Secondhand Home Decor: How You Can Restyle Your Living Room Sustainably
Hey, it's Meg Ann Lee - and if you've been following my "no-buy" in 2025 journey, you know I'm finding new ways to stay creative without buying EVERYTHING new. This week, I'm taking that same mindset into my home - showing how secondhand decor can totally transform your space while saving money and reducing waste.
How I Styled My Living Space with Secondhand Finds
I've been reworking my living room lately and wanted to make it feel fresh for fall, but without adding to the cycle of overconsumption. So, instead of a day full of "girl errands" aka Starbucks, TJmaxx and HomeGoods , I started thrifting - and ended up finding some amazing pieces that completely changed my space.
One of my favorite updates was taking my secondhand shelving unit (from my mom) and turning it from vertical to horizontal. Simple, I know, but it instantly changed the flow of the room and made the space feel intentional - without spending a dime.
Then, during a quick Savers trip, I scored a black woven basket and two wicker wine racks that now holds wine, books, and even candles. I thrifted these spooky prints and then framed them for some wall décor. The best part? Each one of these items I thrifted cost me less than a latte! No, seriously, because why is my Caribou order almost $9!?
And my favorite piece yet - a large mirror I received secondhand from a friend that had no frame. I had it custom framed by a local carpenter, and now it's like a one-of-a-kind piece that ties my whole beauty room together while supporting a local business!
Why Secondhand Decor Works
What I love about secondhand home decor is that it's not just affordable - it's abundant. There are already so many beautiful, high-quality items that exist in the world. Instead of buying new, we can reuse, reimagine, and restyle what's already out there.
Shopping secondhand also supports circular consumption - meaning fewer resources are used to create new products and less waste ends up in landfills. Plus, you often find things that feel more personal and unique than anything mass-produced.
Every time I thrift something, I feel like I'm giving it a second life - and that's what sustainable living is really about.
Inspiration for Your Own Home Refresh
If you're looking to update your space, try starting small. Rearrange what you already have. Swap decor with a friend. Browse secondhand sites like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local estate sales and thrift shops.
You don't need to buy new to make your space feel new. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and a reminder that style doesn't have to come with a full shopping cart and maxed out credit card.
This "Secondhand Home Decor" project reminded me how fulfilling it is to create something beautiful from what already exists. The world doesn't need more "stuff" - it needs more people who see potential in what's already here.
And honestly? My house is starting to feel more and more like me <3