Furnishing your house doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some frugal ways to have a stylish home without breaking the bank:
1. Buy secondhand. Pre-owned pieces are terrific bargains. Try thrift shops, consignment stores, garage sales; and online sources like Craigslist.com and Freecycle.org.
2. Buy showroom samples. If you don’t mind a few dings or scratches, you can get almost-new pieces at deep discounts.
3. Be creative. Repurpose other pieces to meet your needs. For example, use an old trunk as a coffee table, make a door into a unique desk, or use milk crates for shelving or end tables.
4. Get the word out. Alert friends and family to your furniture needs—many people have an item or two they’d be happy to pass along.
5. Go minimalist. Embrace a “less is more” philosophy. The less furniture you buy, the more money you’ll save!
