You want a stylish apartment, but you have a bunch of hand-me-down furniture (along with a few items you found rummaging around the flea market). Tossing everything out and buying all new, matching furniture isn't a great option, unless you're on a reality makeover show. Luckily, you don't need an unlimited budget to create a cohesive space. Here are some simple tips for creating a sophisticated space with minimal effort (and expense!).
Choose Key Pieces
Inventory what you have in your space and decide what you want to keep and what you might want to get rid of. Maybe you have a sofa you love and saved up for, or maybe it's a piece that was handed down from your parents or grandparents that has sentimental value. This is your base piece. It is the one thing you are sure will be in your room for the foreseeable future. Once you know which pieces will be sticking around with you for a while, then you can accumulate other pieces to work cohesively with it. It helps if this piece is the larger of the pieces going in the room, so smaller end-tables, chairs, etc. can be added over time.
Choose a Color
If you pull the same color throughout the room with accent pieces, the room will look cohesive even when the furniture doesn't necessarily match. Look for paintings, throw pillows, rugs, and accessories that have your "theme" color. If you have some small tables that don't match the rest of your furniture, consider painting them in your chosen color to give them a whole new look.
Browse Thrift Stores
This isn't just a fun way to spend the afternoon. When you have a goal in mind, such as finding items with your living room's theme color, finding a rare treasure at a thrift store is like winning the lottery. And since it's an inexpensive thrift store find, you won't feel guilty ditching the item when you move and it doesn't fit your new space. Here are some other reasons thrift store items are wonderful for decorating:
Opportunity to personalize it and make it "custom."
You're in charge. There are no rules when it comes to the fabric you choose or the paint color you select for your piece. Make it your own! DIY supplies can add up quickly, so remember that when you are getting ready to pay for your "bargain" find. It never hurts to make an offer for lower than the ticketed price.
The ability to sharpen your DIY skills.
Practice your painting skills. Try sanding something. Maybe even pull out the sewing machine you've tucked away in the closet for years! DIY furniture pieces are an excellent way to bring new life to something old. There are beautiful examples floating all around Pinterest.
Go bold with no regret.
After a while, you might not love cherry red anymore. That great thrift store table you painted a bold shade of red can be tossed out or repainted, and you won't feel guilty about it since you bought it for a bargain.
A bargain is good for the soul.
Test out your negotiating skills. If you are able to walk away with a new-to-you piece of furniture after paying less than what it was listed for, it can give you a big boost of confidence and that "I did it!" surge of energy! Saving money on your thrifted piece also means those savings can be put toward something else, such as paying off a bill, getting a repair done that you've been putting off, or simply putting the extra money in your savings.
Hit Up IKEA
No, seriously. When in doubt, head to IKEA! With a so many items retailing at an affordable price point, one key factor here is that while so many items are highly recognizable as "IKEA," they can so easily be transformed into something unique and custom. IKEA furniture items are typically small-scale, low-profile pieces that can be seamlessly mixed in with various other retailer's pieces. Pair an IKEA chair with your parents' hand-me-down desk for an instant modern look.
Furniture Doesn't Have to Sit on the Floor
Does your child need a desk in his or her room, but there isn't enough space for it? How about in your main living area, would a desk be helpful to sit down and pay bills or store important files and paperwork? Try a floating desk! A small, wall-mounted desk will fit in any small space and can be pulled down, transforming into workspace with ease.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing and matching your furniture pieces. The main thing to remember is that it is your space and by creating your own mix, your home will have a unique and personalized vibe. Also remember that when you invest a very small amount [like a few dollars at the thrift store] into your furniture collection, it can be somewhat temporary. If you get tired of a piece or it no longer fits your style or aesthetic, then you will be able to donate or sell that piece with little to no guilt. But for now, continue to master the mix and create a space you love with those pieces you have, and those ones you are on the hunt for!
