As an interior designer, I’ve always been more excited about furniture and decor than handbags or high-end clothing. I’ll happily skip a shopping trip for clothing if it means I can invest in a vintage rug or a gorgeous light fixture. That’s just where my priorities land. However, as much as I’m willing to invest in designer or quality pieces for our home, I also love hunting for a great deal. Over the years, I’ve found that it’s completely possible to source heirloom-quality furniture without spending a fortune… and I want to walk you through how I do it. Click through for my best money-saving tips for high-end furniture and decor.
What Inspired This Post
Our traditional home is filled with vintage, antique, custom, and designer furniture, decor, and textiles. I’m all about mixing high and low, so I share this to say… you can collect these type of pieces in an attainable and affordable way. Over the years, our home has turned into a curation I’m really proud of- it’s filled with high quality pieces that tell a story with character, excellent craftsmanship, and have been a joy to curate. With a little time and creativity, you can find some really special furniture- without the insane price tag. Here’s how…
My Top 5 Budget High-End Furniture Sources
I’m sharing five places I consistently look to track down designer-quality pieces, antiques, and heirloom quality furniture for less. Let’s dive in!
1. Estate Sales
I’ve really gotten into estate sales over the past decade. At this point, I try to hit at least one every month or two. They’ve honestly become my version of a fun little break or me-time day date. I get asked all the time how I find the good ones and which are actually worth going to. Check out this post for my tips on that: how to find and shop home estate sales.
I’d also start by looking up local estate sale companies like you’re planning to sell your own home and everything in it. That research will show you who runs the best sales, which ones tend to have higher-end finds, and how often they host events. Once you’ve got a shortlist, follow them on social media, get on their email lists, and stay in the loop. That’s how I make sure I never miss a good sale!
The estate sale company I love here in Salt Lake City does a really good job with their updates. They send out emails and post previews on social media, which makes it super easy to plan ahead. First, they’ll announce the dates, and then a week or two later, they’ll upload a bunch of photos from inside the house. That’s when I really start digging in. I look for antique or designer furniture, interesting decor, and details that show quality.
If I spot things like custom upholstery or window treatments, Persian rugs, or unique collections, that’s usually a sign the sale will be worth showing up for. Honestly, once you figure out which companies are known for hosting high-end sales in your area, it makes the whole process easier and a lot more fun. Definitely read this post for my insight on how to navigate a sale, once you find a good one… estate sale shopping guide, strategy, and etiquette.
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is probably the most well-known spot for scoring quality vintage or secondhand designer pieces… and for good reason. I’ve had a lot of success there over the years and even started a whole blog series about it. These days, though, it takes more patience.
I find myself digging a little deeper, acting faster, and sometimes paying a bit more than I used to. It honestly reminds me of the housing market, things disappear fast, and if you’re not quick to message, make an offer, or send payment to hold… it’s gone. But don’t worry, I shared my top seven tips for navigating FBMP like a pro, and I still use this strategy all the time.
It’s one of those platforms that’s always worth checking- you just never know what hidden gem might pop up0 and don’t be afraid of a furniture project (like our vintage hutch transformation)! If you see something you like, but aren’t planning to purchase, hit the like button anyway. This will help train your algorithm and feed you similar items in the future.
3. Auctions
Auctions are kind of a new adventure for me. I used to find them a little intimidating, but after dipping my toe into a few online auctions, I became more comfortable and decided to try one in person. We started getting these flyers in the mail, no idea how we ended up on that list, and Emmett finally said, “Let’s just go.”
The first thing I learned? Not all auction houses are the same. Some focus on furniture, while others might specialize in tools or farm equipment, so it’s worth learning which ones in your area are actually worth your time. Once I find one I’m interested in, I preview the inventory and highlight any pieces I’m drawn to. I’ll check the typical resale value of the items, decide on a firm budget, and plan for how to get it home. It’s also important to read all the rules ahead of time, how the bidding works, payment options, and anything else that might trip you up ahead of bidding.
If you’re unsure about in-person auctions, try some online auctions! They’re actually my favorite. I like being able to bid from the convenience of my computer in my home office.
4. Thrift Stores and Antique Shops
I’ve found that traditional thrift and consignment shops usually offer better deals than antique stores. If you’re hoping to score something at a great price and don’t mind a little digging, the thrift route is definitely the way to go. However, if you’re short on time or just don’t want to sort through bins of junk, furniture, and random odds and ends, an antique store might be a better fit. Yes, the prices will be a bit higher, but you’re paying for a curated, more refined selection.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that thrift shopping isn’t about luck. The best thrifters know where to go, when new items hit the floor, and they visit often. It takes time and repetition to train your eye and know what to look for. I’ve spent hours combing through stores and often times come home empty handed, but the thrill of finding that one perfect piece always keeps me going back. Whether you prefer the convenience of antique stores or the hunt that comes with thrifting, both have their place in the process. My advice? Just get out there and start browsing. The more you do it, the better you get, and the more you learn.
5. Online Marketplaces
Online shopping has really changed the way I source furniture, and platforms like Etsy, eBay, 1st Dibs, and Chairish have all become part of my regular rotation. I’ve purchased pieces from all four, and each one has been a great experience. The biggest perk? I get to browse beautiful furniture from the comfort of my sofa, compare prices, and save my favorites while I think things through. With so many sellers across the country (and sometimes beyond), there’s just so much more variety than what I can find locally.
The only drawback is the shipping cost, especially for large or heavy items. However, there is a workaround. When I buy furniture on Etsy, I’ll often coordinate my own freight. Greyhound has been a go-to for that. I pick up the piece from the station and it usually saves me a lot compared to white glove delivery. It takes a little more effort, but the savings are significant.
You can also reverse image search your favorite finds from online marketplaces. You never know where you’ll find something similar.
My Top 10 Expert Tips
- Research local estate sale companies and follow the best ones.
- Save searches and check Facebook Marketplace daily.
- Preview auction items in advance and set a budget.
- Visit thrift stores frequently and take your time browsing.
- Reverse image search your best online finds to compare price.
- Double check measurements online or pack a tape measure for in-person shopping.
- Don’t hesitate too long… the best items sell quickly.
- Always check shipping terms before buying furniture online or have a transportation plan.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
- Always use secure payment options.
FAQ
I like to go in with a quick mental list of what I’m looking for and what is applicable for my home… whether it’s a general style, a color, or a specific piece of furniture. That helps me stay focused. I also trust my gut! If something catches my eye, I pause and ask myself if it’s functional, fits my aesthetic, and if I have a place in mind for it.
Waiting too long to decide. With estate sales, auctions, and Facebook Marketplace, timing really is everything. If I know I love something and it’s a fair price, I try to act quickly. Hesitating too long can mean missing out.
It’s usually in the details: solid wood construction, dovetail joints, quality craftsmanship, or upholstery that’s thoughtfully done. I look at the weight, the finish, the material, and even how drawers glide. Quality materials and construction always stand out- even when something is vintage or has a bit of wear or patina.
Related Posts
If you’re into stretching your decorating dollars or shopping vintage, you’re in the right place! I’ve shared a bunch of other posts on styling your home without overspending, and I’ll drop a few of my favorites for you below.
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Major Home Buys
- Tips for Thrifting Books
- The Best Entryway Tables from Wayfair for Any Budget
- