Let’s face it. We all can’t decorate our homes with an HGTV sort of budget. But just because you don’t have a five (or even a four or even a three) figure budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t love the space in you live in. Freshen up your home and save money on furniture with these smart, simple tips.
Begin With What You Have
It’s tempting to think you need to replace every piece of furniture in your entire house. However, you can repurpose items by either moving them to a different location and/or refinishing them. Over the years, we’ve used spray paint to breathe new life into items we’ve owned for a long time. Don’t automatically assume you need to rush out and buy new.
Get a Different View
If you’re like me, it’s challenging to see things in a different arrangement. If that’s the case, consider calling in a friend or two to help. Ask others whose taste you admire to come and help you rearrange your home. It may even require taking everything down off the walls and moving items from room to room.
Use Your Social Media Channels
Last week, I mentioned online in passing that I was looking for a mid century modern console for our living room. A couple of days later, a friend sent me a link from the Facebook marketplace with a potential fit. If there’s a particular hole in your home decor or furniture situation, ask if anyone can help you find that item. You might be surprised at what a great deal you’ll find. Don’t forget to search the Facebook Marketplace, too.
Buy Online
Many times, you can score much better deals from online retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Overstock, JC Penney or Wayfair. If you do choose to go this route, be sure you read and then reread the reviews of the items you’re interested in purchasing. When possible, look at photos carefully posted by reviewers. A few extra minutes spent evaluating reviews could save you plenty of money and time. Also, don’t forget to do a quick Internet search for coupon codes and use an online portal like Ebates to maximize your savings.
Shop Salvage Stores
Lately, I’ve fallen in love with a couple of salvage stores in our area. Salvage and Company in Carmel is my favorite. Talk to me before you make a trip there, though. I have strategies. 🙂 Do a quick online search to find similar stores in your area. Look for antique and vintage stores, too. You can find a fantastic bargain.
Skip the Payment Plans
“No interest for 6 years!” Oh how tempting those payment plans sound. However, it’s always a better idea to save cash and pay for your furniture in full. Many of those “No Interest” offers fall apart if you’re even one day late with your payment. You’ll be slammed with all sorts of penalty fees and interest. Don’t put yourself in a precarious financial position. You never know when trouble might roll your direction and you’ll end up paying steep interest.
Check Out Amazon Accessories
Even if you can’t afford to purchase a new couch, you might consider looking on Amazon for accessories. I’ve bought pillow cases for less than $3. Many items are shipped from overseas so it might take longer than usual for them to arrive. However, with less than $10 you can add a piece or two to liven things up.
If you’re interested in learning more about my favorite ways to save money and love the space you live in, join me at the Indianapolis Home Show. I’ll be there Sunday January 21st on the Unilock Outdoor Living Stage (South Pavilion) at 1 and 4 PM. And I’ll be back on Sunday January 28th at at 2 and 4 PM. Save $4 on your Indianapolis Home Show tickets with this exclusive coupon code.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
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