Unexpected thrift store finds become charming, one-of-a-kind birdhouses for the garden. It’s creative, a little competitive, and full of budget-friendly fun you won’t want to miss!
This week’s DIY turned into a little friendly competition!
Steph and I hit the thrift stores with one goal in mind: find the most unique second-hand item we could transform into a charming birdhouse for our backyard gardens.
Let’s just say…
things got creative fast.
Scroll down to see what we found and how each piece was turned into a one-of-a-kind birdhouse. . .
👉🏻 Then let us know which one wins for charm and which is the most clever?
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Our Thrift Store Treasures
Our thrift store adventure was half the fun of this project!
I had my eye out for something a little old and worn, something with character that would feel right at home in my backyard garden.
Steph, on the other hand, was on a mission to find something unique that could be turned into a quick and easy win.
When she spotted a wine decanter with a perfectly placed hole, she knew it was the one.
With minimal work, maximum charm, especially with a coat of her favorite paint color she knew this thrifted find was perfect.
Side by side, our finds couldn’t have been more different, but we both saw the same potential: simple, second-hand pieces just waiting to become one-of-a-kind birdhouses.
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Steph’s Clever Decanter Birdhouse
Steph’s clever decanter birdhouse came together thanks to a lucky thrift store find and a clear vision from the start.
She was drawn to the decanter for the whimsical charm it would bring to her backyard, and the fact that it already had a hole and a chain for hanging made it an easy choice for a simple DIY.
From the beginning, she imagined giving it a fresh coat of her favorite color, navy blue to make it more her style, while still letting its unique shape shine.
Supplies Needed:
Steph used the following supplies:
- navy blue paint + primer
- white spray paint
- painters tape
- old spoon
- outdoor silicone for windows and doors
- decanter
Prep for Paint
Before painting, Steph gave the decanter a good clean to remove any dust or residue from its thrift store days.
Once it was dry, she used painter’s tape to carefully mask off the areas she wanted to keep paint-free, making sure those details stayed crisp and clean for the final look.
Paint
Next, she applied two light coats of paint + primer, letting each coat dry according to the directions on the can.
After allowing the navy blue base to dry overnight, she taped off a simple stripe pattern using painter’s tape and applied two more light coats of paint.
While the paint was still wet, she carefully removed the tape to reveal clean, crisp lines.
And for a little extra added protection, she applied a clear coat, so her finish will last for years.
Attach a Perch
To add a perch, Steph got a little creative with an old spoon.
She used a hammer to flatten it out, then grabbed some pliers to bend it into a 90° angle.
Using outdoor silicone, she attached the spoon to the inside of the ice section of the decanter, positioning the handle so it extends outward as the perfect perch.
To keep it in place while the silicone cured, she secured it with a piece of painter’s tape.
Once set, the spoon handle added both function and a fun, unexpected detail to her birdhouse.
Hang and Enjoy
To hang her whimsical wine decanter birdhouse, Steph simply used an “S” hook attached to the chain that originally came with it, easy and perfectly suited for outdoor display.
Before hanging it outside, she made sure to secure the cork in the top with a bit of outdoor silicone so it stays firmly in place.
After allowing it to cure for 24 hours, it’s ready to hang and enjoy in the garden!
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Michelle’s Charming Cottage Garden Canister Birdhouse
For my charming cottage garden canister birdhouse, I was drawn to anything that felt aged, worn, and full of character—something that could naturally blend into the garden and hold up outdoors.
The moment I spotted this red canister, I knew it was the one.
Its weathered finish and rich color had so much charm, I didn’t want to change a thing.
Instead of painting, my plan was simple: add a hole, attach a perch, and come up with a creative way to hang it from my maple tree so it could shine just as it is.
Supplies Needed
Michelle used the following supplies:
- metal hole saw (1 3/4″)
- drapery ring
- old spoon
- outdoor silicone for windows and doors
- chain
- old metal canister
Drill a Hole
The first step was adding a hole to the canister.
Start by deciding where you want the opening, I placed mine about halfway up from the bottom for a balanced look.
Ideally, you’ll want to use a hole saw (mine was 1 3/4″) that’s specifically made for metal.
