A new home is always an event. But if you’ve spent every penny you’ve saved on buying or renting, you might not have any money left for furnishings. An unfurnished apartment doesn’t offer the comfort and relaxation of a real home but rather is a source of stress and tension.
Luckily, buying new furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Comfy seating, desk, accessories, and even a bed or even dishes can be had for free or for a few cents, plus they don’t have to be ugly. You can combine the boho style, the retro style and the country style with old furniture. We will show you 5 ways to get beautiful things and turn them into interior design gems.
Relieve of other worries
On the internet, several websites offer things “for pickup”. On Facebook, groups are organized by location, and traditional bazaar sites have a dedicated section for these items. Enter your location in the search box, and the site will offer you posts from people in your area. So if you don’t mind a longer drive, search for what you need.
There is no need to pay anyone; make an appointment, show up, and take the item with you. For bigger furniture like a bed, a freezer or a sofa, you should rent a van and ask a few friends to help you move.
Naturally, the furniture will not be in good condition. However, although it is free, watch out for inappropriate stains and odors that would prevent further use. But flaws in appearance do not matter.
Go around the bazaars
However, if you want to furnish an apartment on the cheap, choose bazaars in smaller towns and off the main roads where people from big cities go on weekends. Good condition second-hand furniture is a sought-after commodity. At some bazaars, it is even more expensive than brand new furniture. But you can still find exciting furnishings for a few crowns at the bazaars and in the junk stores in the backyards.
Recycle and Upcycle
You can upcycle or even reupholster older furniture you’ve purchased, and you will have pieces that will envy everyone. But, you do not have to limit yourself to refurbishing older furniture pieces. You can make new furniture from scratch or out of something that was actually intended for a completely different purpose.
For example, palettes can be the basis. Common furniture you can get for free, you need to buy them in better quality, but they’re still cheaper than new furniture. You can build a couch, a table and a bed with them. Wood crates are also a good option: whether they are wine crates, batten crates or even plastic crates – they will become a whole new piece of furniture. New shelving can be made from old shelves; you can use old suitcases instead of cabinets; you can make shelves from old ribbons and a piece of cardboard…
Swap
Have you ever heard of swapping before? It is about trading things you no longer need for something you want instead. The swap takes place either on Facebook, which has groups named after the place where the swap is taking place or at an event. The event organizer lets people know in advance how much and what each visitor can bring and can take things they can use in return.
Clothes are the most common barter item, but decorations and various household items follow closely. But swapping is just a matter of supply and demand. So, when you have something to offer, you might get exactly what you need. The basic rule of bartering is that the items offered should be functional, neat and in good condition. If they are not but still have value, let them know in advance.
Ask you relatives
We live in a time when people like to buy new things, but they often don’t throw away the old ones, store them somewhere. So, if you are decorating your home, first ask your relatives if they have pieces of furniture in their garages, in their attics or in their basements that you could use.
From coffee tables, armoires and dressers to older armchairs, couches and beds, they can give you almost anything. Furniture like this may not be in the best condition and up to date, but you will be encouraged by the fact that older furnishings are modern today. Combine it appropriately and complement it with sexy accessories.
