When you move into a new place, or when you get bored of the furniture you currently own, it’s fun to redecorate. Unfortunetely, this does not come cheap. That is, unless you’re frugal with your choices of decor. Here are some places that you can get great items for your home at fantastic prices:
1. Thrift Stores — Thrift stores are great when looking for things to spread around your home. Of course, if you’re looking for larger pieces of furniture, this is probably not your best bet, as there isn’t a wide variety of items, but if you are looking for decor items such as photos, vases, etc. this is the perfect place!
2. Yard Sales — Just like the thrift stores, yard sales are best for smaller decor items, but you can get lucky and find some really nice larger furniture as well. Make an offer lower than the listed price, and 9 times out of 10, they will take it.
3. Freecycle - This is the best place to get FREE furniture. That’s right, absolutely free, no strings attatched! Subscribe to the posts and you will get an email whenever a new freebie is added. Act fast though, free stuff always goes quick!
I’m an architect and let me tell you some secrets.
Begin with ONE style. Too often, bad taste is caused by cluttering, multiple styles & colours. Find an image from a magazine or a scene of a movie that you love. Stick to that style and don’t try too many things! Never use more than 4 colours.
When you shop at the thrift store, have your inspirational image with you. It helps you stay focus. Paint & fabric are the cheapest way to rdecorate. You can paint all the furnitures from thrift store to match. Update upholstery with affordable Ikea fabrics.
For kids, you can buy single colour contact sheets (for drawer lining) and cut animal silhouette or flowers to stick to their walls. They only cost $1 at dollar stores.
At last, black and white architectural prints (like Greek columns) in a bold black frames with thick white borders always look good. You can simply download them online and print them yourself!
Amazing tips Adora!
Theres also kijiji, yard sales, craigslist, classified extra, and just keep your eyes peeled a lot of times people just put stuff outside on weekends with free signs.
If you have a bigger budget liquidation places and auctions are some great avenues as well.