15 Tips for Furnishing Your Home on a Budget

As we look ahead to 2024, many of us are seeking ways to create stylish and comfortable living spaces without breaking the bank. Furnishing a home can be a daunting and expensive task, but with a little creativity and smart shopping, you can achieve the look you desire at a fraction of the cost. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you furnish your home in 2024.

Stepping into your new place feels exciting, right? But let's be honest – thinking about decorating without spending a fortune might seem overwhelming. No need to worry though! You don't have to splash out loads of cash for that snug and unique vibe you're after. We've got some clever tricks up our sleeve for picking pieces that look great but won’t make your wallet cry. Whether it’s snazzy, budget-friendly decor items or hunting down affordable home goods that scream 'you', we’re here to show you how to make those empty spaces pop with comfort—and keep it kind on the pocketbook.

1. Embrace Minimalism

Minimalist decor, which is similar to Scandinavian design, is not only trendy but also budget-friendly. By focusing on essential pieces and eliminating clutter, you can create a chic and functional space without overspending. Opt for clean lines, neutral colors, and multi-purpose furniture to maximize your space and budget.

This design choice is not for everyone. It will appear to be very sparse. If that's too much (or too little) for you, you can still embrace this clean design by adding pops of color with upholstery, a couple of pillows, and/or a few accessories, and some artwork. You can place some plants in the mix to give it a bit more "life".

Try to find items that are multi-functional and/or offer built-in, sometimes hidden, storage space. This can really help those who are downsizing and worried that they won't have enough space to live comfortably. Some people live in areas of small apartments and don't have much choice but to live this way.

2. Shop Second-Hand

Kiwanis Marketplace thrift shop in Cave Creek, AZ

This is our favorite way to find furniture, art, decor, and more for our home. One of the best ways to save money on furniture is by shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon (look for used items of the same style), or Craigslist. You can often find gently used or even new items at a fraction of the retail price. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices or wait for sales to get the best deals.

If you don't have good consignment shops where you live, drive to another town, usually where homes are priced high, and check out the offerings in those areas. You will probably notice a difference even in local Goodwill stores or the like. I purchased one of my favorite cooking pans at a Goodwill in North Scottsdale and paid $2.00 for it! It is a foldover pan with one flat side and the other side has four dipped areas for making perfect pancakes or fried eggs. You flip it over to cook the other side vs. having to flip using a spatula. I've never seen one before or since.

Although I've been a bit grossed out about buying used furniture, we have found a few lightly used pieces at resale shops. One of the items we found didn't look like it was used at all, and it might not have been. It was a glass-topped table with chairs and the glass top had a couple of small scratches (you have to look really close to notice). The chairs were pristine. Having an upholstered couch or chair professionally cleaned, or trying to clean it yourself, could still save you money vs. buying a similar piece brand new. In most cases, you wouldn't be able to shop for a unique piece in a retail store.

Scottsdale and neighboring towns have many great consignment shops. One shop in Scottsdale offers Dutch bidding. This is where the price reduces at a specific date if the item isn't sold. It usually goes through 3 prices, and the 3rd is rock bottom. We've been lucky enough to find a couple of things at their 2nd reduction. But just like a house, if you fall in love with something it might not be there when the price gets lowered, even after the 1st price change.

The shops we go to are all clean, organized, and not smelly. Maybe we're paying a slight premium for shopping at these nicer stores, but we have been very happy with the deals we've found.

Keep in mind, not all resale shops only sell used items. I've found clothing at a Goodwill that had original tags on them (and there were multiples of the clothing in different sizes). Many consignment shops in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree will feature local artists. One of my favorite art purchases is a wall-hung picture made of stretched leather that was painted over. This was not a new piece and I was able to look up the artist (Roger E. Kull). He does the leather work and his wife dyes the leather and adds the jewels - yes, there are 3 "gems" on the one I bought and almost every leather art picture he creates has them.

