Creating a beautiful home doesn’t necessarily require a massive budget. In my many years of decorating the various homes I’ve lived in, one thing I’ve realized is that the restrictions of a tight budget can sometimes create the most intriguing, appealing results. I still own a handful of pieces I bought off of Craigslist and from the IKEA scratch and dent section and they mean more to me over time.
One of my top pieces of advice when decorating a new space, whether you’re a recent college grad with a minimal budget or someone who likes to seek out a great value, is to go slowly. I have found the most interesting spaces I visit are ones where someone has clearly taken the time to fill their rooms with pieces they love—curated from a variety of places and times throughout their lives. Try not to rush the process, find items that speak to you as you go, and remember that many of the best treasures can often be found secondhand (more on that below!).
Today I’m sharing some of my favorite places to shop for well-designed furniture at affordable prices. With a little searching and patience, you can find the pieces that set the stage for a space that’s wholly unique to you.
Akron Street
Ko Low Table
$330
Akron Street is a New York-based brand selling simple, classic, beautifully designed wooden furniture pieces. Prices range from $95 to just over $1,000. I love their Ko Low Table, shown above, and Elo Side Table ($150) which would make a beautiful accent piece in a living room or bedroom.
IKEA
GJÖRA Bed Frame
$429 Queen Size (Currently on sale for $369)
When shopping for budget-friendly furniture, IKEA remains a go-to place (and for good reason). I continue to turn to IKEA when looking for minimalistic pieces to fill in the gaps of my home. A few of the IKEA pieces I have and love include the BILLY Bookcase ($398) and the GLADOM Tray Table ($20).
Etsy | Crafted Glory Design
Walnut Waterfall Bench
$185
I love to turn to Etsy whenever I’m looking for one of a kind items, whether they’re handcrafted or vintage. This shop offers handmade wooden furniture like the bench shown above, this set of cubby end tables ($500 for a set of two), and more.
CB2
Boho Daybed Frame
$829
CB2 is one of my favorite places to go for furniture pieces and decor items that are well-made and beautiful. I love the Boho Daybed as a living room seating option when you’re looking for something that’s slightly out of the box. Their Alba Credenza ($599) is another modern, versatile piece that would work well in a living room, dining room, or bedroom.
HAY
Tulou Coffee Table
$195
A Denmark-based company whose goal is to create high-quality pieces at more accessible price points, HAY is a fantastic place to look for furniture and decor items. A few pieces I love are the Tulou Coffee Table above, the Matin Table Lamp in lavender ($225, currently on sale for $191), and the J 41 Chair ($295).
Thrift, Vintage, and Antique Stores
I’ve long shared my love for scouring thrift, vintage, and antique stores for one of a kind treasures. And when you’re shopping on a budget, these can be some of the best places to look (especially thrift stores). A few of my favorite secondhand places to shop in the Twin Cities include SouthSide Vintage, carousel + folk, Goodwill, Savers, and Salvation Army.
Jungalow
Avo Velvet Ottoman
$220
Jungalow, an online decor shop created by one of my favorite interior designers, Justina Blakeney, is home to beautiful, vibrant decor items and furniture pieces. This Avo Velvet Ottoman (pictured above) would make a beautiful addition to any living space, as would this Zuri Camel Stool ($149).
Article
Mirage Sofa
$999
From dining room pieces to sofas to chairs, I’ve long been a fan of Article’s modern yet timeless aesthetic. And they carry many pieces that are both affordable and high-quality. The Mirage Sofa above would be a stunning addition to any home, and the Leiden Stool ($129) works well as a side table or extra seating option. (If you are shopping at Article, you’ll save $50 off your first order of $200 or more when you shop through this link.)
Inside Weather
Latte Round Coffee Table
Starting at $148
Shop at Inside Weather for customized pieces in modern styles, made-to-order in California. The Latte Round Coffee Table above is a classic piece that can be customized in numerous colors and materials, and the Latte Ace Lounge Chair ($598) is a beautiful accent piece for any home.
West Elm
Simple Bed Frame
$399 Queen Size
West Elm is a great place to go when looking for modern furniture and decor options for every room in the home, at accessible mid-range prices. This Simple Bed Frame is a durable, affordable option and is the perfect blank slate to design a bedroom around. I also love the Finn Sofa (starting at $899)—it’s a delightful mid-century piece and is perfect for smaller spaces.
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Kate Arends
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
