6 Summer Home Decor Finds I Scored at Goodwill (and How I Styled them!)

Our summer home decorating kicked off on the way back from our Newfoundland road trip with a couple of quick stops at Goodwill Northern New England, first in Ellsworth, then in Bangor, Maine.

I didn’t have a shopping list, but I came home with six unexpected summer home decor finds that I couldn’t wait to style. From vintage pitchers and dishware to a charming wicker basket and the perfect farmhouse table runner, these Goodwill treasures helped me refresh both our Maine and Vermont homes with simple seasonal charm.

Come see how I styled each piece— you might find inspiration for your own summer decorating (and thrifting) too.

Why I Love Shopping Goodwill for Summer Decor

Shopping Goodwill Northern New England is one of my favorite ways to refresh our home each season, especially in the summer. It’s budget-friendly, full of surprises, and ideal for seasonal decorating since their inventory often features timely items.

I love finding thrift store treasures that feel one-of-a-kind and mixing them into my evolving summer home style. Whether it’s a vintage runner or a charming ceramic piece, Goodwill decor adds warmth and character without breaking the bank.

☀️ Hello Summer!

Let’s dive into this summer’s home decor finds, and if you missed the first post in this series, you can catch up here: 👉 Thrifted Spring Home Decor Ideas from Goodwill Northern New England.

6 Summer Home Decor Finds I Scored at Goodwill

1. Vintage-Inspired Farmhouse Table Runner with Country Green Charm

What I Found:

I spotted this evergreen farmhouse-style table runner at the Ellsworth Goodwill Northern New England store for just two dollars. The barn, cow, and rooster motifs instantly caught my eye, so classic and country cozy! I’m saving it for our Vermont porch, where I think it’ll be perfect for a winter or holiday tablescape on our vintage wallpaper table.

How I Styled It:

While this vintage-inspired farmhouse table runner is destined for a cozy winter scene on our Vermont porch, I couldn’t resist using it right here in Maine for summer. I laid it across our outdoor teak table, paired with a charming Colonial Homestead Green by Royal dish set I also found at a Goodwill Northern New England this summer.

The soft country green tones were the perfect match for my latest McCoy pitcher, creating an easy summer table setting with fresh, nostalgic charm. This green-and-white theme has been my go-to for summer decorating in Maine, and come fall, this runner will head to Vermont to take center stage in a holiday tablescape layered with candles, crockery, and a few après-ski touches.

2. Vintage 1930s McCoy Green Pitcher – A True Goodwill Treasure

What I Found:

At the Goodwill Northern New England store in Bangor, Maine, I found a stunning 1930s McCoy green pitcher for just $10, a true vintage steal. These usually sell for $79 or more in antique shops, so I was thrilled to spot one in such beautiful condition. I picked up just one (even though there were two!) and I can’t wait to pair it with a ceramic green bowl I have waiting back in Vermont. It’ll also look perfect next to the green farmhouse table runner I found earlier this week—hello, vintage green moment!

Shop Vintage Green Vintage McCoy Pitchers

How I Styled It:

Back at our coastal Maine home, I knew exactly where to place this beautiful vintage McCoy green pitcher—a true Goodwill treasure. I started by styling it on our thrifted wooden table in the country-style kitchen, filling it with fresh pink blooms clipped right from the backyard. Later, I moved it to our dining room table, where it made the perfect summer centerpiece with its rich glaze and timeless charm. There’s just something magical about McCoy pottery—the weight, the color, the history. It’s a perfect example of how a small Goodwill home decor find can make a big impact.

And as you’ll see later in this post, this pitcher didn’t stop there…

3. Vintage Wicker Hamper Basket with Timeless Charm for the Attic Guest Bedroom

What I Found:

This wicker hamper basket was such a fun $6 Goodwill score, just the right size and with that perfectly worn-in look that gives it instant character. It’s the kind of piece you can’t find in big box stores anymore. The natural patina and sturdy shape make it feel one-of-a-kind, and I knew immediately it would be ideal for our newly wallpapered attic guest bedrooms.

How I Styled It:

This vintage wicker hamper is now part of an attic guest bedroom, which I’m redesigning as a summer project after adding fresh new wallpaper. For now, it sits beside an antique luggage rack that holds guest towels and a vintage blow dryer, adding both charm and function to the space. I may give it a little refresh later this summer, maybe with a leather belt accent like in this DIY project, so stay tuned for that!

Explore several other thrifted finds I found for this summer bedroom makeover in the post 7 Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Start a Charming Guest Bedroom Makeover.

More Ways to Decorate with Baskets in Your Home

Looking for even more charming ways to decorate with baskets? Whether you’re styling a guest bedroom, organizing your entryway, or creating a cozy cottage corner, vintage and thrifted baskets are one of the easiest ways to add texture, warmth, and functionality to your space. Here are a few of my favorite basket decorating ideas from past projects to inspire your own Goodwill finds.

4. Vintage Wire Tennis Ball Hopper Styled with Coastal Sports Charm

What I Found:

At the Goodwill Northern New England in Portsmouth, I scored a vintage wire tennis ball hopper, you know, the kind you press down on to collect balls from the court. It was just $5 and came with a sporty, retro flair I couldn’t resist. I even grabbed a few used tennis balls to go with it, because why not go all in on the nostalgia?