Don't forget the treasure trove which is hand-me-downs. Why not give your relatives and buddies a shout to check if they're clearing out stuff you could snag for your pad? It's amazing what some new paint or snazzy knobs can do—voila, second-hand furniture now appears tailor-made just for you!

Treasure Hunting: How Garbage Picking is the Ultimate Free Shopping Experience

My wealthy friend was always upset because her husband garbage picked. He found some real gems and was handy enough to bring them back to their glory. My husband has found some good pickings and he is also handy. Many times the items just need to be cleaned. Once again, you might want to do your picking in higher-priced areas for better stuff.

3. Buy Online With Discount, Outlet, Surplus and Liquidation Stores

I bought a nice rug on Overstock.com. There are many online discount stores that sell new furniture and accessories. For many of these stores, you can get an additional one-time discount by giving them your email prior to your first purchase. The only thing I fear with purchasing large items online is having to return them. Be sure to read the return policies on each of the sellers' websites.

I've never bought from a liquidation place, and from the few I've seen they usually sell in bulk. Some online stores that have become popular like Temu have cautions about using them, so do your own research and shop safely. eBay doesn't just sell used things - you can find new products too. Just because it's on eBay doesn't necessarily mean it's the lowest price you can find, so compare prices. Don't forget sites like Groupon - they also sell furniture and just about anything.

Sign up With Online Discount Apps

I've saved money with apps like Honey, Capital One Shopping, PriceBlink, and others. I love it when they show me different sellers of the same product and what those sellers are charging. They will also show you recent pricing data. Sites like Rakuten will give you cash back.

4. Get Creative with DIY

DIY projects are a fun and affordable way to add personality to your space. Consider repurposing old furniture, such as painting an old dresser or reupholstering a chair . You can also create your own artwork, curtains, or throw pillows using inexpensive materials like fabric scraps or paint. You can create a one-of-a-kind piece that can't be found anywhere else and can become a focal point and conversation starter. Who doesn’t love bragging rights when guests admire something they put together with their own hands? It’s pretty much unbeatable value right there.

YouTube offers plenty of DIY videos for almost everything! Some are easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions that will help you create your own masterpiece at a fraction of the price of going to a furniture store and buying new.

With just a dash of creativity and some DIY action, unique treasures can spruce up your place with personal flair. Plus, when you repurpose like this Mother Earth will thank you too! So why not dive into crafting something awesome?

Let’s talk flat-pack furniture—it’s kind of like playing with grown-up building blocks! Brands like IKEA have this down pat: snazzy furnishings on the cheap that you get to piece together yourself—talk about feeling accomplished! By going DIY-style on assembly (and skipping pricey delivery or setup fees), you're stacking up even more savings. KEA furniture fits well with minimalist design.

We can't forget about paint—it’s like magic in a can, right? Slapping on some fresh color could be just the thing for reviving an entire area or dressing up tired-looking chairs and tables. Paint's got our backs when we want style on a dime, as long as you enjoy and are able to do it yourself. If you have to hire a pro then you're not saving money. Take it a room (or wall) or furniture piece one at a time.

Feeling bold? Why not dive into stenciling, or maybe give creating an accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper a whirl? I remember putting up a wall of textured wallpaper (made of paper) on my own. It was a comedy that when I removed my hands, the big sheet of paper fell down, only leaving 2 pieces of wallpaper shaped like my hands. I somehow finished it up (and lined up the paper perfectly around the hand prints), and I loved it.

5. Invest in Statement Pieces

While it's important to save money where you can, it's also worth investing in a few high-quality statement pieces that will anchor your space and last for years to come. Consider splurging on a comfortable sofa, a durable dining table, or a beautiful area rug. Balance these investments with budget-friendly accents and decor.

While I agree with the above paragraph, you can still do some shopping around to find used statement pieces at much lower prices. Consignment shops are great places to find these items. With that said, maybe you don't need a classic piece and would be just as happy buying a new couch at a local discount furniture store - see next paragraph.

Statement pieces don't have to be furniture. They can be art or wall paint/wallpaper, a beautiful rug, a unique chandelier, etc. This would be a focal point that no one will ignore when they step into the room.

