Where to Shop for Inexpensive Home Decor: My Favorite Stores & Sources
If you’ve ever have the absolute pleasure of going through a renovation, you know that some days it feels like your home is just stealing money from you! Then, you finally get to the fun part of decorating and you’re scrounging for change in your couch cushions. I’ve been there and it’s not my fave. Luckily, decorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive because budget home decor stores are more prevalent than ever. Here are 7 of my favorite stores for inexpensive home decor that works for any design style!
Where to Shop for Inexpensive Home Decor
1. Thrift Stores
Thrift stores will forever be my favorite places to score home decor on a budget. In fact, there’s some things I always buy secondhand. Because thrift stores’ inventory is always changing, it’s always unique. You truly never know what treasures you are going to find. Although I think the hunt is fun, it can be overwhelming too. So, follow these tips:
Tips for shopping at thrift stores for inexpensive home decor
- Go often. Learn which day of the week your thrift store puts out new items. This is your best chance to score home decor before it’s picked over by other shoppers.
- Be patient. It can take a bit of time before you find exactly what you need at the thrift store.
- Keep a list on your phone. I use the Notes app to make a list of all the things I should keep an eye out for while thrifting since I usually don’t remember in the moment.
- Be open to DIY. Consider if it’s something you’d be able to easily paint, refinish or reupholster. Sometimes the deal is too good to pass up!
- Shop online. Goodwill has an online store that’s open 24/7. If you can’t make it to a physical location or browsing online is easier, this is a good option for vintage home decor.
If you are in Skagit County, Washington, check out my guide on where to thrift shop.
2. Facebook Marketplace for Inexpensive Home Decor
Facebook Marketplace has become the place to find secondhand home goods and decor in your area. FB Marketplace is always open and it’s a resource used in both rural and metropolitan areas. In my opinion, the painful part of Facebook Marketplace can be dealing with the messages of individual sellers. Here’s my best tips for scoring a deal on Facebook Marketplace:
Tips for shopping on Facebook Marketplace for Inexpensive Home Decor
- Watch out for scammers. If someone wants payment in advance, walk away!
- Don’t send the “Is this available?” message. If it’s up, assume that it’s available. Make the process easy on the seller. Go ahead and ask your questions right away or go ahead and tell them when you can pick it up.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle.
- Set alerts for items you are interested in, so you’ll be the first to know when something is posted.
3. Etsy for Inexpensive Home Decor
Although prices on Etsy can vary, there are plenty of affordable options. You can filter by price range and shipping location to find decor that suits both your budget and style. Plus, if you’re looking for something specific, Etsy’s sellers can often accommodate custom requests.
Tips for Shopping on Etsy:
- Use filters to narrow down your search by price, color and style.
- Always check the seller’s reviews before making a purchase.
- Consider Etsy’s digital products, like printable art or planners, for inexpensive, instant decor.
- Check out my full tips for shopping for home decor Etsy.
4. eBay for Inexpensive Home Decor
For more specific or hard-to-find decor, eBay is an underrated resource. eBay isn’t just for collectables or electronics. Vintage pieces, discontinued items and even modern home decor can be found at lower prices than you’d expect. And if you collect a specific item or genre of decor, it’s one of my favorite ways to shop.
Tips for Shopping on eBay:
- Set up alerts for items that you’re interested in to get notified when they are listed. If you really want to be in the know, allow the eBay app to send you notifications.
- Read item descriptions carefully to ensure you’re getting what you expect and don’t be afraid to message sellers to ask clarifying questions. Be suer to look at the shipping info, too, so you’re not shocked by the total amount due.
- Don’t get carried away with the auction format. Stick to a price you’re comfortable paying to avoid blowing your budget or choose items with a “buy now” option.
5. IKEA for Inexpensive Home Decor
IKEA is the OG of budget home decor stores— and it’s popular for a reason. IKEA has amazing practical storage solutions for small spaces, styles that fit most homes and their prices can’t be beat. I like to think of many IKEA pieces as the classic white tee of home decor. It’s basic, gets the job done and won’t break the bank.
Tips for Shopping at IKEA:
- If shopping in-store, check out the As-Is section for discounted items.
- Remember, some things at IKEA are online, but some are only available at a physical location. Their website will indicate what is available where.
- Get creative. Consider adding your personal touch to liven up basic pieces. “IKEA hacking” is a whole thing!
6. Amazon for Inexpensive Home Decor
If you’re on a time crunch, Amazon can be a good resource for budget home decor. Their super fast shipping and wide range of items really can’t be beat, especially if you’re looking for something very specific or niche. For example, Amazon is especially convenient when you’re looking for those decor odds and ends like shower curtain hooks or warm light bulbs.
Tips for Shopping on Amazon:
- Check reviews and ratings before purchasing. Not everything will be high quality or long-lasting. I also like to see the review photos because they help me better judge the scale of an item.
- If you have Amazon Prime, use it for faster shipping and exclusive deals like “Prime Day.”
- Filter search results by price and look for the best value.
7. Wayfair for Inexpensive Home Decor
Anybody else get the Wayfair jingle stuck in their head? Well, it’s a jingle that rings true (pun intended) because they often do have just what I need. Wayfair carries everything from bathroom vanities and tile, to light fixtures, to couches. They don’t specialize in budget decor, so you’ll have to sort by price, but the bargains are out there!
Tips for Shopping on Wayfair:
- Wayfair often has sales, so sign up for email newsletters to stay up-to-date.
- Check customer reviews and customer submitted photos to help make your decision.
- Double-check the shipping. Sometimes free shipping is available on large purchases, but in some cases you may have to pay for delivery.
Final Tips When Shopping for Inexpensive Home Decor
One of the best things you can do when on a budget is practice your patience! Wait for sales and wait until you find the perfect item. It’s always more expensive to buy something and have to return it, or even worse, have to live with it. By practicing a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to find the perfect pieces at the right price. Remember: decorating your home is a marathon, not a sprint!
What are your favorite budget home decor stores? Let me know in the comments.
