How to Buy Affordable Furniture

If you don't mind furniture that isn't premium quality or brand new, you can find good deals on good quality, affordable furniture. Shop online, take advantage of sales, purchase damaged or unfinished furniture, or investigate garage sales, thrift stores or consignment shops.

#2
Shop at retail furniture stores for new items that are scratched or dented. Damaged furniture will likely be discounted.
#3
Purchase from all-wood furniture specialty stores to avoid furniture made from cheap pressed wood or particle board, which may be sold at high prices even at premier department stores. You can buy many types of furniture, including solid wood dining sets, bedroom furniture, coffee tables and end tables, desks, bookcases and television and stereo cabinets.
#4
Buy unfinished furniture from stores or online and stain or paint it yourself to save money. Some stores and websites specialize in selling unfinished furniture.
#5
Negotiate prices with sales staff, as some retail stores will lower prices for customers who negotiate. You may say you saw similar furniture priced lower at another store, and you would be willing to pay the other store's price.
#6
Shop online for discounted furniture. Shopping online has disadvantages because you can't test and handle the furniture, but prices may be much lower. Be sure to include shipping costs when deciding whether to buy online.

#1
Find furniture bargains at used-furniture stores, which usually clean and repair furniture they sell.
#2
Shop at consignment shops, where you may find good deals on used furniture and furniture from model homes.
#3
Attend estate sales to buy fine quality, low-priced furniture. You can purchase entire coordinated rooms from estate sales at low prices.
#4
Buy used furniture from thrift shops, where selection and quality will vary from day to day depending on recent donations.
#5
Shop at garage sales and yard sales in neighborhoods with a higher standard of living. You may find good deals on furniture that was very expensive when it was purchased new.

If you buy at garage sales, make arrangements to have a truck or van and people available to help move furniture. You also may save money by transporting furniture home from retail stores, which may charge for home delivery.

Buy patio furniture to use indoors if you are on a tight budget. If you need a dining room table and chairs, you can use an outdoor patio set with a tablecloth, at least temporarily. You can also use patio chairs, lounges and tables in the living room if you have little money to spend. When you have enough money to buy indoor furniture, move your outdoor furniture outside.

Beware of mold when buying used mattresses and stuffed furniture from garage sales, yard sales, estate sales and thrift stores.

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