We all want to feel comfortable in our homes and feel like that home is a representation of who we are as individuals. However, decorating one’s home can come at great expense as our tastes and preferences and what is trending change. Luckily, there are several ways by which we can decorate without blowing our life savings.

Some of these methods are well known: holiday sales, designer knockoffs, that omnipresent Bed, Bath, & Beyond 20% off coupon (RIP), etc. but let’s go over some ideas you might not have thought of!

facebook marketplace and craigslist

You know about Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist but do you really know how to use them? Knowing the ins and outs of each can save you some serious time and money - and if used properly can help you discover things you didn’t even know to look for!

When it comes to larger items, these avenues can prove invaluable, however they aren’t ideal for someone who needs things in a hurry. If time is on your side and you can be patient, these methods can reap big rewards. These sites can be great for impulse purchases but can take some time for more specific items.

I know that Craigslist has been around forever and isn’t necessarily the most user friendly option for most people due to its limited functionality. However, many older people find Craigslist easier to use than Facebook Marketplace and therefore are more likely to list things on Craigslist so don’t discount Craigslist as an option for online shopping!

When searching on Facebook Marketplace:

Try using broad search terms and alternative spellings. Looking for a refrigerator? Also try “fridge” or “frige”. Remember that not everyone won the elementary school Spelling Bee.
See something you like but isn’t quite what you had in mind? Save it! The Facebook algorithm will then show you items that it deems similar.
If you find someone who is selling something you really like, look to see if they are selling anything else. You can also follow a seller on Facebook Marketplace. Many resellers sell primarily online and if you think they have good taste, then chances are they will sell other things you like in the future.

ebay and online auctions

Many auction houses have realized that the eBay model is great for business; provide longer times for bidding wars, increase your audience, etc. Therefore you can now find more online auctions than ever before. However, like with the OG eBay, you are bidding and waiting, not necessarily purchasing an item outright. That means it can be a literal waiting game but if you are up for the challenge, it can yield great rewards on unique and vintage/antique items!

Some stores and vintage resellers will hold live sales on Facebook and Instagram as well as offering items available via “comment sold” and other platforms that allow buyers to purchase items outright simply by commenting. Now that Instagram operates more like a typical search engine, it is easier than ever to find local stores and sellers that may have items in which you are interested.

Looking for appliances or fixtures? eBay has a wide array of items that are often new and for sale for much less than you can find at major retailers. For example, in our old house I bought our refrigerator on eBay for 1/2 the lowest price I could find it at big box stores. It was brand new other than the fact that it had been used for a large floral convention x2 days. Each vendor was responsible for providing their own refrigeration. This particular vendor purchased a brand new Samsung fridge, used it to store flowers for the weekend of the convention, and then sold it to a reseller because it was easier than selling it themselves or trying to return it. The reseller then sold it on eBay and guess who was the highest bidder? It was a gamble, sure, but it paid off big time!

You can also find new fixtures in the box. Often, large developers will purchase fixtures in bulk and then not need all of them for one reason or another. They most likely got them at a steep discount and know that they can flip them, selling them for less than retail but still make their money back. However, do your due diligence. Find the piece elsewhere online and read the reviews. A crummy faucet at 50% off is still a crummy faucet.

ETSY

Etsy doesn’t just sell handmade items and art. There are so many Etsy stores that sell everything from antique furniture to wall stencils to custom made light fixtures to original art. If you want something truly unique, check out Etsy. And as with Facebook Marketplace, the more things you look at and save, the more it learns what you like and will show you. Also like Facebook Marketplace, if you see something you like but aren’t completely sold, check out the seller’s store and see what else they are selling - or even message them to see if they could keep an eye out for an item that will fit your needs.

Downloadable/printable Art

Have you seen a piece of art that is trendy but you can’t afford it? Want to have interesting art but know that you like to change things up too often to invest in expensive pieces you might not love in a couple years? Try this: Go to Etsy and search for printable art or digital downloads. This will give you the option of downloading a piece of artwork and you can have it printed in the size you want. This also allows you to print on a canvas if that is of interest. Various sites like Walgreens, Staples, and Wal-Mart often have printing specials, usually on items like wrapped canvases, wood, or metal panels.

You can also search Etsy for art for your Frame TV if you have one of those. They have a wide range of art styles, including holiday art and for very little money.

This downloadable art was bought on Etsy for less than $4 and can be printed in multiple different sizes. Print it at your favorite local supplier (usually less than $10) and place in a frame you already have, thrift, or purchased new. Beautiful framed wall art for cheap!

GOogle lens

If you find a photo online of something you love but is out of your budget, use Google Lens. If you see a small camera icon on the photo you can click on that or right click on the photo and select “Search with Google”. Google will search for photos with a similar item. This can help you find designer knock-offs or sites that may have the item on sale.

And here is my MOST IMPORTANT TIP!!! Do what you love and don’t buy something just because someone else insinuates that you should!!!! We have all been wooed by pictures in a magazine or advertisements or displays in a store. That’s what they are there for and it’s easy to fall into that trap. However, know yourself and know what really makes you happy. There is no bigger waste of money than buying something you won’t love in a few months only to realize you don’t have the money to replace it. Trendy is spendy - buy something that you love and will stand the test of time - or be ok with spending frequently!

So there you have it. Some of my favorite low-cost decorating tactics using online sources. What are some of your secrets to saving money when decorating? Were any of these ideas new to you? Let us know in the comments!

And check back next week for more budget-friendly decorating tips…this time for in-person shopping!