6. Shop at Discount Furniture Stores

Most of us know the difference between high-priced furniture stores and local "discount" stores where we live. In the Phoenix area, a few lower-priced stores are American Furniture Warehouse, Bob's Discount Furniture, and Ashley Furniture, just to name a few. We purchased our family room sectional at Bob's and we love it. It's in great shape after 4 years.

Don't forget other discount stores that sell furniture like Home Goods, Walmart, and Target. They might not be the best quality but can hold you over until you can afford what you really want.

Ever thought about going for refurbished, open-box, or display models? Stores often knock down their prices since they’ve been loved a bit already - cracked open or cozied up in-store. Keep those eyes peeled! You might just snag top-notch finds still brimming with charm and years of use ahead. Think of it as treasure hunting: scooping up gems others overlook and making your place shine—it’s what smart decorators do!

7. Embrace Bold Colors and Patterns

One of the hottest interior design trends for 2024 is the use of bold colors and patterns. Incorporating these elements through affordable accents like throw pillows, curtains, or wall art can instantly transform a room without requiring a major investment. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors to create a unique and personalized look.

This could be the quickest and easiest way to change up your decor or add some pizzazz that has been mentioned in this article. But will it be enough if you're moving and need more than accent pieces? Maybe not, but it could keep you from getting rid of a plain Jane sofa you're tired of by jazzing it up with some bold, colorful pillows. It could be a quick and temporary fix until you decide exactly what kind of new piece you really want and will give you some time to shop around and find the perfect one.

8. Maximize Storage

This has been mentioned under the Embrace Minimalism section. Clutter can make even the most stylish room feel cramped and uninviting. It can occur in almost any size home.

Maximize your storage space by investing in multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans, bed frames with built-in drawers, or bookshelves that double as room dividers. You can also use inexpensive baskets, bins, and boxes to organize smaller items and keep your space looking neat and tidy.

Does your new home have a pantry closet and you've never had one so you're not sure where to start? Places like Walmart and Target offer a wide selection of different storage options for the pantry and more.

9. Shop Off-Season and Sales

Timing your purchases can also help you save money on furniture and decor, but you'll need some patience. Many retailers offer deep discounts on outdoor furniture during the fall and winter months, while indoor furniture sales often happen in the summer. Keep an eye out for holiday sales and clearance events to snag the best deals. If you time it right when scooping up major pieces like sofas or tables, we're talking serious cash saved in your wallet!

If you love shopping, hitting the stores on Black Friday might save you some big money. My sister-in-law does it, I don't. You don't actually have to go to physical stores to get Black Friday deals as most retailers offer online deals on Black Friday besides Cyber Monday.

Online pricing apps have been mentioned already, but these can really save you money. I was going to purchase an electric toothbrush on Amazon Prime Days. One of my apps showed me other stores that were priced the same. I checked out Target and got a $5.00 coupon plus the 5% saved using their Red Card. I wouldn't have considered that if it hadn't been for the app (and I have several so I'm not sure which one it was, sorry).

10. Consider Alternative Materials

While solid wood furniture is often seen as the gold standard, it can also be expensive. Consider alternative materials like bamboo, rattan, metal, or even plywood which can be just as stylish and durable at a lower price point. These materials also offer a unique texture and visual interest that can elevate your space.

Also, consider fabric vs leather. I've never been into leather that much. Living in a warm climate like Scottsdale can make you think twice about your legs sticking to leather furniture. I realize we have air conditioning, but just coming in on a 115-degree day or being sweaty from yard work and sitting on a leather sofa to take a break? No thanks!

11. Rent or Borrow

If you're furnishing a temporary space or don't want to commit to a particular style, consider renting furniture instead of buying it outright. Many rental companies offer flexible lease terms and the option to swap out pieces as your needs or tastes change. You can also borrow furniture from friends or family members who may be looking to declutter their own spaces.

With the exception of borrowing pieces temporarily, I'm not sure renting furniture will actually save you money. But I suppose it could be considered saving if it's a temporary situation.

