Furnishing your new home can be a daunting task. Furniture can cost a lot of money, and even more for accessories.
Luckily, there are many ways to shop smart and find affordable home furnishings. Here are some of them:
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Know What You Want
Whether furnishing an entire room or simply sprucing up, having a furniture budget helps you stay on track and focus on what matters. It’s also important to remember your needs (such as the amount of storage you’ll need for a desk) and the function of each room so that you can choose pieces that fit those requirements.
Shopping online is one of the easiest ways to save money on home furnishings. But before you click “buy,” consider the following savvy online shopping tips to avoid buyer’s regret!
Big box stores are great for affordable home furniture because they carry various traditional and modern styles. Plus, they often offer coupons or online exclusive promotions that can help you save even more!
Look for Sales
Whether furnishing your first apartment or re-doing an entire house, home furnishings are expensive and can quickly derail your budget. But shopping smart and knowing when to buy can help you save money.
Furniture stores typically discount old stock in the early winter and summer to accommodate new styles. This makes the end of January and July and holiday weekends like Presidents’ Day a good time to look for sales.
On the contrary, sales “tend not to be room-specific,” according to McLoughlin of Furniture Today. Instead, you’ll discover discounts on furniture merchants offer in different rooms, such as couches and beds, similar to those at websites like RetailMeNot.
You can also score a deal by adding an item to your cart online and then closing out of the website without buying. Retailers keep track of this and often email you a coupon code to entice you. Bundled offers are another great way to score a furniture deal. These deals combine complementary pieces such as sofas and coffee tables. They can save you money and time while ensuring you get the look you want for your space.
Shop Online
Home furnishings can add up quickly, so it’s important to do your research. Many online shopping marketplaces offer affordable and stylish home furnishings. Wayfair, for example, carries everything from beds to bassinets and has a huge selection with frequent sales. Similarly, home goods stores can be a great resource for on-trend furniture. They also allow you to shop online and set up same-day delivery or pickup at your nearest store for an easier shopping experience.
Shop Thrift Stores
You may be a thrifty shopper regarding clothes, but shopping for home furnishings secondhand can be intimidating. You don’t want to be embarrassed by a ripped couch or worn carpeting, but some small stains or water damage can work in your favor as you shop for furniture.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can find unique decorative pieces that no one else will have. You can even get pieces custom-made to make them more personal. The savings you receive from buying used home furnishings can be substantial, especially if you purchase large pieces.
Shop Secondhand
If shopping at traditional home goods stores or online will be a challenge for your budget, consider secondhand options. Thrift shops, flea markets, and yard sales are great places to look for vintage treasures. Or, you can find deals through local online marketplaces.
An app that lets you browse many items from individuals and businesses makes it easy to locate and purchase furniture in good condition at a fraction of the retail price.
Another online retailer offers a range of home furnishings at reasonable prices. They also have frequent sales to help you save even more. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, which has furnishings for college students look for some websites which offer this item. The designs are perfect for apartment living and other smaller spaces.
Set a Realistic Budget
Budgeting wisely is the first step in smart furniture shopping. Spend some time assessing your financial status and figuring out how much you can afford to spend on furniture. You can avoid impulsive purchases and help yourself prioritize your expenditures by creating a budget. To get reasonably priced home furniture, one must be patient, do some research, and use some imagination. You may design a stunning and useful living area without going over budget if you have a reasonable budget, shop around, and are open to DIY and secondhand projects. To make your house seem like a home, smart furniture shopping is all about striking the right mix between style, quality, and price.
Join Rewards Programs and Loyalty Clubs
Some furniture retailers offer rewards programs or loyalty clubs that provide exclusive discounts, promotions, and early access to sales events. Signing up for these programs can lead to substantial savings over time, especially if you plan to make multiple furniture purchases.