Yeah, yeah, we know about IKEA. For better or worse, it's the place where many of us go to furnish our homes affordably without having to go through the hassle of going to a furniture store. However, you're not always going to live close to the mothership of "First Apartment Furniture" -- or, maybe you just don't want to set foot in an IKEA. If you want to furnish your home cheaply, here's a reminder about frequently-overlooked places to find furniture. Flickr photo by benjamin stone It depends on the estate, of course. Generally speaking, we've found everything from Midcentury bedroom sets to classic solid wood tables, all for a fraction of what you'd pay for at an antiques dealer. You can find estate sale listings on Craigslist, but you'd also do well to sign up for alerts for your area on EstateSales.net. On the day of the sale, arrive early, bring cash and have a friend come with you to help lug the stuff back to your home. If it's a multi-day sale, know that the best bargains are to be had on the second day.
Flickr photo by TravelHyper The most widely-known store tends to be the Habitat ReStore, which sells new and used furnishings, appliances, building materials and more. In our research, we've stumbled upon never-used, high-end items from stoves to couches used in model homes. Other salvage stores focus on a specific type of item category (architectural elements, building supplies and leftovers from estate sales), but tend to be pricey. Flickr photo by Jeremy Brooks Goodwill and Salvation Army process thousands upon thousands of donated items daily. While you can still often find a basic bookshelf for less than the price of a movie ticket, we have noticed an uptick in prices (and, overall, less furniture in many stores). Flickr photo by VJ Beauchamp The tinier church or community-based thrift stores may have slightly less convenient hours than your local Goodwill, but items tend to be cheaper. We've also had more success with finding higher-quality furnishings at local thrifts than at the chains, but it all depends on the stock.
Getting to know the volunteers can help you get the best goods. You'll likely find a treasure trove of '80s and '90s furniture, but if you need to furnish a place for the cheap, yard sales are a great place to start. We like them mainly because you can ask the original owner questions ("Is that a...discoloration?") and because there is room for bargaining. Your parents/grandparents (or your friends' parents/grandparents) Yes, that hulking bureau is basically the embodiment of 1979. It will, however, last. Previous generations tended to take better care of their furniture (or, furniture was just made better back then). Either way, they'll be delighted if you take it off their hands. It's not always old treadmills and firewood. Check it often for curb alerts and occasional higher-end items that owners don't want to lug to their next home. Curbside on large furniture item pick-up day. (See also: Move-out days around the nearest college campus.) Get to know your town's trash cycle and maybe pick up a new chair.
Just, um, use your judgment. At ABC's outlet, mere mortals can afford the luxe goods sold at its flagship - glamorous furniture, mesmerizing oriental carpets,Prices are still high, mind you, but expect 30 to 50 percent off the original sticker shock. Also check their website regularly for information on warehouse sales in the tri-state area where savings can be up to 70 percent. 20 Jay St., between Plymouth and John Sts., Dumbo, Brooklyn; and 1055 Bronx River Ave., between Bruckner Blvd. and Watson Ave., Bronx; This Brooklyn warehouse is one of the city's best-kept shoppingThe owners travel all over the world, bring back beautiful relics and sell them at heavily discounted prices. Look for a six-seater dining room table from India ($699) or semi-antique Persian rugsStop by the showroom in Chelsea (on W. 26th St. between Sixth Ave. and Broadway) for a smaller selection of upscale items such as minimalist African furniture and hand-woven rugs.
183 Concord St., between Duffield and Gold Sts., Dumbo, Brooklyn; A, C, F to Jay St./Borough Hall Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market Keep your eyes peeled and arrive early, and you could find yourself taking home an antique table or a vintage chest of drawers. vary (usually anywhere from $50 to $5,000), and selection changes from weekend to weekend, but shoppers can often find incredible deals on furniture and accessories at this upscale flea market. The Annex has movers on site who will transport your find back to your apartment (moving fees vary). And look out for celebs—Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Bernadette Peters, and Sarah Jessica Parker have been spotted on site. Sixth Ave., from 24th to 26th Sts.; This colorful carpet shop has frequent sales onDuring select times of year you can get up to 50 percent off pillows and rugs. They clean carpets, too. 79 Sullivan St., between Spring and Broome Sts.; Open since 1906, this Hell's Kitchen shop specializes
in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and floor lamps (prices rangeFor a fancier touch look for Victorian sconces (from $500 per pair), converted gaslights (from $750), chandeliers (from $250), and shades (from $9). The store carries Tiffany's, Gallie, Robert Abbey, and other designer brands at reasonable prices. 665 Eleventh Ave., 2nd fl., at 48th St.; With the right material you can do wonders. fabric shop carries everything from classic solids to contemporary designs to '50s-retroWith reasonable prices and a great selection ($5.50 to $10 per yard), the shop attracts fashion students andDon't be discouraged if you never mastered home economics class: The owners offer a vast array of classes in quilting, tote and handbag making, and silk ribbon embroidery (to name a few), which range from $25 to $150. 133 West 25th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Aves.; Need a plate for pennies? this store has excellently priced, unused vintage dishes (relics