Shop Tennis Ball Hoppers

How I Styled It:

I brought it into one of our coastal guest bedrooms and filled it with bright yellow tennis balls from the local hardware store, and for a pop of summer color, I tied a red bow to the handles. It now sits next to a basket of my dad’s old wooden tennis rackets, which I’ve had for years, along with his vintage vanity license plate that reads 10SNE1. You can see how I styled those in this License Plate Decor Ideas: Two Easy DIY Projects Using Vintage Vanity Plates post. It’s a personal, playful nod to summer and a sweet way to honor those family memories.

Explore more sporty summer decor finds ideas in this Vintage Tennis Racket Decor Ideas with Patriotic Style for Summer Holidays post.

5. Colonial Homestead Green by Royal Dish Set, A Classic Thrifted Tabletop Find

What I Found:

While thrifting at the Goodwill Northern New England in Portsmouth, I spotted two full sets of Colonial Homestead Green by Royal sitting proudly on the shelf, an iconic vintage dish pattern that’s beloved by collectors and full of old-world charm. The entire collection was priced at $125, but there were multiples of everything, including five salt and pepper shakers and more bowls than I’d ever need! I asked the staff if they’d consider separating it, and they happily did. I walked away with a curated set of four place settings for just $25, an amazing deal for a timeless dishware collection I’ve always admired.

Shop Colonial Homestead Green by Royal Dish Sets

How I Styled It:

To showcase this classic green and white Royal China dish set, I created a simple help-yourself summer cookout setup on our outdoor teak table. I paired the vintage dishware with the McCoy green pitcher filled with fresh pink blooms, layered over the farmhouse-style country table runner that ties everything together. A vintage-inspired oil lantern added the perfect glow, and the cedar shake backdrop of our Maine home gave this tablescape its relaxed charm. With a soft green and white palette, it was a casually elegant outdoor moment that felt both timeless and welcoming, just right for summer entertaining.

6. Vintage Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid, A Sweet Summer Entertaining Find

I’ve had my eye on a vintage glass cake stand with a dome lid for years, but I could never justify the price, until now. I spotted this beauty for just $10 at Goodwill Northern New England, and it was too good to pass up! It’s large, in excellent condition, and has that timeless charm I love for summer entertaining.

Shop Cake Stands with Domes

How I Styled It:

I styled this vintage glass cake stand with a dome lid on our antique sideboard in the dining room of our Maine home, where it instantly added warmth and charm. Inside, I placed one of Everything Dawn’s Faux Berry Mousseline Torte’s, in the prettiest shades of pink and white. I love how the glass dome keeps it protected while still letting the piece shine. It’s a sweet summer entertaining find that’s as functional as it is beautiful, perfect for showcasing real baked goods, too. We can easily bring it outdoors for gatherings on the teak table or keep it inside as a centerpiece all season long. Not bad for a $10 Goodwill score!

Love Faux Bakery Decor? Learn More Here!

If you’re as charmed by faux desserts as I am, you’ll love these fun ideas for decorating with realistic-looking bakery treats. From a pink-and-white faux tarte cake to a perfectly styled faux pecan pie, these pieces add a sweet vintage touch to any kitchen or dining room. Tap below to see how I’ve styled them in different spaces!

Decorating with Thrift Store Finds for Budget-Friendly Summer Style

It’s amazing how just a few thrifted summer home decor finds can completely refresh your home’s summer vibe, without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a vintage glass cake stand styled with a faux bakery treat, a quirky tennis ball hopper turned decor, or a new set of timeless dishes for your alfresco dining table, second-hand summer decorating ideas are truly endless.

I love keeping a list of all the Goodwill Northern New England stores handy when I’m traveling, and I always make time to pop into a few along the way. These stores are like treasure troves, big, well-stocked, and full of personality. You never know what you’re going to find, and that’s half the fun.

👉 Planning your own summer thrifting adventure?
Check out this handy map of Goodwill Northern New England locations I created, featuring all my favorite stops in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Perfect for planning your next second-hand shopping spree!

And with everything from wicker hampers to collectible dishware, it’s easier than ever to create a layered, budget-friendly summer home style that feels both personal and polished. For more warm-weather styling ideas, be sure to check out my related seasonal decorating posts:

My Favorite Goodwill Stores in Maine and New Hampshire This Summer

As part of this summer’s thrift store treasure hunt, I visited several Goodwill Northern New England stores across Maine and New Hampshire. While every store has its own charm, some truly stood out for their selection, layout, and overall thrifting experience. Here are a few of my favorite Goodwill locations from this trip:

Top Goodwill Northern New England Stores I Visited This Summer:

  •    Goodwill, Portsmouth, New Hampshire – My top pick this season! Always well-stocked, well-organized, and it’s in a tax-free state, which makes it even better. Plus, it’s close to home and a go-to when I need a quick vintage fix. Get Directions
    •    Goodwill, Ellsworth, Maine – A fun stop if you’re heading toward Bar Harbor. Lots of turnover and tucked-away gems, especially in home goods. Get Directions
    •    Goodwill, Bangor, Maine – A spacious layout with lots of shelves to browse. Great for budget-friendly furniture and kitchenware. Get Directions

Final Thoughts on Thrifting Summer Home Decor at Goodwill Northern New England

I hope this post gives you some fun and affordable inspiration for styling your own summer home with vintage and secondhand charm. Keep your eyes open the next time you’re out thrifting, especially at Goodwill Northern New England. You truly never know what you might find. Their stores are thoughtfully curated, well-organized, and often full of hidden gems that go far beyond the everyday Goodwill experience. Be sure to check out your local location to plan your own summer treasure hunt!

Have you found any fun summer home decor treasures while thrifting lately?
I’d love to hear what you’ve styled this season—leave a comment or tag me on Instagram!

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