Making your home beautiful means shopping but it doesn’t have to mean a big expense in order to get the look that you want. As a matter of fact, there are several crafty ways to get the items you crave at a fraction of the cost. And by crafty, I don’t necessarily mean making the items yourself, though DYI is definitely a great option! I’m talking about thinking outside the box, or in this case, outside the department store. You don’t to rely on over priced or even regular priced furniture and décor to get a look that screams expensive! Check out these options and be prepared to be blown away!

Sales. This may seem like a no-brainer, but how often do you really search for good sales? Websites, web rings, classifieds, newspapers—these are all great places to check on a regular basis for factory liquidation sales, going-out-of-business sales, warehouse sales, etc. Community newspapers are especially great because they often contain flyers as well as some other advertisements not found in the bigger city papers.

Yard Sales. The saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is absolutely true! On any sunny spring Saturday or Sunday morning you can go for a drive in a subdivision and find all kinds of yard sales going on. Keep your eyes open for flyers posted on street lamp posts or at the grocery store bulletin board. Local newspapers also have listings of yard and/or garage sales.  Don’t forget to bring small bills and be prepared to barter! Getting the best possible deal is part of the fun! Also, check out ‘upscale’ neighborhoods for some amazing deals on things that are normally way more than your budget!

Hotel Furniture Warehouses/Sales. Have you ever wondered what happens to perfectly good hotel furniture when a hotel is redecorated? Much of it goes to warehouses that seel the items to the public. Prices are PHENOMENAL and the quality of furniture and decorating accessories will blow you away. Think hotels like ‘Hilton’ or ‘Four Seasons’. You can find everything from beds and desks to sofa sets and even drapes, lamps and art! The selection is vast and ever changing and again, the prices are incredible. Example: Marble top desks for under a hundred bucks or drapes for ten bucks! Check online or use your local yellow pages.

Thrift Shops. Going to a thrift shop on a hunt for home décor requires some patience because you need to take the time to sift through a lot of merchandise, but a little determination and persistence almost always pays off. You can get your bargain hunting little hands on anything from furniture to art to dishes. The collection is often eclectic and you can find things from other eras meaning unusual or unique items for next to nothing. This is an especially great option for those who enjoy or collect glassware because the selection is wonderful. And, places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill use the money you spend on programs and charities to help the less fortunate, so you’re doing something good for yourself as well as others.

See, you can make your home a castle without having to spend an arm and a leg. A little bit of time and patience and a handful of small bills is all you really need to start making your home look the way you’ve always dreamed.