Thrift Store Finds in Destin: Secondhand Treasures and Upcycle Ideas

If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you may have seen that Katie B and I spent a day thrift store hunting while we were in Destin last week. Thrift shopping has become a fun tradition for us—part treasure hunt, part creative inspiration. We didn’t film this trip, but we took plenty of photos. Below are the highlights and ideas for how these secondhand pieces could be refreshed or repurposed.

My favorite discovery were two woven twin-sized headboards priced at $29 each. I regretted not bringing them home. Imagine them painted white, a soft blue, or even a bold red—these headboards have a nearly quatrefoil shape when paired with a bed and would make a striking statement on a kids’ daybed or guest room mattress. They were too large for our car and not a perfect fit for our daybeds, but they were definitely the ones that got away.

I also liked a wicker-based side table whose glass top had a rounded-square shape. Swap the glass for a large round wooden top and paint the base a deep charcoal or glossy white for a textured, modern pedestal table.

Two ornate frames priced at $2.99 each caught my eye. They were quite gilded, but a coat of paint—white, black, yellow, or emerald—plus some fabric inserts would make them great for a gallery wall. You could also paint the small figurines inside and use them as quirky accents, or remove them and let patterned fabric be the focal point.

A leggy wooden side table was listed at $29. It’s solid wood, so sanding and refinishing, staining, or painting are all options. Use it as a bedside table or an end table; tuck a woven basket underneath for extra storage and a layered look.

There were four simple dining chairs priced around $19 each. The current finish was a neutral oatmeal tone, but a coat of glossy white or black paint with a new seat cushion—think ikat or polka dots—would transform them. These seats are easy to remove for spray-painting and reupholstery, which makes the update quick and budget-friendly.

A solid wood three-drawer dresser at $59 offered a lot of potential. Consider stencil work, paint, staining, hand-painted details, or nail-head trim with new hardware. It could be finished as a showpiece in a bedroom or repurposed as a media console. If you prefer a natural look, a rich stain or a weathered finish would also suit the piece.

Another set of four chairs was $15 apiece. The medium wood tones and vibrant cushions were appealing as-is, but easy updates like a paint or stain change and new upholstery—navy velvet or a soft platinum paint—would give them a fresh, sophisticated look.

A small green lamp reminded me of kid-friendly designs and was a great bargain at $6. When buying secondhand lamps, prefer newer-looking models unless you plan to rewire or have them professionally rewired—old wiring can be a safety risk.

Textiles were abundant. Thrifted sheets, duvet covers, and tablecloths are perfect for sewing projects or refreshing a room. Running them through a hot wash or the sanitary cycle (and using bleach if appropriate) will sanitize most fabrics. A high-contrast chevron comforter in queen size was $19—ideal for repurposing into pillows, curtains, or Roman shades.

A twin-sized Ikea duvet was $5.99 and could be used as-is or cut up for craft projects like holiday table runners and napkins. Lace tablecloths were plentiful too—dyed for a modern ombré effect or used as a stencil overlay on a tabletop for a unique pattern.

One irresistible find was a 100% cotton polka dot twin sheet set priced at $7. It reminded me of higher-end retailer styles and came home with me—now it brightens Clara’s daybed. Cotton sheets are often the best thrift buy when you want quality without the brand-new price tag.

I also passed on a charming ceramic duck priced at $1.99—my ceramic animal collection is already large, so I left it for someone else. Don’t overlook books at thrift stores; I found a large, photo-filled volume for $3.99 that would make a beautiful coffee table book or a source of framed images.

In the end I only bought the polka dot sheets, but the thrill of the hunt is the best part of thrift shopping. It’s a great way to find unique pieces, practice upcycling, and add personality to your home without spending a lot. What are you hunting for these days? Any great thrift store finds in your area? Do you go secondhand shopping while on vacation?