A Thrift Store-y (or, why to trust your gut when thrift shopping)

If you are a thrifter or upcycler or budget shopper, no doubt you have had this happen to you: you go into the store and find a piece that is great. Great bones, great color, all great. And you consider buying it.

thrift store table - a story of thrifting at thediybungalow.com

But you aren’t sure…so you walk away.

And you find some other gems…

red chairs at thrift store

Lovely. But you don’t need them.

ugly shade at thrift store

Um, no.

Still thinking about that table, but moving along.

catcher in the rye at the thrift store

I have a soft spot for old books.

Anyway, you leave without buying anything.

But still wondering if you should have bought the table.

Did I mention it was $12.99?

$12.99.

And then you start kicking yourself, realizing that you should have just bought the table.

And the thrift store is now closed.

Rats.

Usually, the way this story ends is that I run to the thrift store the next day to find that the item I wanted is gone. Gone to someone smarter than I was.

But yesterday, the thrifting gods smiled on me!  The table was still there! Woo hoo!

And now, it’s in my garage. Waiting for some love and paint (or stain).

thrift store table now in the garage at thediybungalow.com

Along with a wood tray I got on my second trip, for a mere $3.

I love thrift store shopping! How about you? Are you a grab-it-while-you-can shopper or a wait-and-see shopper? Share your stories in the comments!

7 responses to “A Thrift Store-y (or, why to trust your gut when thrift shopping)”

  1. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage Avatar

    Ah, the one that almost got away!
    Kelly

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  2. debbiedoos Avatar

    Awesome! I do that all the time:)

    Like

  3. Sharon Avatar

    Sometimes walking away justifies the right to ownership; if it’s meant to be it will be.
    Congrats on a great find! Now get to work!! 😉

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  4. Sherry Avatar

    Ooh! Glad you were able to snag it the 2nd time! I saw your post on facebook and I was thinking “go back”. I love pieces like this…so much possibility!

    Like

  5. gina Avatar
    gina

    It appears to be a desk actually…..notice the bottom rail is only on three sides, leaving one side for a chair….and on that same open side it appears that a drawer might have been there. This is a very cute piece…so many possibilities.

    Like

  6. Teri Avatar
    1. Karen Cooper Avatar
      Karen Cooper

      Nice! Thanks, Teri!

      Like

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I’m Karen

I’m a recovering lawyer. Join me on my DIY and organizing adventures!