Why Paint Chips On Your Thrifted Wall Decor Shouldn't Scare You Off

Easy and creative rustic wall decor ideas don't have to cost a fortune. Between dollar store DIYs, scouring Pinterest for upcycling hacks, and thrift store finds, the options for cheap yet cheerful walls are nearly endless. Of these choices, many people find securing preloved wall hangings they actually want to take home quite the task. How do you know if a piece is worth the money, especially if it looks shabby? Don't be tempted, however, to shy away from decor with visible paint chips. These beautiful blemishes have a unique time-worn charm and add character to modern spaces.

Chipped finds help you channel any of the many current interior trends that embrace shabby chic. That wall mirror mounted in a nicked, scratched, and cream-hued frame could well be the one thing missing from your cottagecore living room. A time-worn vintage general store sign with paint splatter could be the piece you need to pull together your modern farmhouse kitchen. Far from being artificially distressed in a factory, these pieces ooze with the authenticity of real life wear and tear — something that's central to these design styles. Plus, if you're really lucky, you could end up with a treasure that's more than just trendy, since antiques are most valuable with their original, often chipped patina (painted surface) intact.

Decor pieces most likely to boast paint chips include old metal store signs, wooden shutters, and framed art or mirrors. They can be originally-painted items or ones upcycled long ago. You can find a wide range of pieces in this rustic style. Really, you're only limited by your patience for rummaging and ability to spot something with just the right amount of paint flakes. However, you'll want to leave any paint-chipped decor with large cracks that compromise the structural integrity or, for wood pieces, those with deep gouges that are evidence of insect damage.

Gallery walls are perfect for these less-than-perfect, preloved items. You can use the flaking paint pieces to decorate a large blank wall without making it look cluttered. Try pairing the rustic wall decor with something minimalist for contrast, like a sleek steel wall sconce, an angular houseplant, or a stark white-framed mirror. You can also mix textures — wood with ceramic, fabrics with metal, or wicker with greenery — to add another layer of depth to these painted pieces. Create cohesive arrangements by grouping items together based on material or color. Further, try adding dimensionality with 3D items. For example, hang paint-chipped wooden trays in an array of sizes, colors, and styles above a door or key piece of furniture. If you're really daring, simply hang an enormous, quirky, paint-chipped portrait above your fireplace mantle. The best part about using these cheap thrift store finds is that you can switch them out for another flaking feature when you get bored.