You don't need to spend a fortune to make your rooms look magazine-worthy. There are many budget-friendly ways to decorate your rooms but maintain the illusion of wealth.
Curb the Urge to Buy Right Away
First off, resist the urge to buy an item you like right away. You never know where you can find the same item, or a similar piece, for a little bit cheaper. Before going out and blowing cash on a stellar piece, make sure to check similar stores for the same item, especially when shopping in a mall or strip plaza. It's surprising how often a shopper buys something in one store, only to walk a few shops down and see the same thing for a couple of bucks less.
Reuse and Recycle: The Benefits of Buying Used
Before running out to the mall, do a quick check online, as you can find bargains on sites like Kijiji.ca, Craigslist.com or Freecycle.org, where people are encouraged to sell their unwated stuff cheap or free.
And don't let the thought of buying someone else's unwanted stuff throw you off – often you can find new or slightly used items for great prices! Check out your local second-hand store too. These places aren't just for the needy. You can find items like couches, tables and chairs, or even rugs and lamps, in new or like-new condition.
In areas that have a flea market, grab a cup of java on a lazy Sunday morning and head out with your loved one or a friend. Shopping at flea markets can often result in a unique find for a great price – you won't break the bank and you'll end up with an interesting piece of furniture or adornment that will add flare and interest to your home.
Garage or moving sales are also good places to pick up decorative items for a few dollars. Often people at garage sales aren't so focused on the price of an item; rather, they just want to get rid of it, so bargaining is a possibility. You can find interesting pieces like rugs, throw pillows, candles, candle holders, pictures and pictures frames, plants, vases or even chairs and tables, always for a price that won't empty your wallet.
Know Where to Look for Deals
Another good tip when shopping for home decor items is to go to warehouse stores like Kitchen Stuff Plus, Costco, Winners/Homesense or even the Dollar Store. All of these stores sell fantastic items for a comparable price. Purchasing cutlery or kitchen items can be pricey, but if you check in at the Dollar Store on a regular basis you can often find interesting pieces for only a dollar.
And keep your eyes on the flyers that come to your door with the paper. Although they may seem like a nuisance, you never know when stores like Giant Tiger or The Great Canadian Superstore will have a sale on their furniture.
Decorating your home doesn't have to put a damper on your budget. You can always find unique items for hard to pass up prices – you just need to know where to look.
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