Thrifted and Styled: Shelving Your ReStore Finds

May 28, 2025

By Sarah Ramberg

We all know that the Charlotte Region ReStores are a phenomenal source for all things home décor. But unless you’re a trained interior designer, it can be daunting to style all your thrifted treasures in an artful, eye-pleasing way. And while my own personal style may be more eclectic than traditional, I thought it’d be fun to talk about my process for displaying the pieces I find at the ReStores. So, let’s focus on curating items from the Charlotte Region ReStores for a bookshelf or other set of display shelves.

Houseware Sections to Visit

When it comes to styling a bookshelf, these are my favorite sections and aisles of the ReStores to look in.

Baskets

Baskets are very trendy these days, no matter what kind of home décor style you favor. But they’re especially ideal for styling on bookshelves. They’re (1) inexpensive, (2) lightweight and perfect for high shelves, and (3) fillable.

Glass Light Shades

This may seem like a quirky choice but remember- my style is eclectic. I’ve found a lot of unusual glass light globes/shades over the years, and they are a very affordable way to add unusual shapes and patterns to your décor. Hint- don’t snooze on the Pineville and Mooresville stores when it comes to these kinds of shades! I’ve found some great ones at both locations.

Books

Coffee table books, decorating books, and gardening books are all ideal for adding to your shelf décor. Not only are they large and stack well, but they often have colorful covers. Make sure you peek under dust jackets, too- sometimes the books themselves are a gorgeous color underneath that glossy paper!

Planters/Pottery

Houseplants and pottery/stoneware are another very popular trend in home décor right now. I absolutely love hunting for pottery at all the ReStores and have had exceptional luck at the Cornelius location, in particular.

Glassware

Glassware from the Charlotte Region ReStores is another affordable way to add light and color to your shelves. From colorful bottles to eye-catching vases, the selection of glass is always impressive. And remember, there are lots of ways to paint glassware, too- giving you even more options.

Shelf Styling Tips

Now that you know my favorite spots inside the ReStores to hunt for shelf décor, here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop.

Color
Don’t let color be the sole guiding force while thrifting. Instead, focus on a mood or theme for your look. Do you want light and breezy? Bright and cheerful? Or warm and cozy? Focusing on a mood instead of a specific color gives you more options (and color families) as you shop.

Varying Heights
Curating items of different heights will help fill up your shelves in an aesthetically pleasing way. And remember, a small stack of books is a great foundation for displaying a bowl or piece of pottery on top.

Adding Texture
Smooth glass, books, and metal are all great materials for your displays- but can come across a little “flat” by themselves. This is where pottery, baskets, and cut/pressed glass can help by adding more dimension to your décor.

Maximalism/Minimalism Middle Ground
Deciding how full you want your shelves to look is definitely a personal preference. But you can’t go wrong by seeking a middle ground between stuffed and sparce. Things like wall color behind your shelf may also play a role in how full (or not full!) you want your space to look.