THE THRIFTING ADVENTURE THAT EARNED ME THE TITLE "QUEEN OF THRIFT" (self acclaimed) :)

Two years ago when were preparing to build our new home, I set out on a mission to find GOOD,cheap light fixtures. Since I live with my electrician, I knew that I could get them installed without a fee :) I'm still blown away at what I found! The photos say it all!.....well.....almost. We did have to do a little refurbishing & repairing. I think you will agree that this was a successful mission!

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We were in Huntsville, AL and stopped in at the Thrift Mart, & there it was...calling my name! It is a Miranda Feiss & is very large, 30"w.x 26" h. $85! Not a fla...
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A week later, was in Thrift Mart & found this Miranda Feiss! $35! One arm had a clean break & a few crystals were missing. My husband sautered the arm, boug...
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While @ Habitat Store found this old, dirty candleabra for my sitting room. $10! It was green & some arms bent, & had to be rewired. I repainted it and called in my elect...
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Another Habitat Store find! $20! It needed some minor repairs & had to be rewired. Am I not lucky that I live with my electrician? :) Looks great in the tub area of...
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This, too, came from Habitat Store. $10. I cleaned it up & repainted it a metallic bronze. It is hanging in our master bath.
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I found two of these at a local Goodwill store. $5 each. They were a brass color (cheap metal) but after I painted them with the metallic bronze, they looked nice....
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I found most of the vanity globes at various thrift stores for $1 each. This one and the one in the previous photo are in the vanity area of our Jack & Jill bath.
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This vanity light is in our half bath near the kitchen & master suite. It was also a brassy color and I used the rustic texture spray paint on it. It also came from the T...

11 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Did you find all of these at thrift stores?

on Oct 13, 2012 · Like 0
Pat aka Queen of Thrift Scottsboro, AL

I did, Steve. Click on the photos to see what I paid for them. "Dirt Cheap"! I researched the Miranda Feiss (first two photos), and found one very similar to the 6 arm chandelier. The retail price on it was over $800.00.

on Oct 13, 2012 · Like 0
Jamala W Whitmire, SC

These are all beautiful... I need to go shop with you..

on Oct 13, 2012 · Like 0
Pat aka Queen of Thrift Scottsboro, AL

Thanks, Jamala. That would be fun!

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

Not only did you save money, but you've added character to each room that no one else will be able to duplicate.

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

Wow Pat. Either you are very lucky or have the best thrift type stores in your area. I absolutely love the Miranda Feiss fixtures.

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 0
Pat aka Queen of Thrift Scottsboro, AL

Thanks Becky H and Becky. I love things for my home that have that certain character & I find great satisfaction in knowing that I can "design on a dime" and accomplish it with nice finds. We have some good thrift stores in Huntsville which is about 45 min. from my house. If you frequent these kind of store you know that you have to go often to score the good items! I think that my Miranda Feiss fixtures were a once in a lifetime find, and I happened to be at the right place at the right time.

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 1
Denise aka Nise Doylestown, PA

impressive and inspirational!

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 0
Pat aka Queen of Thrift Scottsboro, AL

Thanks Denise. If you are not a thrift store shopper this might inspire you to start, but....I must warn you.....it is very addictive!

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 1
Melissa K Blythewood, SC

I LOVE refurbished! I found some light fixtures at Goodwill...Not this elaborate, but like bathroom fixtures that hang over a mirror. The are now hanging in my laundry room over the glass shelving over the washer and dryer. People always have great comments about them, like yours. Have to admit that you are officially the "Queen of Thrift" and beauty when it comes to this project!

on Oct 14, 2012 · Like 1
Pat aka Queen of Thrift Scottsboro, AL

I love refurbished, too Melissa. There is an old saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned". Pennies are considered worthless now, but I disagree! I have a wine jug (a thrift store find) that I save pennies & dimes in. I call it my "tip" jar! Thanks for the compliment. I will enjoy being "Queen for a day"!
on Oct 15, 2012 · Like 0