Trying to decorate an empty apartment, but on a budget. Any suggestions?

Question

Like the vintage modern theme

Answer 1

No doubt about it, the cheapest way to furnish a place is to shop flea markets, yard sales, vintage furniture consignment shops, and estate auctions. The best deals will be found at estate auctions, but it is hard to find exactly the things you want. None-the -less, the prices are usually so cheap that you can make exceptions. Keep an eye on your local newspaper for upcoming auctions. Many auctioneers post pictures of the larger items on their websites so look for their websites in their ads.

Good luck with your shopping.

Answer 2

Goodwill and the Salvation Army could be good starters. You might also want to check out yard sales and flea markets. And of course, if you have an IKEA around it helps. Target isnt' too bad for stuff like that. Also, check with some of your friends and family and see if they have any stuff they want to get rid of. Don't take everything they want to get rid of, just pick and choose. You don't want your place to become cluttered with their junk, just their junk you like. Especially check with friends that are moving. Most anybody doesn't want to cart everything with them when they move and you can normally pick up a few things from them that you want although you might have to help them load a few things onto a truck to get them.

Paint and wall hangings will do quite a lot, that is if you can paint your apartment or hang things on the wall. Bare walls make a place look bare. Also add some height by using a few pieces that go almost all the way to the cieling. Also fabric covers can really spice up old furniture, even cardboard boxes can be made into awesome looking lamp stands with the right fabric over them.

Answer 3

go to Fred's. They have similar stuff as high end for cheap. Like a tall heavy vase, fill it with cut tree branches. A $15 dollar mirror which is huge.
For walls look in the fabric dept at Walmart. Buy a piece and hang it on the wall starting all the way at the top of wall. Can make your own throw pillows of same and matching fabric.
Paint if your apartment allows, you get a lot of decor for the money. Twin size sheets [flat] make pretty shower curtains, be sure to buy a cheap plastic liner. There will be scraps left over if you have to shorten it. Use those for a window accent in the bath or sew a stripe of it on the end of a guest towel.

Answer 4

Shop thrift stores, clearance centers, previously-rented furntiure sales, and even office furniture liquidation stores. You can get the basics cheap. Wood can be painted. Black always looks nice; so does white. Just depends upon the look you want. Invest in a slipcover for your sofa and/or chair. They will totally change the look and give you a new lease on its life. And hide the fact that you may have had to put some plywood under the cushions so you dont' sink in.... :-) Frame posters and art from calendars for a unique look on a shoestring.

Answer 5

Try these suggestions - I did it - register with your local church, they will help you with furniture. Go to the 2nd hand stores,Salvation Army Surplus, Goodwill, organization like that. If your looking for paint,wallpaper,go to the "speciality paint store" in your neighbourhood, you won't believe what they have for 50% - 75% off, on paint,wall paper,etc, that other customers ordered and then never came back to pick it up! For small appliances, barter for the "store" model, they are always 25% off or more. For bedding,etc, same thing,buy the discounted "end of line", "mismatched linen" - who cares - your getting, top quality linen, for 50% or more off! Get the pitcher - that's where the saying began, and its "world wide" - "one man's trash, is another man's treasure" - goes for almost everything - Have fun - by the time your finished, you'll have to move to a "bigger" place! LOL - Now don't get carried away.

Answer 6

I'm an interior designer in NC and like to shop on a budget. Local auctions can be a good source, local classifieds, & antique stores. I have a booth at a local place similar to an antique mall...check for those. Look at furniture store clearance sales and floor samples. Closeout stores are also great - especially accessories. Try to think of new creative uses for items. Good luck.

Answer 7

Thrift store and estate sales. They'll give you the most for your money. Don't let the colors of the materials scare you. Couches for instance can be slipcovered, so be sure to be looking for "good bones". Take your time to find the peices. If you absolutely need things and you're having a hard time finding things check out ebay. Check out the site www.ikea.com. They have decient prices on pieces.

Answer 8

My best suggestion would be to hit all the thrift stores in your area...Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. You'll be surprised at the great finds!! and subscribe to some helpful websites like MarthaStewart.com or BHG.com....both of these sites send out newsletters daily with tons of neat ideas!! Most of all, have fun and don't stress! Good luck in your new apartment!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/

http://www.bhg.com/

Answer 9

Go to the Dollar Stores....I know it sounds very cheap but honestly you can get some good finds. Also, for a vintage type of feel, try going to garage sales. You will find alot of steals there too.


Good luck!

Answer 10

Try www.craigslist.com and look under furniture in your area. I am sure you will find something. Dont forget to check the freebies on that site as well. You never know, you may be able to use something that someone else wants to give away. Good Luck and Have Fun!