How to Decorate on a Budget - Part 2 - In Person
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!
thrifting/estate sales
If you aren’t new around here, you know my opinion of thrifting - it can be absolute gold! If you are new here, let me tell you - it can be absolute gold! It can also be absolute junk. If you go thrifting once and find nothing, don’t give up!
Some of my best tips for thrifting include:
Know what you are looking for. In need of a sofa? Know the dimensions you need. Most thrift stores are not willing to provide refunds because you got something that didn’t work for your space. However, most will hold an item for at least a few hours for you in case you need to go take some measurements.
Know what you are looking at. For example, an item may look like wood but is it wooden or is that veneer/fiber board? This is important to know in case you plan on making any changes to the piece.
Know where to go. Not all thrift stores are the same. Take your time and look around. Some will have more options, some will have better prices. If you think you have found an item that will work but aren’t completely sold, ask if you can put it on hold before you go shopping elsewhere. Otherwise, you may return in an hour to find it gone. I have had this happen multiple times and totally missed out on some really cool pieces.
Know when to go. It used to be that thrifting early in the week was the best choice as stores receive more donations on the weekends than during the week (same goes for Spring vs. Fall - think Spring Cleaning). However, lately, many stores that offer a wider range of items (i.e. both housewares and clothing) are overwhelmed with donations and not able to price and move items to the retail space from their warehouse space as quickly as they used to. Larger items are usually able to be taken out a little faster as there are fewer of those donated than clothes. I would say the take home is to go early in the week and go often.
As for Estate Sales, know that experienced pickers and resellers will arrive early so if the sale has been well advertised or is being held by a reputable auction house, don’t sleep in and think you will get the good things after the crowds have cleared out.
consignment stores
Many times consignment stores will have only high-end items for sale but at a reduced rate. These are items that are typically newer and in excellent condition. These stores may not be as cheap as thrift stores however they are less expensive than buying items brand new. Many consignment stores are willing to contact the consignor to see if they are willing to accept a lower price if the item has been in the store for a while. Negotiating can be awkward and uncomfortable but can provide great (and inexpensive) results!
Another great thing about consignment stores is that they will often reduce the price of an item after it has been there for a certain length of time (typically ~30-45 days). Look at the price tag to see if it lists the price it will be reduced to in the future. If it has been there a while, you can always try your luck and check back on the date the price will be reduced.
Used/cheap Books
Just like everything else in this world, there are trends in books. That ubiquitous Tom Ford coffee table book? Expensive. But someone is getting rid of it. Search Amazon and look for used versions. Sellers rate the quality of the item they are selling and you can often find one in “like new” condition for significantly less than one that is actually new.
Looking for generic books to style a shelf or coffee table? Try your local thrift store or dollar store. Chances are there are books there that, while they might not be best sellers, have a removable jacket that covers a more neutral book that is perfect for styling. Libraries will often have used book sales and you can find some really beautiful books for cheap.
Open Box Items/display models
If you’ve ever been into Best Buy, you know that you can find some great deals on electronics when you see that “open box” sticker on an item. Typically the item was purchased and when the person got it home realized it didn’t fit in their space, meet their needs, etc. and returned it. These items are typically (or at least supposed to be) brand new or as close to new and perfect as if the box was not opened. However, did you know you can also look for this on websites like Amazon and Wayfair? When looking for larger items, especially appliances, you can find some great deals when an item is marked as open box or refurbished. Of course, this is a “buyer beware” situation. Sometimes these items cannot be returned or were returned because of damage. When purchasing at a store any flaws SHOULD be mentioned (dents, missing parts, etc.) but that is not always the case so do your due diligence before making any non-returnable purchases.
Most large hardware chains have a section of appliances and cabinets that are discounted. These are essentially open box items and special order items that were returned for some reason. Similarly, a few major appliance retailers have outlet stores that sell open box appliances. Some are in pristine condition and some are scratched and dented. This is another time when not being in a rush can really pay off. If you are open to mixing and matching brands, the open box world is your oyster! Again, buyer beware. Do your research and learn the differences between cosmetic and mechanical damages.
Big Box stores and many furniture stores will sell their floor models/display pieces at a discounted rate once a new version comes out or when that piece has been discontinued. Remember that these are the items that have been sat on multiple times, handled, etc. and won’t be in absolute pristine condition. However, many stores use the highest quality cushions for their displays chairs and sofas so you may be getting the luxury edition for the base model price.
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 for in-person shopping. 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 DIY decorating tips!