How to furnish your home on a budget
Moving to a new place is one of the greatest feelings. It’s a fresh new start full of possibilities. If you are a first-time buyer or moving out of your family home for the first time, the slate can feel a little too clean. Building up enough furniture to make your place feel homely doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are some ways you can furnish a home on a budget.
Upcycling
What is now a trend, upcycling has been around for many years. It’s the art of taking a pre-loved item and either transforming or repurposing it. It’s a great way to furnish a property on a budget. What’s more, you are able to create a selection of pieces that are all your own style and all match with your interiors.
How to upcycle
There are many ways you can upcycle depending on the item. Wooden pieces can be sanded, revarnished or painted to create a fresh looking item. Adding details like new handles for drawers or new feet can tie pieces together.
Covering old lampshades in new material that matches your decor is a project that can add a finishing touch to your room. Try buying longer curtains than you need, and use the excess material.
Old photo frames painted is another great way to add a stylish touch to your decor. Use white spray paint for a sleek look or an accent colour for more of a statement. Purchasing frames in different shapes and sizes can also look really fun.
Where can I find the stuff to upcycle?
Charity shops are a great place to find a bargain. Not only do they sell clothes and old crockery, but they can also have a stock of furniture too. Some of the items can seem a little dated but with a lick of paint and some TLC you could turn a once dated piece into a statement piece in your house.
Why not purchase an old chest of drawers, sand them down and add a stylish pop of colour. You can either paint them or use some good quality wallpaper to give the drawer fronts texture. Add some new handles and maybe even some new feet and you’ll have a stylish piece that looks like it has cost a fortune.
It’s easier than ever to find some good quality pre-owned furniture using selling sites, like Facebook Marketplace. If you are looking for a sofa or chair, think about finding local upholsterers. Just because the colour is wrong, doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. This will generally be cheaper than buying new, depending on how much you are able to purchase the furniture for.
Car boot sales are another great way to pick up pre-loved furniture and at great prices too.
Websites such as Freecycle have lots of items to offer. You can search by local area so you won’t have to travel far either. The people ‘selling’ on second-hand websites often don’t have the time or means to organise a sale of the items and are looking to clear space. It’s a perfect way to get free items to furnish your pad.
After Christmas is a great time to start looking for items to furnish your new place. People will be starting to spring clean and make room for all the new things they have.
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