Let's get real... I like shoes. I like them a lot. And makeup and handbags. I can't have those pretty things if I don't cut corners elsewhere, people! So I like to save money whenever I can, but there are some items that seem like you just have to bite the bullet to get something decent. I figured I would make a little list of places I have found amazing discounts on various things for the home.
Hobby Lobby
Definitely wait for sales for the items you are looking for, or come armed with coupons you can print from their website starting each Sunday. Tons of giant iron wall decor and amazing clocks, a few aisles of baskets, Anthropologie-esque glass drawer pulls for half the price or less, pillows, frames, and oh right, art supplies! It is awesome to stock up on Prismacolor stuff, or Copic markers with a 40% off coupon. Their seasonal stuff is also amazing and they are the best source in my opinion for branches, curly willow, etc.
Big Lots
This is a great store for seasonal items, like adorable ceramic glazed pots and planters. They have cute holiday oriented stuff, and even furniture at low prices, begging to be spiffed up with some paint or new hardware. I like to buy basics here like paint rollers or disposable foam brushes for polyurethaning. You never know what you'll find here and it is fun to browse. I don't know if they still do this, but they had a 50% off any one item coupon three years ago and we scored our Serta pillowtop mattess with it!
TJMaxx HomeGoods
If you are lucky enough to have a Homegoods section to your TJMaxx, I hope you go often! I've found everything from an amazing glass blown organic looking bowl for my mantel people swear cost $100 or more, to name brand cooking utensils at a fraction of the original cost. Check out the clearance sections (Cynthia Rowley throw, $7!) and if you need lamps, theirs start at $30 and include the shade! You can't get a $15 base anywhere, so that's a huge bargain! Don't be afraid to swap the shades. This is my go-to place for more trendy pieces and gifts. Tip: Ask when they put out new stock and be one of the first to see new stuff!
Ross Dress for Less
I list this after TJMaxx for a reason. It is a less upscale version of TJMaxx and both the store and the products reflect that. Instead of thinking of it as an unkempt store, I think of it as a thrift store that sells all brand new products, because that is really what it feels like. They do have a lot of good kitchen items though, and interesting plates they sell individually (great if you are into hanging plates!) as well as picture frames and a good mini-furniture section stocked with ottomans and side tables. I've found substantial curtain rods here for $10, cute throw pillows, and great wine glasses.
Beall's Outlet
They don't have these everywhere, and it isn't to be confused with the Kohl's-esque store Beall's, but they have some really cute home items from time to time that keep me going back every few months. Sometimes it is worth it, sometimes it isn't.
Habitat for Humanity Restore
If you are looking for supplies for DIY projects, look no further. What is better than saving money on supplies for a project you are doing to save money? Um, nothing! Trim, premixed paint, hardware, planters, toilets, kitchen cabinets. You name it, they probably have it!
Handy Man Candy Store
There is no link because this is not an official store, per se. Many cities including my small town and the one adjacent to it, have a store—usually in the middle of nowhere or in an area of town with a lot of construction businesses—that's main purpose is to sell everything from lumbar to granite slabs for countertops at steep discounts. Look through your phonebook or hop on a local forum (like Facebook!) and ask around. There was beautiful granite and travertine, gorgeous tiles and even hardwood flooring. There were huge rolls of carpeting as well. Before you jump in, make sure you talk to a contractor (or granite guy, carpet company, etc.) about picking up the supplies for you (much is too large to transport yourself) and the cost of installing a product you aren't getting from them. Most will comply, but some will charge an extra fee that doesn't make the initial savings pan out to much. Still, you can find a bargain!
Amazon
Firstly, get Amazon Prime if you can! Either buy it if you think you'll get use out of it (I wrote about it a few posts back) or get it for free for a year with a student e-mail address. In addition to free streaming movies and TV shows, you get free two-day shipping and $3.99 overnight shipping on Amazon Prime eligible products, and trust me that encompasses a lot! So many times I've thought, "Well, I could buy that online and save $20... but I'd have to wait two weeks!" so I just go to my local store and buy whatever it is instead. This eliminates the grueling wait!
Bathroom fixtures and hardware, Le Creuset utensil crocks, Fiestaware table settings, awesome cutlery, televisions, dining tables, and everything in between!
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