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Sneaky ways to save money when furnishing your home

Amanda Lauren, RealSimple.com on

Moving to a larger home or furnishing a new home is expensive no matter what your budget is, because there’s just a lot to buy. However, there are ways to furnish and decorate your home that save cash while maximizing style. It’s not about waiting for a sale or buying used — here are some sneaky ways to save money on furniture and decor that you probably haven’t heard before.

Buy a bed frame and headboard separately.

An entirely new bed with a headboard can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. But buying a separate headboard and an inexpensive metal bed frame can end up costing far less. This is also a great way to save space in smaller rooms where larger frames and footboards can take up valuable inches of space.

Skip the nightstand.

Nightstands are often pricey. Add the fact that you need to buy two, and this item is a real budget killer. If a bedroom is modern or contemporary, installing a floating shelf is a great alternative that looks super sleek. This is a particularly good idea if the room already has wall sconces, because there’s no need to worry about having enough room for a lamp. Style with a few books or decorative objects.

If floating shelves don’t work in the room, consider using a side table instead of a nightstand. They serve the same purpose and often aren’t marked up the way nightstands are.

 

Stop searching for a console table.

Much like nightstands, console tables can be very expensive. Instead of an empty entryway, consider opting for a slim desk instead. It serves the same purpose with prices that generally start lower. Just be sure to measure the space out properly before clicking “add to cart.” Best of all, the drawer is an ideal place for stashing keys and mail, which helps keep clutter at bay.

Ditch the dining chairs.

Dining chairs are equally essential and oftentimes expensive. However, a dining bench can be a more affordable alternative depending on how many people sit at the table. Another approach is to mix it up and use dining chairs on one side and a bench on the other.

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