Thrift Store Updated Key Holder
Creating an updated key holder was my challenge for this month’s thrift store makeover. I was needing a place to store my keys and sunglasses, so when I came across this worn key holder I knew it was begging for a makeover. Here is what I started with.

Nothing too exciting, but I liked the size and I knew with some paint and a cute new font I could transform this thrifted find.
Supplies Needed:
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- a thrift store key holder or one you have on hand
- sandpaper or sander
- paint (I used milk paint)
- paintbrush (I love using cheap foam brushes)
- sharpie paint pen
Fixing the Corners
When I found this thrift store gem I noticed that one of the corners was damaged. You can see that the edge was a little crushed. I debated cutting about 1/2 inch off the top of it, but decided to try to fix the edges using a sander first. I used an electric sander (quicker) but you could just use some sandpaper and your hands to smooth out the corners. I took the sander to the damaged corner and gently rounded the corner to remove the damaged area and smooth it out.

Then I used the sander on the other corner to match the look I created on the other side. Once I got the look I wanted I gave the key holder a good wipe down with a wet paper towel before moving on to painting.
Paint The Key Holder
The finish of my keyholder was a little rough to begin with, but if yours has a slick surface, you might want to give it a light sanding if you aren’t using a chalk paint. Chalk paint will stick to almost any surface. I used a milk paint that I already had on hand. I used it to paint my DIY Milk Paint Wood Lamp a few years ago. It’s a beautiful light blue green tone.

Milk paint is a thinner paint that took a couple coats to cover the black paint I was working with. I love using a foam paintbrush. I grab them at my local Dollar Tree and just throw them away when I’m done with it. Super easy! So I painted 2 coats of paint to cover the black paint. Milk paint dries pretty quick. I let it dry 3 hours between each coat, it was a warm day though.
I let the second coat of paint dry overnight before moving to the next step, creating a cute wording of Keys.
Adding a Cute Font with Sharpie
I knew I wanted to add the word keys to the front of my key holder. So after the paint had dried completely, I sketched out with pencil how I wanted it to look. I played around with some fonts on my computer and got the look I liked.

Then I freehanded the wording with pencil. Once I got it how I liked it, I traced over the pencil with a black sharpie pen. This was so easy and simple! Now you definitely could use a small paintbrush and paint (which I’ve done before), but right now in life I’m about what looks good and is easy!

Then I hung my updated key holder on the wall near the exit to my garage. I added my keys, sunglasses and a cute faux plant. It’s got a spot I can put outgoing mail in too. I love how it turned out!



Now make sure you check out the rest of the inspiring thrift store makeovers from the team!

Personalized wood sled My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Vintage Wooden Bowl Christmas Candle Centerpiece House of Hawthornes
Updated Key Holder Domestically Speaking
Snow Scene Displays In Glass Containers Petticoat Junktion
Indian Corn Decorations for Thanksgiving Sadie Seasongoods
Frog Tape Wooden Mini Tree Pot Organized Clutter
DIY White Christmas Village Our Southern Home
Easy Thrift Store Tray Makeover My Repurposed Life
Fun Fall Resin Projects Shop at Blu

Maryann,
That’s a great (quick) makeover. I love that it says keys instead of mail. I’ve been looking for something like this to hang by my door. I like that yours could easily hold more things that we need as we dash out, like a phone! lol Or even a dog leash hanging from one of the hooks.
great job!
pinned!
gail
I love the new fresh look. I have one similar in my stash. You’ve inspired me to dig it out!
Maryann I have a weakness for these little organizing treasures. You did a great job with this one. So handy! You could really use it anywhere! Pinned.
I loved the before but the after is perfect, the color is so pretty!!!
So pretty. I love the color.
Nice fresh makeover! Looks great. Pinned!