5 Places To Find A Homewares Bargain

(and they are sustainable, planet friendly choices!)

Ah, the cost of living crisis. You can’t avoid the mention of it, and you most likely can’t avoid the consequences of it either.

What does it mean for our beloved homewares shopping? Well, it means we might just have to be a bit more savvy in our hunt for a homewares bargain, and that’s where this bargain-hunting blog post has got you covered.

Clearance

There is a particular stigma that comes with shopping in clearance and it has to stop. The products being put to clear are no worse than what is being sold on the shelf.

What is it? The homewares products in clearance are either discontinued products, the result of an over-order in store, or there is a slight defect which puts them out of ‘perfect sale’ condition.

What do I need to watch for? If a product is being discontinued, make sure you have enough of it, as you won’t be able to go back to the store or order online for more. Discontinued means it will no longer be in production. So if you are on the hunt for 6 curtains but there’s only 4 in clearance, ask a member of staff, but it’s likely you will need to look for an alternative.

Charity / Thrift Stores

You know how the saying goes – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You won’t believe some of the discoveries that can be made in a charity shop.

What is it? When people no longer want – or have need for – certain items, they donate them. This is where those items end up. In a lot of cases, items are donated by people having a household clear out, or when they’ve inherited unwanted items. A team will quality check the products, then put them for sale at a greatly reduced, second hand price.

What do I need to watch for? Even though donated products are quality checked, be prepared to encounter minor defects or missing items; a vase with a chink, or a crockery set missing a teacup, for example. Use your initiative. Is it still worth the reduced price? If so, buy it while you can – products in charity shops aren’t on the shelves for long.

Carpet Remnants

For smaller projects, or those with an unfussy style, hunt for a carpet remnant instead of a full quality carpet.

What is it? Most carpet stores will hold carpet remnants, you may just need to ask what they have in stock. When carpet fitters fit a carpet, there will often be unwanted offcuts or leftovers of varying sizes; these get taken back to the carpet store and sold off at a reduced rate, because what you see is what you get.

What do I need to watch for? The likelihood of you picking up a remnant in the exact size of your room is unlikely, but not impossible. If it’s full coverage you are looking for, be prepared to get the carpet cutting tools out. Always take a look at the unrolled carpet in store too – most stores will have a no returns policy on remnants.

If you intend on turning your remnant into a rug or runner, ask the store if they offer a threading service – it will prevent any loose threads around the edge catching and running.

Reclamation Yard

Items of furniture or unwanted materials more often than not have more than just one life in them! You will just need to think outside of the box.

What is it? A place in your locality where unwanted items are taken to, and where you are free to take something away. What you see is what you get!

What do I need to watch for? Unlike a charity or thrift store, there is no-one quality checking an item before you take it away, so always give it a good inspection first.

Sofa Showroom

Do not be fooled! Just because something is on the showroom floor does not mean it will be worth the full asking price. For this one, be prepared to put your big pants on and haggle.

What is it? A store where brand new sofa’s are set out for sale.

What do I need to watch for? If your product is coming straight from the store, it should be in perfect quality. If it isn’t, there is a deal to be made. Inspect it fully. Any little niggles, marks, scuffs or scratches devalue your item, and you are entitled to haggle for a discount. If a product has been on the showroom floor for weeks you should, equally, enquire about a reduction in the price. If you feel rude asking, just remember this. When you test out a new sofa, what do you do? You sit on it, right? Are you really willing to pay full price for a sofa that has already been sat on a hundred times?

I hope that helps! Just remember, when in doubt, try preloved first. If it’s already been loved once, it can be loved again.

Kelly x