sweet lady’s life. 🙂
This is amazing! But the quilt… my favorite!
Yes, Toia! I showed it to my Mom this weekend and she was shocked too. I’ll cherish it always. 🙂
All great finds but you really scored with the wooden church and the quilt. I love that the quilt went to someone who will appreciate and care for it. Hand sewn quilts require such time and dedication that they should definitely be cherished!
I agree! I showed it to my Mom this weekend, and she was shocked too. My quilts are some of my most prized possessions. I’ve made a few, and I appreciate all the love and time that goes into making one. Not to mention the creativity. So much respect for these people. 🙂
Love, the wooden church it would look cute painted white and displayed with a family bible. Way to go on the quilt to $25 wow! Most are not hand sewn now, lucky for me my mother in law quilts and has gifted our family with some!😊
Great idea with the family bible, Holly! The little church I grew up in was painted white. That’s a precious gift from your mother-in-law. 🙂
Those printer boxes work fabulously to hold spools of thread for quilters and others who sew. Cup hooks on bottom stow scissors and the like.
Thanks for the creative idea, Susan! I have a lot of my Grandmother’s wood spools. I think those would look neat. 🙂 xo
Love all your finds, especially the wooden church. I’d just leave it as is. It’s pretty wood. That table is very sweet, too. I’ve learned that I find the neatest things at sales when I”m not even planning to go garage saling. I just stumble on a sale like you did & get some treasures.
Yes! You’re right about that. It’s the unexpected times when I find the greatest treasures too. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 xo
Wooden printers trays are a treasure and usually expensive. I would see them for $30! I got a large one for around 10… you got a steal… on everything!
Thanks, Donna! I knew that printer’s tray was a great find. I’m so glad I grabbed it. 🙂 Have a beautiful day.
In reference to the wooden church I would say paint it white and distress it, u know how u do!! U have the knack and it shows!! I love going to yard sales it’s amazing the treasures u can find!!
Thank you, Ms. Donna. It’s been sitting in a corner like a lot of what I find. For sure and certain, one day, it will get the makeover it deserves. Thanks for sharing that with me. 🙂 xo
Hi Do! I have sold printers trays in my booth for up to $40. That was an amazing find! I love old books. You wonder how some are still around they are so old. All great finds.
Hey Cheryl!
Thanks for letting me know. So many wonderful things at those sales. You never know when you’ll hit the jackpot. Have a great week. 🙂 xo