by Shelly Mcrae

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

Purchasing furniture can be frustrating for the financially challenged. High quality furniture comes with a high price, and because furniture is an investment, buying cheap yields no discernable return. Buy a cheap couch and within a year or two you need to buy a new couch.

So how do you acquire good furniture at low costs? How do you save money when buying furniture?

Check out your local consignment shops. Consignment shops sell items, such as furniture, for people who wish to sell something without doing the work. The shop takes a cut from the sale, with the remainder of the proceeds going to the owner of the item.

Many of these stores have high quality furnishings for a fraction of the cost. Though used, and perhaps dated, the couches, chairs and case goods in consignment shops are generally in good condition. The price tags will reflect a substantial savings. For example, a couch that originally sold for $1200 may now be available to you for $700.

Estate sales are another venue for finding good furniture at low costs. Estate sales are different than yard or garage sales, and are sometimes conducted as auctions. Generally, a household is being sold off in its entirety, and items are being sold at low prices.

Yard sales and garage sales are of course a source of inexpensive furnishings as well. But be cautious. Often, these items are beyond gently used, and though you'll be paying very little for them, expect to have to replace them within a short time.

Thrift shops can be goldmines for savings. Unfortunately, by the time a piece hits the thrift shop level, it is usually in need of attention. If you are prepared to paint or reupholster or spring for a professional cleaning, then the savings can be significant.

When browsing yard sales, thrift shops and even consignment stores, be sure to take a whiff of the furniture you're considering spending your hard earned money on. It may be a bit embarrassing, but you need to get your nose into it. If there is a rank odor, don't buy it. This is the number one rule of buying used furniture.

If you don't want to buy used furniture, there are ways to keep the cost down while furnishing your home. Stores such as Ikea and Costco often have decent furniture for sale at reasonable prices. Though these items may not be top of the line, they are, generally speaking, solid pieces that will last a few years.

You may also find in your area warehouse and outlet stores that sell "left over" furniture. These stores are usually affiliated with a national chain or other recognizable name, such as Sears. The furniture may be dated, dinged or dented, but the damage is usually minor. The savings are significant.

To save money when buying furniture you need to do a little extra legwork. You may need to fix up the piece you purchase. You may need to adjust your idea of the ideal. But you can save money and have a beautiful home.

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