Purchasing secondhand furniture for your home can be a cost effective way of decorating but is definitely frustrating, time-consuming, and very addictive!
Here are tips:
1. Determine your home's decorating style. Develop a specific look and expression for your place; it can be retro, contemporary minimalist, wildly kitsch, whimsical, country, rustic or shabby chic.
2. Charity-run second hand shops are the ones that offer the best bargains with a wide furniture selection, because most items here are donated so they sell their stuff cheaply yet still profit.
3. Be patient. Shop often. If you will furnish primarily your home with secondhand furniture, you need to go out often, visiting shop to shop until you find what you have in mind.
4. Estate sales display highest quality furniture at very affordable prices.
Estate sales generally are held when an individual pass away, and the contents of his estate are sold by the family.
Unlike yard and garage sales that offer usually items that do not work, estate sales furniture still are in good condition. You can locate estate sales through the classified section listings of your local newspaper.
5. Think of versatility and stay "open-minded". In second hand sales, you will really not find the exact furniture that you have in mind.
Give more importance and attention to the design than the furniture's upholstery or finish, because these can be easily altered or changed.
Keep in mind, metal or wood always can be re-painted and unsightly fabric patterns be concealed by a slipcover or put on new upholstery.
6. Bring lots of cash, also your checkbook. You can bargain better at yard sales and flea markets if you pay in cash.
On the other hand, in case you will see the ideal vintage armchair for your home and cost exceeds the amount of cash in your purse, your checkbook will always come in handy in order that you can buy it immediately before anyone else purchases it.
7. Listen to your instincts. When you love any piece, provided that it is within your budget, even if you do not know where to put it, go for it. When you get home, for sure there will a place for it.
8. If it is an expensive find, such as an antique, have an expert look at it.
Just remember, once you begin your secondhand search and be successful with it, almost, it will be difficult to stop; the rewards of finding something wonderful at a price "next-to-nothing" is very fulfilling.
Be creative, and have fun creating a beautiful home.
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