When and Where to
Get the Best Furniture Buys
Buying furniture is often a major investment.
Furniture with style and good quality doesn’t
come cheap. But you can sometimes find
furnishing bargains in places you might not
expect. If you need to buy furniture but don’t
have a wad of cash to spend on it, there are
other options out there that you might not
have thought about and that won’t break
the bank.
Furniture stores
Many furniture stores have clearance centers
where you can buy marked down or slightly
damaged furniture. Some carry preowned
furniture that was repossessed by the
furniture company. These repossessed
pieces are generally clearly marked so that
you know you’re getting a preowned item.
Furniture rental stores also carry preowned
furniture. Stores may have a website and
offer specials only on that website. Look
for the words closeouts, clearance, and
overstocks. If you have a favorite furniture
store ask when they’ll have a tent sale or if
they plan on holding a large clearance sale.
Some national furniture stores also have
regional outlet centers that carry big bargains.
If you visit a furniture store, don’t neglect to visit the damaged goods section. I found a beautiful cherry headboard for a client for a steal at $25 by visiting the damaged goods area of one of my favorite furniture stores in North Carolina. The headboard for the bed was actually a large footboard of an expensive sleigh bed, but because the headboard was damaged, the footboard was sold for a pittance. It shows how even broken or mismatched pieces can fill a need when you think creatively.
North Carolina
The state of North Carolina produces more furniture than any other state in the country. Throughout the state there are discounters, large furniture malls and mega-centers all dedicated to buying furniture. However, you don’t have to live there to take advantage of the savings of these furniture stores. There are many large furniture dealers and discounters in North Carolina that have websites where you can order direct. Be aware some dealers may or may not sell or ship to an area where you live, so ask them if they serve your area first. If you find an item you like, you can request an estimate by going to http://ncfurnitureonline.com/.
Timing advantage
Furniture stores and design centers found in larger cities often have sample sales. Samples are the pieces of furniture that are kept on a showroom floor. When they need to make room for new pieces, these samples can often be had at a good price. Another furniture buying secret is to purchase in the summer and after the holidays. Because furniture manufacturers hold their big trade shows in October and April, January and July are the two best times to shop for clearance sales. I recently bought a marble console table that was listed at $1,000 and was marked down to $249 just because it was July and the store was ready to move it.
Think thrift
Other good sources of furnishings include thrift stores. Many furniture stores will donate unsold or slightly damaged pieces to thrift stores and many individuals will also donate furnishings. Most cities have a Habitat for Humanity store. These often carry furnishings. Another thrifty place to pick up furniture inexpensively is a garage sale, set out at the curb for garbage, and at junk stores and flea markets. Look at these pieces with an open mind. With some paint, a new finish or a reupholstered seat, you could just have a wonderful addition to your home.
Look for furnishings at the right time and the right places and you could find some real treasures – and bargains, too.
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Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist who publishes the Real Home E-Zine. She welcomes your comments and questions. For more information, go to www.kathryn-weber.com or email questions to Kathryn@kathryn-weber.com or write to her at P.O. Box 531, Cuero, Texas 77954. For a personal reply, please include your email address or a self-addressed stamped envelope.
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