I thought I had the right one… but after about 20 minutes of struggling, my husband kindly pointed out it was actually meant for wood.
Oops. . .
Since I was already halfway through and didn’t feel like making a store run, I improvised, finishing the hole with a small metal drill bit and then smoothing the edges with a grinding wheel on my Dremel.
It worked, but trust me, using the proper tool from the start would make this step so much easier!
Attach a Ring Around the Hole
To give the hole a more finished look, I dug through my stash of odds and ends and found an old wooden drapery ring and it turned out to be the perfect fit for the opening.
I ran a bead of silicone around the hole, placed the ring right on top, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to set.
It instantly added a charming, cottage-style detail while also helping to clean up the edges.
Attach a Perch
For the perch, I followed Steph’s lead and used a spoon for a fun, unexpected touch.
I started by flattening the spoon with a hammer, then used pliers to bend it into a 90° angle to create the perfect perch shape.
Once it was ready, I attached it to the canister with silicone and secured it in place with a piece of painter’s tape while it cured.
It’s a simple detail that adds both function and a bit of charm to the finished birdhouse.
Prepare to Hang
The final step was figuring out how to hang my birdhouse, and this part took a little creativity.
The lid of my canister was missing its top finial, but when I looked inside, I noticed a nut.
After loosening it, I realized each piece was threaded onto a pipe—jackpot!
I dug through my stash of extra lamp and chandelier parts and found a ring from an old chandelier that threaded on perfectly.
Even better, I had red paint on hand that matched the canister, so I gave the ring two coats before attaching it to the lid.
I briefly considered drilling holes to secure the lid, but decided to keep things simple and ran a bead of silicone around the rim instead.
Once attached, it was ready to hang and enjoy in the garden!
Hang and Enjoy
Once everything was fully set and secure, it was time for the best part, hanging the charming cottage garden birdhouse in my maple tree.
I found the perfect branch where it could sway gently and catch the light.
Then I stepped back to admire how it looked nestled into the garden.
The aged red finish, the little perch, and all those thrifted details suddenly felt right at home in my backyard garden.
I’m enjoying the little bit of whimsy it adds to the garden every single day.
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Tips for Making Thrifted Birdhouses
When it comes to making thrifted birdhouses that are actually functional (and not just decorative), choosing the right base item is key.
Look for materials that can handle the outdoors — metal, ceramic, glass, or sturdy wood—and make sure the size has enough space for real bird activity without being too large or awkward to mount securely.
If you’re hoping for your birdhouse to be lived in by birds, ventilation and drainage are essential, so always include a few small airflow holes and make sure any openings won’t trap water.
Stick with non-toxic, outdoor-safe paints and finishes so it’s safe for your feathered visitors.
And as tempting as some thrift finds can be, avoid anything with sharp edges, flaking coatings, or materials that will break down quickly in the weather — both for durability and bird safety.
More Thrift Store Finds That Can Become Birdhouses
The best part about thrifted birdhouses is that inspiration is truly everywhere — you just have to start seeing everyday objects a little differently.
So next time you’re wandering the aisles of your favorite thrift store, keep an eye out for pieces that could be reimagined into something charming and unexpected.
- Teapots – perfect for whimsical, cottage-style birdhouses
- Lanterns – naturally designed for hanging and full of character
- Old tins or canisters – sturdy and easy to transform
- Wooden boxes – classic, simple, and endlessly versatile
- Vintage kitchenware – adds instant charm and personality
- Baskets – great for texture and a more open, airy look
Now we have to know—what would YOU turn into a birdhouse?
Drop your ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to keep your eyes open while thrifting. . .
your next birdhouse might already be sitting on a shelf waiting to be discovered.
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Final Thoughts
We’re both absolutely thrilled with how our unique birdhouses turned out and love the instant charm they’ve added to our backyard spaces.
This little thrift store challenge ended up being so much fun — from the treasure hunt to seeing how two completely different finds could be transformed in creative ways.
It’s a great reminder that budget-friendly DIY doesn’t have to feel limiting; in fact, it often sparks the most creativity.
👉🏻 Now we’d love to hear from you — drop a comment and let us know which birdhouse is your favorite, and which one you think is the most clever!
We hope you found some inspiration for your backyard today.
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