Whether a bride is furnishing a first home or a family has moved into new quarters, turning that house or apartment into a home doesn't have to be expensive.  Save money on home furnishings - everything from furniture to decorations - by looking for options outside the traditional retailers.

Bargain Places To Buy

Look for auctions listed in the newspaper or free shoppper papers.  Many auctions offer buyers the chance to pick up quality items for small amounts.  Estate auctions occur after someone has passed away but other others happen when families move or senior citizens downsize from a home to an apartment. Any and everything can be found at auctions.  Look for buys on gently worn furniture, wall hangings, ceramic knick-knicks, collectibles, and even major appliances.  Be wise, however, and remember that there are no warranties on auction items.

Classified ad listings can also provide low cost items.  Check the classifieds of any newpaper or other publication to look for lists of for sale items.  Furniture, appliances, and much more can be found and if listed in the classfieds, items are often priced to sell meaning savings for the buyer.

Yard sales, garage sales, and such are another option.  Watch for homes that have been sold - before moving, many sellers often host a sale to shed unwanted items.  Sometimes bargains can be a steal when someone would rather sell an item than move it.

Antique stores are often overlooked because buyers fear valuable items that may be expensive.  Shoppers are often surprised, however, because many antique shops have other items that may be old but lack any real value.  Don't be afraid to bargain either - it's part of the way business is done.  Make an offer on a piece that fits your home and the owner may accept it.

Home owners who would like to remodel or want to pick up some unique fixtures for the home can keep an eye on vintage buildings.  Fixtures and other items are often sold during renovations and if a building has been slated for demolition, buyers can sometimes pick up things for almost nothing.

In-Store Wall Covering Specials

Looking to brighten up a room with a fresh coat of paint or a new color? Maybe wallpaper is the ticket to revive a room. 

Paint stores often have bargain prices on paints that didn't turn out to suit another customer.  These specials are not usually stocked in plain view but when asked, paint store owners often have custom paints that didn't blend into the exact shade a customer wanted.  Because the paints have been mixed, prices are low.

Ask wallpaper stores for samples, remnants, end of roll specials, or last season's styles.  Save on any of these and create the look desired for a room.

If home is truly where the heart is, take heart and save on the items that can make any house a home.