Thrift Store Box Makeover with a Classic Look

Use the slider below to see the before and after!

I find the thrift store hunt thrilling. There is nothing like finding that perfect treasure that you can incorporate into your home as is or turn into fun DIY projects. 

Breathing new life into a thrift store find is not only easy on the budget, but great for the environment. 

The projects that I opt to do usually require just a little paint and elbow grease. 

​Boxes are one of these items that I always pick up. You can get creative with them or go simple. 

This box was a project from my early years of blogging when everything vintage farmhouse was in vogue. 

I used to use this a lot when the kids were young and I had a chalkboard menu board. Fast forward a few years, and we are an empty nest. 

The box shape is great, but my style leans more classic. 

My style has come a long way in recent years. More on that later, but in this world of blogging, I no longer create and decorate to the “in” look of the moment. It's all about classic decor that stands the test of time. 

I knew that an update was necessary for me to get this box in use again. 

Thrift Store Box Makeover with a Classic Look

Keep reading below to see how you can change the look of your decor with paint and a hardware change. Simple is key for me these days. 

Look for Boxes

• garage sale
• thrift store
• vintage shop
• consignment shop
• antique shop
• attic
• family member cleaning out their home
• craft store
• home interior shop
• dollar store

Box Finishing Ideas

• chalk paint
• stencil
• spray paint
• interior paint
• decoupage
• free-hand paint design
• new hardware

Supplies Used

• decorative storage boxes
• gold hardware
• orbital sander
• sandpaper
• rag
• dropcloth
• risers
• paint brush
• foam brush
• paint
• Kilz
• sealer
• wood filler
• NeverDull if the hardware needs a polish

How-To

Clean the box. I just used some cleaning wipes. Let it dry thoroughly.

My previous box was stenciled. You can see the previous makeover HERE. When you stencil something, the paint becomes raised. You have to sand down the raised portion or you will see it when you paint over it. 

I used my favorite orbital sander. It has been a workhorse for many years from small projects to larger furniture pieces. 

The sander bit the dust during this project. As a result, the interior of the box will have to be a part two. I did not have enough elbow grease in me to sand back the decoupage by hand. 

My husband had used it the day before to sand down the top of a door that was sticking. He noted that it wasn't working well. He threw it away per my instructions, but I dug it out of the trash to try to get a quick use of sanding off the stencil. It worked, but not after smelling like the motor had burned up. I will be ordering the same sander or possibly the battery-operated one. It is that good!

Wipe the box down of all dust with a damp rag. Luckily, the box is in good shape. 

I wanted to use what I had on hand. Sadly I wanted to paint the box the color of our bedroom walls, Ashwood by Benjamin Moore. What was left was all dried up. 

We recently had 3rd car garage repainted in Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore. It's a warm grayish-white and very pretty. I used it instead. 

First, I primed the box with 3 coats of Kilz. I wanted to ensure coverage and no bleedthrough since the original wool had a very red tint. 

After I primed, I used wood filler to fill any holes of glaring imperfections. Sand smooth after it has hardened and cured. 

I then painted 2 coats with the exterior Balboa Mist. I wasn't going for a distressed look this time around. I wanted a clean, classic look for the small project. 

I could not have completed this project without help from Big Jack!

I let it dry overnight. The next morning, I sealed the paint with sealer. I was out of my favorite sealer so used what I had on hand. 

I applied 2 coats of sealer with a foam brush. 

Next, I marked the center of the box and drilled a hole for new hardware. 

It is amazing how you can get a new look with this easy project with a paint color change and new hardware. II really like the simplistic look.

Shop my Chinoiserie Spheres

The hardware was a 2-pack, so I will have to find new wood pieces for my next project!

Gift Idea: Thrift store boxes make great DIY projects for gift giving! 

Box Uses

• men's valets
• jewelry box
• greeting card storage
• remote controls
• bedside storage
• coupons
• junk drawer storage
• desk supplies
• small electronic cord storage

I hope you are inspired to shop or look at your home for a box in great shape that you can give a new, classic look.