Don't Settle for Cheap Furniture - Get Better for Less!

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There are options for persons on a limited budget when it comes to improved home decorating design. One home decorating idea is to develop a strategy to save money – and lots of it; while filling the home with quality, name brand furniture.

Improving home interior décor by replacing cheap furniture with quality pieces; high end furniture for about the same amount of money it would take to purchase low-end items.

Purchase Best Quality Furniture at Department Store Prices

Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Yet, there are ways to upgrade home furniture quality for nearly the same cost as cheap furniture.

Consider making "new" furniture selections from those sold at estate sales or an estate auction. Many persons entering into retirement and preparing to move into smaller, less-expensive housing will let go of pricey antique furniture and high quality furniture for a fraction of its market value. For the simple reason they will no longer have the space required to keep it.

In addition, because of the higher costs of living and skyrocketing real estate prices in East and Western coastal regions, an influx of homeowners are selling their coast land properties at huge profits. Sometimes as much as 3 times more then what was invested; and then move inland, where they pay a much smaller price for a similar or better quality home. With plenty of cash left over for retirement years; to continue to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

These homeowners, too, often "unload" their furniture and other household goods at estate sales and auctions; because they want to downsize, or purchase new once reaching their destination.

A Golden Opportunity for Households on a Budget

This presents a golden opportunity for households on a budget who want to cash in on the opportunity to enjoy better quality furnishings without the associated high costs. And gives persons with limited resources the opportunity to own something they otherwise would never have been able to afford.

An added bonus: the opportunity to snatch up antique furniture values, at a fraction of their true worth. A fantastic boost to home decorating design, and a great investment. Since antique furniture prices will continue to rise – not drop; as long as the condition of the piece is maintained.

Types of Estate Sales

There are different types of estate sale auctions; some are consignment selling. Others are specialized; dealing only with estate furniture sales, antique furniture, art, tools, or collectible items, etc.

Auctions are one of two types; unrestricted or limited. Items sold at a limited auction meet or exceed a reserve price; protecting the seller from having the item sold ridiculously low. Things at an unrestricted auction are sold to the highest bidder – regardless of how low the bid is.

Estate Auction Tips

If you decide to attend an estate auction, making the most of your money by purchasing better home furniture than what your budget would normally allow, follow these helpful tips:

• Research; learn you all can about estate sales and auction bidding before attending. Be aware that in most cases you will have to register beforehand, in order to attend the estate sale.
• Peruse the auction catalog in advance; know what is being sold. This helps avoid the temptation to "shoot from the hip;" bidding on objects not really needed. It also reduces the risk of not having enough funds when something really desirable comes up for bid later in the auction.
• Read the auction catalog to learn details unique to that auction. Including quality and quantity of items; conditions, guarantees, and terms of auction sales.
• Attend the presale exhibit before the auction. Ask the floor attendant about items you like. Inquire as to what the interest level from others is likely to be; ask what price the item is likely to fetch. This will help give a ballpark figure as to what you might have to bid in order to obtain it.
• Know your home's space limitations. Bring a copy of your house floor plan to the auction with you, as well as a tape measure. That way you'll know before bidding on a piece of furniture whether or not it is the right size, and where it would fit in your home decorating theme.
• Find out whether or not a deposit will be required immediately upon winning a bid, and the time span allowed for furniture delivery away from the site. Sometimes immediate removal is required; other times a 24 to 48-hour time span is allowed.
• Furniture delivery tip: once an item is sold, responsibility of the item shifts to the buyer. The auction house is not responsible for damages to the item – accidental or otherwise. It is therefore in the best interest of the person who purchased the item to safely remove it from the premises as soon as possible.

Above all else, remember that when you are the highest bidder on an item, you are obligated to purchase it. Auction houses are protected by law against bidders who later decide their bid was too high for their pocketbook, or otherwise change their mind.

Another Consideration: Furniture Consignment Shop Purchases

If you are interested in smart ways to avoid having to buy very cheap furniture due to budget constraints but estate auctions aren't your cup of tea, don't fret. Other options exist. Consider visiting a consignment shop.

A furniture consignment store frequently has high-end furniture at affordable prices. Besides local and nearby consignment shops, research the Internet. An online consignment store might have just what you are looking for.

Today's Interior Design Trend: Mix n Match, Old with New

The great thing when it comes to present-day interior design is that mixing old and new furniture styles together is not only acceptable; it's the current trend.

Cashing in on ways to save money by purchasing upper end vintage furniture at a cheap furniture price is a great way to enjoy best quality furniture without the expense. And don't worry if the wood looks somewhat dull. As long as the finish is intact, the following can go a long way in rejuvenating the luster of used wood furniture.

Lemon oil beeswax helps to remove years of grease, oil, dirt, mildew, and silicone left by layers of polish use. Apply the beeswax using a natural brush with soft bristles; a paintbrush, for instance. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove excess oil and soil; rub using wide circular motions.

Reapply beeswax using this same procedure on your "new" wood furniture every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain the finish. And enjoy your top quality furniture; reasonably budget priced – to enhance your home decorating design!