Creative Ways to Save Money on Furniture

For some of us, furniture is nothing more than objects to sit ourselves and our stuff on. For others, it's an expression of their sense of style. But there is one thing that furniture usually isn't: cheap.

Most furniture stores sell couches, tables and other pieces at a premium. Costs are often in the thousands of dollars, making new furniture out of reach for those on a tight budget. But just because you don't have truckloads of cash sitting around, that doesn't meant that you have to settle for old hand-me-downs. You can find used, and in some cases new, furniture at bargain prices if you know where to look.

Estate auctions – If you're looking for antique furniture, try an estate auction. These often have lots of wonderful old pieces. Some are in good condition, while others need some work. But there's always a chance at getting something that strikes your fancy for next to nothing.

Outlet stores – Factories often send slightly damaged or second quality items to outlet stores. You can buy these items at a fraction of first quality price. And many of them have defects that are barely noticeable, if at all.

Garage sales – You find a lot of junk at garage sales, but you can also find some real gems, especially when it comes to furniture. Look in the classifieds for moving sales. Sometimes when people move, they sell the furniture they have and buy new furniture for their new place so they don't have so much to move. When that happens, you might find some spectacular deals on nearly new furniture.

Online – Going online isn't the first thing most of us think of when it comes to buying furniture. But there are bargains to be found on the Web. Discount furniture outlets often sell some of their inventory online, and you can also find deals on new and used furniture on online auction sites such as eBay.

Independent furniture stores – Small, locally owned furniture stores often have higher prices than large chains. But they're also more willing to negotiate. The best time to attempt this is near the end of the month, when salespeople are looking to boost their commissions.

Consignment stores – You can find some great used furniture at consignment stores. You'll pay more than you would at a garage sale, but the quality also tends to be much higher. If you're looking for something specific it pays to visit frequently, because inventory can change from day to day.

Furniture can be very expensive. But it doesn't have to be. Whether you want new or gently used items, you can find them at reasonable prices if you know where to look.

For more tips, you may want to check out Money Sense Tips.