If you are like me and would much prefer an adequate supply of food for the next month rather than staring at your new expensive sofa then this is written for you. This is also written for you if furniture stores give you the willies and you prefer to be trendy and green and recycle.
Lucky for you that the world is brimming with glorious thrift stores and antique stores full of endless possibilities! Thrift stores are treasure chests-- overflowing with everything from antique tables to charming little tea cups and vintage decorating books.
Moving to Virginia a few years ago, I was fresh out of college. I didn't have much money and I only had a car full of possessions to decorate my new apartment. Early on I picked a theme: bright, vintage, and eclectic.
I visited a few local thrift stores and purchased two end tables that were similar in size and shape, yet totally different colors. I also scored a small paint-chipped bookshelf. The total cost was $15. On my way home with the tables I stopped by a K-Mart store, and for $6 I had a can of paint specially mixed in a funky shade of plum. For the next couple of hours I sanded down all 3 and then gave them coats of purple passion until they were exactly as I wanted. After they dried, I had the most beautiful matching set. All for just over $20! However, if you are not much for DIY, you can also find furniture that is in perfect condition for just a little more.
In addition to the fixer-uppers, you can also find many other fun things to spruce up your living space. There is nothing quite like spending a Sunday afternoon with your significant other on the living room floor spinning through a pile of retro 80's vinyl. My record player was only $10 and works like a champ. I have managed to find countless vinyl classics as well, ranging from .25 to $1 each. (yes, even Wham!).
Buying used items doesn't have to mean buying someone else's garbage either. With each item you also get the rich history which is hidden in each article. If you're lucky you may even score a haunted item! I often stare at my vintage dining room chairs in all of their napalm-orange-poppy glory and hope that there is the ghost of an old woman hanging out with me while I type. I need some new crochet skills, so I hope she knows how and will get busy on hooking me up with that as well.
So there you have it. The time is now to roll up your sleeves, bust out the sandpaper and paint--that ugly flaking mess in the corner is about to become your new coffee table!
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