Creative Shopping Tips For Unique Home Furnishing Finds on a Budget

Everyone wants a home that reflects their own personal style, but can worry that their vision is bigger than their wallet. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for and are willing to go off the beaten path to find it, it might be a lot cheaper than you think.

Flea market. Stock photo.

With a little creativity, you can find almost any kind of household furnishing - at deep discounts - at less mainstream venues such as flea markets, thrift shops, consignment stores, model homes, showcases, and county fairs.

Auctions and antique shows are also something to consider for anyone willing to possibly pay a little more for some rare and unique pieces.

Regardless of the venue you choose, all of these adventure in shopping require a little more thought and preparation than the usual trip to the retail center.

Things To Take With You

First and foremost - as with any good shopping trip - make a list of all the top essential things that you want to buy. If that’s furniture, make sure you have the following items:

• Cash, checkbook, and proper identification.
• Pencil and paper.
• Set of swatches.
• Tape measure.
• Measured floor plan.
• Room photos.
• A tool kit to help take legs off tables for transport, etc.
• A blanket or tarp to cover things tied to the roof of a vehicle.
• Scissors or a knife to cut a rope or heavy twine for use in tying items to the roof of a vehicle.

For smaller purchases, remember to bring a lot of your own extra shopping or tote bags, as well as tissue paper, rags, or small towels to wrap delicate items. It’s also a good idea to bring your own folding shopping cart if you plan to make a lot of small purchases, and don’t want to carry them around all day.

It’s also good to eat before you go because the food - especially at flea markets - can be seriously overpriced. Keeping a budget in mind, it’s also very important to be conscious of how you dress.

Christopher Lowell, author of Seven Layers of Design, says when going to a flea market:

Dress down. If you look too dressed up, I guarantee you’ll pay more. A sweatshirt and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate attire. I once made the mistake of going to a flea market in my Sunday best. I certainly don’t remember any bargains or savings from that outing.

Also take cash. Lots of single bills and nothing higher than a $20 bill will give you some bargaining power. I like to take $5 bills, which seems to be the most versatile. If I have a list of items to find, I usually take about $300. This doesn’t mean I have to spend it, but it assures that if I find a true treasure, I can buy it.

Robyn Griggs Lawrence, author of The Wabi-Sabi House: the Japanese art of imperfect beauty, says, “Be prepared to haggle - politely, of course. Most antique dealers and flea market sellers admit that a 20 percent price adjustment isn’t all that unusual.”

Sharon Camion, a contributing writer for TheDollarStretcher.com, adds that, “Most (flea market) vendors don’t accept credit cards or personal checks. Don’t count on returns or ‘the customer’s always right’ policy. However, do ask for a receipt when the purchased item is a collectable or an investment.

“Any sales slip, literature, appraisal, or information about the provenance (source or ownership history) and value is useful for investment pieces, and just overall good practice for your record keeping.”

Ms. Camino also suggests that as a buyer, you should “decide beforehand the most you are willing to pay for an item, and stay in your boundaries. Be careful and sure in your offers, and be prepared to walk away if you can’t buy at your price.”

When To Buy

If you decide to go to a flea market, it’s best to arrive as early as possible for the best selections of items, though earlier in the day you’ll also pay more for them. “Vendors are more apt to discount wares later, not wishing to pack up and take items back with them. Often, the best buys can be had around the close of the sale (day),” says Ms. Camino.

How early or late in the day you shop should best be determined by whether there are specific items that you’re looking for or if you’re just going for fun to see what you find.

Where To Buy

While great finds can be found at flea markets, major drawbacks can be that they aren’t open all-year-round or they may be too far from you. Some alternative venues to consider for their various unique values, include local:

• Thrift shops - Often local charities and other larger organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army operate thrift shops, where people have donated their old furniture. With a few trips and some perseverance, some really great bargains can be found.
• Consignment stores -This is another term for a second-hand store that offers used goods at a lower cost than new. Beautiful items can be found like things that originated from estate sales and are now at deep discounts.
• Model home furnishings - Often in newly built communities, home builders contract designers to decorate and furnish their model homes. If you see pieces that you like, ask the sales office when they will remove the furnishings and offer them for sale. You can get pieces well below market price, but beware of fading, spots, or wear and tear.
• Auctions - If you go to an auction, visit on the preview day to check out each piece for damage. Antiques might be a bit expensive, but you might get a deal if there are few bidders on an item.

Reader comments and input are always welcomed!