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	Two chair styles offer flexibility and can be mixed and matched around a round dining table. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version More of this Feature • Part 1: Finding Budget Furniture • Part 2: Frugal Furniture Sources Related Resources • Budget Artwork Ideas • Flea Market Shopping Tips • Do It Yourself Index More DIY Projects • Furniture Refinishing Links • Headboard Project Links • Ottoman Project Links About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

Part 2: Patience and a ready wallet

Here are more bargain shopping resources.

> > Showroom Samples
Design Centers (in most large cities) often have periodic "sample sales" for discontinued furnishings that have been used as showroom samples. Call a design center near you, or watch your local newspaper for ads.

> > Trash to Treasure
Some people call it "dumpster diving" and others call it "found items" but this can become almost a hobby with some people. Discarded furnishings found in trash bins, on the street, or marked "free" at a garage sale, can be rehabbed into something beautiful if you have the time and creativity. Watch HGTV for some great ideas on trash to treasure refurbishing. Photos 2000-2003 by Glenna J. Morton, About's Interior Decorating Guide

> > Junk and Thrift Stores
Yes, you probably do have to visit 15 junk and thrift stores to find even one great item. But if you have the time and the patience, this can be an inexpensive source of some wonderful one-of-a-kind pieces. And if you have a friend who frequents these kinds of stores, let her know what you're looking for so she can call you with possibilities.

> > Garage Sales and Flea Markets
This is an obviously cheap source for lots of furniture and accessories. Items will generally be inexpensive and may exhibit a great deal of wear. Negotiation is practically expected, so bring cash and bargain away for the best prices.

> > Auctions
Auction houses are another source of quality one-of-a-kind furnishings. Read up on auctions before you go and be sure to take advantage of the preview days to examine any pieces you might bid on. Better to find out about that wobbly leg or the cracked drawer before the auction begins. Many pieces that are not classified as "antiques" are extremely reasonable at auction.

> > Buy with an Eye to Refinish
Sometimes you won't be able to find just what you want and you'll need to get creative. Begin to look at furniture with an eye for its line, scale, and details. Perhaps a dark wood desk can be repainted and updated with new hardware. Maybe a beat up coffee table can be sanded and stained, or an old chair seat recovered with pretty fabric. The only caution -- be realistic as to what you can actually accomplish. A chest with a missing drawer and a cracked top may be too much to fix if you don't have the time, tools, or space to repair it.

Next: > Page 2: More Budget Artwork Ideas

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