We sniffed out a few secondhand items with hidden potential and added some fresh and fabulous color. From candlesticks to storage chests, there’s no limit to what you can reinvent with a hit of hue and a little imagination, even on a serious budget.

Take A Seat
Snagging an old wooden chair for just $10 at Diversity Thrift (1407 Sherwood Ave., 353-8890) was easy on the wallet. A bit of sanding and a few coats of red paint took it from ordinary to iconic in an afternoon.  Cost: $25 

Curbside Color

Collecting a few mismatched terracotta pots from Goodwill and the Salvation Army set us back just $10. A few shades of punchy paint transformed them in a snap. Cost: $35 — for terracotta sealant spray, exterior paint and pots

Get Benched
Another quick pick was this $7 piano bench from Love of Jesus Thrift (5503 Midlothian Turnpike, 230-4144; 5158 Nine Mile Road, 737-9494). Painting it a sweet celery tone and adding some sophisticated fabric from Williams & Sherill (2003 Huguenot Road, 320-1730) took this old piece from eek! to chic.  Cost: $30 — for the bench, fabric and supplies

Looking for more ways to color your world?

1. Cover used hardcover books with colorful craft paper to add a burst of personality to your bookcase or coffee table.
2. Recover an old seat cushion like you’d wrap a present: Just remove the cushion, stretch the new fabric across it, and staple it to the underside.
3. Switch neutral lampshades with brightly colored alternatives to easily inject hue.
4. Liven up your table by adding a vibrant fabric runner and some festive cloth napkins — even colored dishware can create a bold new look.