Furnish Your Home for Less
Consumers spend more than $7 billion a year on home furnishings and décor, according to the National Retail Federation.
But, as "Early Show" Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen showed on Tuesday, sprucing up your house doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Koeppen took a look at ways you can save, using both retail and resale items.
Koeppen said now is a great time to shop, because people are doing their spring cleaning and getting rid of home furnishings. She said, "You may be able to grab some great stuff."
Koeppen furnished a living room set up on "The Early Show," explaining how she did it with these resale and retail items:
Chairs:
Resale chair: Housing Works
Resale $38
Retail chair: Overstock.com
Retail $190
Vases:
Retail vase: The End of History
Retail $300
Resale vase:
Resale $4
Picture frames:
Retail picture frame: Bed Bath & Beyond
Retail $20
Resale picture frame: Housing Works
Resale $10
Floor lamps:
Resale lamp: Cure Thrift Shop
Resale $80
Retail lamp: Pottery Barn
Retail $150
Other furnishings:
The bookshelf was $100 from Housing Works
The futon frame, and mattress $200 from Cure Thrift Shop in New York City
The coffee table, $35
Tips from the National Association of Resale Thrift Shops (NARTS), the association of resale professionals:
How to shop resale
• Explore all the resale shops in your area to find which shops suit you best. Each shop has its own personality, so you're bound to find several favorites!
• Shop often for the best selection. Resale shops have a constantly changing inventory.
• Measure and note the available space for furniture so your purchase will fit.
• Bring garments and color swatches to help you coordinate everything.
• Get to know the sales staff. NARTS shops specialize in personal service and often maintain "wish lists." Many will call when your favorites arrive. Get on the mailing list... that way you'll get first notice of special promotions, events and sales.
• Be flexible. Don't limit yourself by looking for a specific item or you may miss a great buy.
• Look your items over carefully. Some shops have a policy of "All Sales Final", so be sure you like what you're buying. Shop owners are careful to pre-select their stock for quality and minimal wear, but you should make your own evaluation. If you are unsure of your selection ask if the store has an "approval system" so you can return the item if it is not quite right.
• Don't be in a rush when shopping. Resale stores have so much to look at and offer such great prices; you will want to take your time so you don't miss any treasures.