What's Old is New Again | Affordable Decor and Home Improvement Resources in Chicagoland

Although I have a tendency to invest in high-quality furniture that will last, I admit that I far prefer making something old new again. A lot of older furniture is a lot more solidly-built than it is nowadays (unless you want to sacrifice your child's future college education fund), and when I get it at a bargain I don't feel *as* guilty making it my own. In lieu of getting something old/used, I'm willing to shell out for a well-constructed piece - as long as it's super-clearanced. Because I'm cheap frugal and careful with my money.

If I may be so bold, I have a knack for finding deals and steals on furniture and other home decor. Often I'm asked where I am able to snag such deals. Well, today's your lucky day: I'm going to share my secrets to obtaining cheap home stuff. Some of them aren't so secret, and others may be a revelation. Either way, I'm hoping this will help some of you save some some moolah while sparking some creativity.

Are you excited? I know I am!

Source

1.) Habitat for Humanity ReStore - It shocks me how many people don't know about this place. It's essentially a thrift store for home improvement supplies and furniture. This is where I got my $10 lamp that I spray-painted for the kitchen. If you're doing a full-scale remodel, it's worth checking this place out for deals before heading to Home Depot and the like, especially on kitchen cabinetry.

2.) Crate & Barrel Outlet Store - It's super difficult for me to go into this store and come out empty handed. This is where I got my pendant lights for the dining room and kitchen (one was marked down to $30 from $249!!). I would highly suggest bringing someone rational with you so you don't get too crazy with all of the deals to be had.

3.) Land of Nod Outlet Store - This is a great one for kid furniture and decor. To be perfectly honest, the stuff at the outlet store is still expensive, but if you're looking for quality pieces that will last the duration of your kid's childhood that isn't as expensive as it is in their regular retail stores, this is the place to go.

4.) Craigslist - I know I'm stating the obvious here, but hear me out. Craigslist is great if you have something specific you want and are willing to wait until someone else is willing to sell for a good price. This is how I found the white dresser for Owen's room and my desk - all for $100! I basically semi-stalked Craigslist for about a week until I saw the dresser and desk I was looking for, and promptly pounced.

5.) Goodwill/Salvation Army/Other Thrift Stores - Again, stating the obvious. The key here is being patient and having an idea of what you want/need before perusing their shelves. Often I find what I'm looking for quite out of the blue when I least expect it, so make sure you build in that time.

6.) Moving Sales - Notice how I didn't say garage/estate/yard sales? Moving sales are where it's at, people. Usually the reason why this is the case is because when people are looking to get rid of stuff before they move, they have no room for them at their new place, which usually means the furniture is newer and better quality than what you typically find at garage/yard sales. I actually snagged a Pottery Barn side table from a moving sale for a cool $40 - I looked up the in-store price, and it was closer to about $300. Can you say SCORE?! You can usually find out about these sales either on Craigslist or in your local newspaper, or even just driving around and looking for moving sale signs.

I know there are lots more that I didn't include in this list - particularly a couple I've been meaning to check out in Lisle and Lombard - so, let's consider this the start of what will likely be a pretty lengthy list. Anyone in the Chicagoland area have any other suggestions? I'm all ears, peeps.