Discount Stores
Walmart, Target, HomeGoods and similar discount stores are great places to find deals on home accessories. HomeGoods often has good quality, small furniture for a low price. Walmart and Target also offer furniture, but quality can be an issue. Your best bets at the discount stores are:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Shower curtains and other bathroom accessories
- Kitchen accessories
- Holiday décor
- Lamps
- Area rugs
Garage Sales
If you love the thrill of the hunt, an early morning spent shopping garage sales is the way to go. While it’s true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, the reality is you will mostly find trash at a yard sale. But mixed throughout, you might find one or two treasures. Look for:
- Furniture in good condition
- Artwork
- Garden accessories
Thrift Stores
You never know what you’ll find at the thrift store. Like shopping a garage sale, you have to sift through a lot of rejects to find the few gems. The treasures sell quickly, so you need to visit the shops on a regular basis if you hope to score a good deal. Some of the best décor items to look for are:
- Furniture in good condition
- Dishes
- Serving bowls, platters and pitchers
- Baskets
- Holiday décor
Craigslist
There are some great deals to be had on Craigslist. Always be cautious, however, when meeting the seller, especially if it is at their home. Don’t go alone or after dark. Look over the item carefully before buying it. Open drawers, inspect hinges, and turn the piece over to look for cracks or hidden damage. Craig’s List is best for:
- Furniture
- Collectibles
- Garden accessories
- Antiques
- Artwork
Flea Markets
Flea markets or swap meets combine some of the most fun features of garage sales and thrift stores. Individual sellers offer a wide range of goods, and at a large swap meet, there can be hundreds of booths. Get to the flea market early for the best deals, and be prepared to haggle over price. Look over anything you’re considering buying very carefully. Mixed in with the junk, you might find some great deals on:
- Furniture
- Area rugs
- Garden accessories
- Unusual artwork
When setting out on your hunt for budget décor, keep an open mind. Think creatively while you shop. That forlorn piece of furniture at the swap meet might just need a coat of paint and a little distressing to transform into a wonderful addition to your home.
