Why The Thrift Store Is The Best Place For Bamboo Furniture (And How To Make It Your Own)

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Bamboo furniture dates back to the Song Dynasty in China, as early as 960 B.C. The fast-growing, sustainable grass is used to make bamboo products of all types. Bamboo furnishings range from simple light fixtures to elaborate cabinets. Unlike traditional wooden furniture, bamboo is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and transport — and therefore easy to drop off at the local thrift store. While prices for new and antique bamboo furniture can leave you reeling with sticker shock, you can snap them up at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost.

With its storied history, you can find bamboo pieces in every style imaginable, including breezy coastal outdoor dining sets and Edwardian dressers. However, thrift store finds are often a little worse for wear, sporting scratches, tears, and broken elements. You can restore bamboo back to its natural finish using Australian Timber Oil, tung oil, or any polyurethane.

The refinishing process is simple enough to tackle in an afternoon. Start by cleaning it well to get rid of any accumulated dust and debris. You can use a dry brush to get into all of the cracks and crevices and a damp cloth to wipe away the grime. Then sand down the entire piece with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe it down again to eliminate the sanding dust, and apply a thin, even coat of oil in the direction of the grain. Let the oil or polyurethane dry for 24 hours and reapply as necessary. If you're working with a painted piece — or you want to change the color to make it your own — you can finish it off with a primer and your color of choice instead of oil.

Few things are more satisfying than making a DIY thrift flip your own. Thrifted bamboo furniture can work with any style from over-the-top boho maximalist decor to refined and stately traditionalism. For a lush, tropical vibe, style a natural-colored shelf with wild, trailing greenery such as pothos. Bring in a pop of color with metallic or brightly painted accessories. This style works especially well in outdoor spaces, but it can add an earthy flair to casual indoor areas, too.

In keeping with its royal history, bamboo can also add elegance to any room. If you're lucky enough to find a vintage chinoiserie piece — marked by dark finishes and elaborate designs — it will seamlessly blend in with even the most formal decor. Play up the look with symmetrical accent pieces, such as matching lamps on either side of a table in your entryway.

For a look that's still sophisticated but leans more toward the glamorous than the understated, pair a high-gloss paint with an animal print fabric, such as bright teal chairs and zebra print cushions. This look can bring a designer touch to a dining room, making orphan chairs and a mismatched table look stylish and intentional rather than hand-me-down.