Transforming yard sale finds: 12 creative hacks we love

Looking for a family project? Load up the brood and check out local garage sales and flea markets for unique treasures to overhaul. 

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Keep an eye out for gallon jugs. Similar on-trend lamps of the same style cost upwards of $40-plus in store but are fairly simple to recreate. Grab a lampshade and lamp kit from the local hardware store to make this cottage-style DIY a reality. 

Get the instructions here: The Inspired Room

This is the perfect way to repurpose those beautiful old bureaus that are missing a drawer or two! Make a console table to store toys or a pretty dresser for an expanding wardrobe. 

Get the instructions here: Liz Marie Blog

Simply painting an old dresser can give it a whole new life. We're loving this herringbone detail. Other popular patterns to try are chevron and ombre. 

Get the instructions here: Howdy Honey

You can see them on garage-sale tables from a mile away: those gaudy brass lamps that everyone's grandma favoured in the '60s and '70s. The good news is you can easily revamp old lamps with a can of spray paint. 

Get the instructions here: Evolution of Style

Look for old board games to create these easy-to-make Scrabble magnets. They're not only cute, but they're also a great way to encourage spelling and reading. 

Get the instructions here: From North to South

Grab that old canvas with dated depictions of landscapes and animals next time you see one! This simple wall decor is a fun and easy project for the entire family. Select a quote you love and head over to the dollar or craft store to pick up stick-on letters and paint. Once dry, have the kids help to gently peel away the stickers, revealing your awesome family mantra. 

Get the instructions here: A Beautiful Mess

Vintage wooden chairs aren't hard to find. Whether you need a new seat for the dining room, your child's workstation or simply as a conversation piece in the corner—get creative with paint. We love this two-tone chair and are also fond of the dipped look.

Get the instructions here: Casa De Lewis

Take a look at these helpful painting tips from Camp Clean for additional inspiration.

Perfect for rocking your new babe to sleep and adding a pop of colour to the nursery, this DIY hack is not for the faint of heart. If you're handy (or have a partner who is), try scoping out a functioning—albeit unattractive—gliding rocker (make sure it's safe and can support your weight first) then head to the fabric store and pick out a pattern or colour suits you best. 

Get the instructions here: Rock Paper Scissors Graphics

Parents take note! This adorbs table could be used in an entryway, as an end table or beside a bed. The retro design is not only visually appealing, it doubles as storage for your little one's trinkets. 

Our tutorial is in Dutch, but detailed photos outline the step-by-step instructions for this nifty overhaul.

Get the instructions here: Woon Blog

Who said that functionality couldn't be stylish? Perfect for a rambunctious toddler, the soft corners of this clever hack will cushion head bumps and protect toddling little ones as they navigate around. Plus it's just pretty.

Get the instructions here: Love, Pomegranate House

Scour local yard sales for an old coffee table and freshen it up with a coat of chalkboard paint (available at most hardware and department stores). Perfect for independent play—create a zooming car track or doodle away a rainy afternoon. 

Get the instructions here: IHeart Organizing

Feeling ambitious? Try your hand at this kitsch kitchen. The one in the photo was made using an old TV stand, paint, fabric and a big dose of creativity. Change up the paint colours and fabric to create a modern abode or rockin' diner look. 

Get the instructions here: Narrating Life

Home hacks: 13 easy DIY projects>
Sometimes, the home decor we love in stores is just a little out of our price range. Here are some smart home hacks that even kids can help with.