I always like to look back and see what was one of your favorite random posts from the past year. Not DIY or Tutorial – just totally random. This kind of post really doesn’t fit into any special category other than Penny Pinching. I thought it would be fun to share it again with you guys.
By now I am sure you have all gathered that I have Champagne taste but a Beer budget. Now if I am being honest, sometimes all I can afford is Kool-aid – you know the 5 cent packet and some water. (I haven’t bought Kool-aid for a while, so I was shocked to find out they are now on sale at 3 for $1) Anyway, I still have a taste for Tiffany when my budget insists I need to be at Walmart.
So what is a girl to do? Well, I have a few tried and true tips for you so you can have that high-class look you want for pennies.
Goodwill – For years I think I had the best Goodwill in the country. We lived in a rather exclusive area and their stock reflected all the high-end stuff that was traded in. My $9.99 Louis Chairs are just one example. The cowhide upholstery on the backs is still a winner. You can learn all about them here, and here.
Over the years I found numerous high-end quality pieces that just needed a little TLC to look good as new. Here are 3 more favorite finds.
That’s not true anymore. Goodwill opened a Resale store and everything even remotely nice is now shipped to their store and priced higher than normal retail. This may not be true of your Goodwill, so check it out. They are still a great place for dishes and glasses.
Designer Showcase Stores – Here in Phoenix we have a ton of designer stores. One of my very favorites is called Furniture Affair. They specialize in Model Home Furniture and everything they carry is high-end and current. They are located at 7th St. and Bell Rd. if you live in the area.
Their prices are totally amazing too. High-end quality at the price of low-end used. I bought a $200 chair for $98. My daughter bought custom twin comforters, shams, and throw pillows for $125 for the pair. These would normally cost well over $200 per bed. Check around in your area for stores that carry Model Home Furnishings. These stores sometimes have the most amazing accessories too and at really affordable prices.
Hotel Liquidators – I’ve found end tables, chairs, and two different headboards plus lamps, art, and mirrors. This is a fabulous place to find good-quality furniture and accessories that come out of some really high-end resorts.
My master bedroom headboard is just one example. $79 for King and it looks like thousands. All I had to do was paint the wood, the fabric was fabulous. You can see my step by step tutorial here.
Guest Bedroom Headboard – $29.50 – I stained the wood and reupholstered the fabric insert. You can see that tutorial here.
That camel-colored Louis style chair next to the sofa – $59.
Craigs List – Now I personally haven’t found anything on Craigs List, but friends have had fabulous success, so be sure to check out your area.
Garage Sales – You can sometimes find the most amazing things, it is sort of hit or miss, but by all means, check out a few. My living room sofa was a custom made sofa that was only 4 years old. My neighbor was moving and I bought it at her sale for $100. Now I wouldn’t have normally picked a cut velvet fabric, but I needed a white sofa and this one is such a well-made piece, so it serves me well.
Facebook – There are some Facebook Page sales in your area, so give them a try too.
Used Furniture Stores – Check around and find ones that specialize in higher-end merchandise. We have one that is called J & K Furniture that has amazing furniture at really fabulous prices.
They are located at 28th St. and Bell Rd.
This beautiful dresser only needed the top refinished – $69.
This really nice three drawer chest for $79 and I didn’t have to do anything to it. Perfect condition.
There are also the obvious such as At Home, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, World Market, and even Target and Walmart. Don’t settle for just anything. Shop around, wait for sales and look for something similar to the really pricey high-end piece that you want. A good quality knock-off can save thousands.
Online stores such as Wayfair, Josh & Main & Houzz have some fabulous knock-offs of some really high-end designers. Check out their sales too. Sometimes as much as 70% off.
My last tip is to sell or consign pieces that you no longer love and want to replace. Sometimes as our taste changes, some pieces that we own just don’t work anymore. So sell those things and put that money towards a piece that you will love for years.
Great buys! Guess I need to check out some stores in my area!
So smart, Marty!! I have purchased some fabulous pieces at yard sales through the years, and the china closet in my dining room was a Craig’s List find at $100. My daughters have also learned how to buy furniture used to save money, and have done a wonderful job decorating their homes on a budget. I’m so proud of them!
This is a wonderful place Marty. We have a few outlets of high end furniture places in our area. It is hit or miss but you can find some real pretty items at really reduced prices. I love that you can decorate beautifully and not have a Champagne salary to do it. Great tips. Happy New Year.
xoxo
It’s Champagne Taste and a Beer Pocketbook where I came from. You are right about GW. All of the nice things go online for auction. Ours is full of junk and people fighting over that to resell on eBay. Never any decent furniture. My neighbors got a lovely patio table and chairs from On the Curb website for free. There is also MaxSold auctions but none have been close so far. Thanks for sharing your amazing decorating skills with us each week. Happy New Year.
I lived in Phoenix for seventeen years and it was just fun seeing these familiar addresses.