12. Focus on Lighting

Lighting can have a major impact on the look and feel of your space, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Invest in a few key lighting pieces like a statement chandelier or floor lamp, and supplement with inexpensive table lamps or string lights. Don't forget about natural light - use sheer curtains or strategically placed mirrors to maximize the amount of sunlight in your space.

One of my favorite pieces is a table lamp I purchased from a resale shop in Scottsdale. I had kept it in one of the bedrooms when we had a North Scottsdale townhouse as a 2nd home when we still lived in Illinois. When we moved to a much larger house, the lamp was moved into the living room. One of my friends gushed over it and forgot it had been in the townhouse. I don't think she ever slept in that particular bedroom so I can't blame her for not remembering it. It is definitly a statement piece that is unique and we didn't pay that much for it.

13. Plan a Budget for Your Furnishing Ideas

Got a flair for fashion but your wallet's feeling light? I get it, sometimes you want what you want and you have a vision. Sprucing up your living space to mirror what you're all about doesn't need to drain your wallet. You can start tiny—think about swapping out those old cabinet handles or tossing a colorful blanket over the back of your sofa. Isn’t it amazing how such minor changes can breathe new life into a room without blowing through your savings?

Start setting up a spending plan—that budget thing is key—and cherry-pick what you want to splurge on first. Need somewhere cozy to crash or dreamland deluxe? That comfy couch and rock-solid bed should top your list; pour more money into these must-haves. The fancy yet not-so-necessary stuff can wait, or those items can be second-hand, DIY, or discount. Set your priorities and work around them.

14. Gallery at Home: Tips for Designing a Wall of Art and Photos

Looking to add some flair without breaking the bank? Why not throw together a gallery wall using budget-friendly frames packed with prints, snapshots, or bits of colorful fabric that you adore. It's like giving your walls a hug from you! The best part is it keeps changing—it’s super easy to switch out those frame fillers whenever the mood strikes.

You can get discount art mounted on canvas with or without frames and Groupon usually has deals on this. You can also send in your own photos and have them enlarged on canvas or whatever you choose. You can also create a wall with pictures and photos you've printed yourself and use frames from stores like Walmart or Target or the like. Photos too small? Use inexpensive matting to feature those prints.

I've already mentioned my favorite wall art piece (painted leather art) that I purchased from a consignment shop. We've purchased several wall art pieces at a fraction of what they were originally sold for. One of my friends asked me to leave her one of my pieces if I die first. Yep, it was purchased at a resale shop and we've kept this one outside.

15. Green Living: Enhance Your Home Decor with Houseplants

If you feel there is something missing in your home decor, adding some houseplants can make all the difference. You can’t overlook the charm of a strategically placed green buddy. Adding houseplants doesn't just spruce up your room; they’re also champs at purifying the air we breathe.

Have trouble keeping plants alive? No worries—opt for ones that need minimal fussing and dress them in stylish pots that vibe with your decor theme. Isn't it awesome how something so simple can freshen up both our homes and our oxygen supply simultaneously? I've found some fake plants that look good at resale shops.

We paid a lot of money for a large, live palm tree. It has given us four good years but it is finally fading, and we're not sure why. Our fake plants look as good as the day we bought them and we paid much less. I also never liked where we had to place the palm - in the dining room near a window where we keep the plantation shutters open all the time. It was basically the best light source for it. But when it eventually dies, I don't think I'd put another plant in that spot.

Plants go on sale at many stores - grocery stores, discount stores like Walmart and Target, home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, etc.

Conclusion

Sprucing up your new home in a snazzy yet cozy way shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Get creative, hunt down some deals on low-cost furniture, bargain home essentials, budget-friendly adornments, and cut-price home goods. Consider DIY - you might find a new hobby!

You can pull off chic decor that mirrors who you are without splurging loads of cash. Keep this in mind: it's not the price tag that defines beauty; it's about mixing functionality with style to forge a space that screams 'you'. By following these tips and getting creative with your approach, you can furnish your home in style without overspending.