Are you looking to furnish your new home? Furniture often makes up the biggest chunks of any budget, but with some clever budget-friendly tips, you can still find beautiful furniture pieces at pocket-friendly prices. Here are some expert ideas to kit out your living space in style and within your budget.
First of all, try to think outside the box. Get creative and think outside the traditional furniture stores. Second-hand markets, thrift stores, and vintage furniture shops are a great way to find unique pieces without spending the big bucks. If you find a great piece that needs a little TLC, don’t worry. Taking the time to repair and refinish a piece of furniture can be a great way to upcycle and customize your furniture without spending too much.
Add in some DIY. Punctuate your furniture pieces with some DIY upholstery, painting or staining. You can often transforms chairs and tables at a fraction of the price it would cost to buy a new piece. Rather than replacing a piece that gets damaged, try to fix it up with a new colour or upholstery project. Finally, there are lots of ways to get creative with furniture that don’t involve a hammer. Try using unusual pieces together in unexpected ways such as placing an ottoman in place of a coffee table.
Focus on quality. To ensure your furniture has a long lifetime, look for pieces with careful craftsmanship. Don’t be afraid to invest a little more in higher quality items as they often hold their value better. For instance, when buying tables and chairs, look for well-made joints that will last the test of time.
Buy in bulk. Don’t buy furniture piece by piece. The best way to maximize your budget is to buy in bulk and choose coordinating items. For instance, if you can find one variant of a sofa that you like, buy a matching set of chairs and coffee table, too. That way, you will not only get a good deal from the store, but you will also create a beautiful harmonious look in your living room.
Look off-season. If you favor pricier furniture, take some time around the off-seasons, such as September, January or April, as stores often have sales around these times of the year. This allows you to view a larger selection and get that dream piece of furniture for a fraction of the original price.
Keep it timeless. The best pieces of furniture are the ones that are not trendy and have a timeless appeal. Timeless furniture pieces such as a wooden buffet or a wing chair in neutral shades will look great for years to come and will never go out of style.
Check online stores. Online stores are now prevalent and many sites offer discounted furniture pieces. You can now have your favorite chesterfield sofa or a chunky armchair delivered right to your doorstep at a fraction of the cost.
Go for multipurpose furniture. To save both money and space, it’s always a good idea to go for furniture pieces which are versatile and have multiple uses. For instance, a sofa cum bed can be both a sleeping and a seating surface during the day. Similarly, a shelf can be used for both storage and as a side table. Get furniture which has more than one use to get the most value for your money.
Finally, invest in a furniture warranty. Unexpected hiccups are bound to occur when buying furniture. To avoid expensive repairs and replacements in the future for the furniture you love, consider taking out a furniture warranty. Furniture warranties usually cover structural damage, such as drawer or leg replacements, and accidental damages, such as spills, for a period of time. Moreover, with a warranty, you can be sure that your furniture is of a good quality and has a good working lifespan.
Consult with an interior designer. An interior designer can be a great asset for finding the best furniture pieces to fit a given budget. Not only are they there to assist you in finding the right materials and pieces, but also to give you useful styling tips. Furthermore, interior designers oftenproffer discounts on purchases to their clients.
Use neutral color upholstery. To create a budget home without having to compromise on the décor,try using neutral colored upholstery and cushion fabrics. Neutral colors go with a range of accent colors and thus can last longer without having to replace the piece of furniture.
Choose wallpapers over wall arts. Wallpapers are a great way to create a budget-friendly home. They are cost-effective and allow you to change your décor without spending money on changing wall art or paintings.
Utilize your old furniture. If you have furniture from your old house, do not dispose of them. Rather look for ways to customize them to blend in with your new home. Have them reupholstered in new fabrics that are more in tune with the current trend and create a unique look for your home.
Look for reputed sellers. To purchase furniture pieces that fit your budget,look for reputed furniture sellers who will offer you discount prices without compromising on the quality. Check with reviews and ask around to find the right person.
Consider furniture rentals. For those who want to experiment with new furniture styles but don’t have the budget for purchasing, furniture rentals are a great option. Furthermore, they give you the comfort of experimentations without the fear of overspending.
Go for classic furniture styles. If you want your furniture to last for years, go for classic furniture styles. Even if you don’t have the budget to purchase new furniture pieces, look for furniture pieces on antique furniture stores or second-hand websites.
Paint it yourself. If you don’t feel confident enough to carry out upholstery yourself, why not try painting it instead? Painting a chair or table can greatly change the look of that piece without spending much money.
Look for minimalist designer pieces. To make a statement and to keep things budget-friendly, have a look at modern designer pieces. Minimalist items are usually more affordable and often look more exclusive than mass-produced furniture pieces.
Test the furniture before buying. Go to the store and test out the furniture before you commit to purchasing it. This will give you an idea of what a piece looks and feels like in real life and it will give you a better understanding of the quality.
Finally, shop around. To save both money and effort, shop around different stores and compare prices. Always look for coupons and deals to combine. Don’t commit to a buyers choice right away, but rather look for the best offer.
With these few tips, you can have a home that oozes style and sophistication without breaking your budget. So go ahead and give your home the stylish update it needs.