Frugal Furniture Found

Why Buy It When You Can Scavenge It?

If you live in a decent sized city, you have a frugal decorating tool in your belt that you country cousin doesn’t. If you need furniture, try scrounging first. I am not saying that this sort of gift never happens in the country, just that the quality is a lot more likely to be compromised when something has been left by the roadside for quite some time. In the country you get people’s “outdoor” couch left sitting by a back road in the rain. In the city there are more finds, and of higher quality.

A good time to scout is at the end of the semester if you have a college or university nearby. The students move-out in May, or sometimes December, and some don’t want to take everything with them. Also keep an eye out in better neighborhoods on trash day.

If you see something good, be prepared to get hang out with your find until you can get help moving it. If you leave it you likely lose it. There is also more competition in the city. Why do people give away furniture when it is still good, or at least, good enough? Taking things to a second-hand store takes effort. Holding a garage sale takes a lot of effort. Even donating requires a time investment. If a person just needs something gone, whether to make room or because they are moving, some nice things may end up on the curb with a free sign.

There are things you should pass on, no matter how tasty a deal you think it is. Things like mattresses, pillows, or other bedding. With chairs and couches check for fleas or other undesirable qualities. Also pass on bloodstains or anything nasty like that, not that I need to tell you that. But lesser stains can be dealt with. As for tables, chairs, bookcases, and other “hard” items, there is no downside.

If you see something that has the right profile (size, etc.) but is a hideous color or has a few holes or some other defect, grab it anyhow. You can refinish or paint wooden items, and reupholster fabric furniture. Or just throw a colorful sheet or blanket over it.

There are many ways to salvage decorate your space. Finding giveaways is by far the cheapest.