The moment has finally come where you finally move into your new home. You have spent your life savings paying for the home you have always dreamed of. With keys in hand, your next big concern is how you plan on furnishing it. You don’t have enough money to hire an interior decorator, and it’s just too expensive to shop at Pier1 or Ashley Furniture Home. Luckily, interior decorating isn’t just for those who have the money to pay professionals. Exquisite home décor – getting your home to reflect your personality – is in some ways easier to do when you do it on the cheap.
When your financial resources are limited, it’s time to tap into your creative side and use the resources you do have. Don’t hesitate to use your inexpensive interior decorating ideas and combine them with some used furniture and discount paint to make the space come alive.
Before you begin decorating your home, it’s best to ask yourself a few critical questions:
- Do you plan to be in the home over the long term, or is it just a starter home?
- What furnishings can’t you live without?
- What home décor ideas have you seen elsewhere, and might you like to adapt to your home?
The answers you come up with should guide your interior decorating ideas. Once you’ve got your home décor ideas all lined up, it’s time to pull together the materials.
Check out the following tips to find out where to shop:
Shopping for Discount Home Décor
- Consignment shops – stores where private owners sell their used furniture – are becoming more and more popular. Check if there are any in your area. The inventory is one-of-a-kind, so if something catches your eye is prepared to buy. If you get to know the manager, they can let you know when the sort of home furnishings you’re looking for coming in.
- If your new home is in a pre-planned community, check out the developer’s model home for pieces you like. They may be a bit worn, but often the developer will sell off the home’s furniture after some time. It’s a great way to get room sets that are already coordinated.
- Many big furniture stores have scratch and dent rooms: sections where they keep slightly damaged (but very inexpensive) models. Also, keep in mind that most furniture stores periodically sell off used furniture (again, comparatively cheap) when they get rid of “showroom samples” or “floor models.” Ask about both possibilities when you shop retail.
- If you have any wholesale furniture warehouses in your area, consider stopping by. Buying wholesale furniture is almost always cheaper than buying retail.
- When looking at used furniture, don’t think of what they look like now, but what they could look like after refurbishing. Maybe that coffee table wouldn’t fit your living room now, but sand it down and add a coat of stain, and it might not be so bad.
- When perusing home furnishings, try to think outside the box. You might not want to eat off that set of ceramic dishes, but they might make colourful, unique wall hangings.
- Adding fresh paint to the walls can change your entire outlook on decorating your home. Sometimes it is the small things that can make the most significant difference in how our home looks. For a more improved look, add some colour to give the room some character.
- Sometimes the lighting can throw off the feng shui of a home. Shop for better lighting throughout your home. Look for wall, floor, and ceiling lamps that will add the correct brightness to the room.
- Consider adding plants to your home. It’s a cost-efficient way to decorate, and there are several health benefits to having plants in your home.
- One of the most effective ways to decorate your home is by looking for yard and garage sales. There is no better place to bargain and find furniture for such a great price.
- You can shop for home décor without even leaving your home. Online sites like Craigslist, Freecycle, Etsy and eBay are great places to find wholesalers, retailers, and individuals selling unique pieces of furniture at affordable prices.
If you have a tight budget, there are several different ways you can decorate your home. Take advantage of the resources around you, and before you know it, your home will be complete. With a little bit of creativity and time, your home will have your creative twist to it.
