When it comes to furnishing our homes, we all want the very best, but few of us have the budget to pay for it. We might have spent hours flicking through home décor magazines, creating mood boards, and surfing through Pinterest, but when it really comes down to it, our bankcards simply can’t accommodate our dream expenditure.
This means that you have to use your imagination. Flat pack furniture isn’t the only avenue for those decorating their home on a budget. In fact, if you know where to look, you can create an interior worthy of a place in a Laura Ashley catalogue. Here are three top tips to get you started…
Tip #1: Take a Look on eBay
The first port of call for any aspiring interior designer is eBay. A treasure trove of vintage finds, slightly dilapidated finery, and cobweb-draped jewels, it’s the perfect place to start. Not only does its search function make it nice and easy to navigate, but pieces can often be picked up for rock bottom prices thanks to the auction feature. You’ll discover a whole host of pieces that need no more than a lick of paint, a bit of polish, and some new upholstery to restore them to their former glory.
Tip #2: Visit Some Auctions
Auctions are another great source of second-hand finery. Although most of us are only familiar with them thanks to shows like Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic, they offer far more than expensive antiques to erstwhile shoppers. To save yourself a wasted journey, you can usually check out pieces in advance through the auction house’s catalogue, which is generally available online. This should offer you a good idea of the price that each item is expected to make, so that you can check to see what catches your eye and meets your budget too.
Tip #3: Check Out Some Car Boot Sales
If eBay and auction houses don’t turn up any hidden treasures, then try rolling up your sleeves and visiting a car boot sale. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and with weekly and monthly sales hosted all over the place, they’re a wonderful way to find gems that other people are offloading. Unlike eBay, you can take a good look at these up close, so that there aren’t any hidden surprises when you get home. What’s more, most of the sellers are amateurs, and often unaware of the true value of the items that they’re offloading, which means that you can pick up some quality pieces for next to nothing.
Stick to your budget and transform your home today with these three top tips.
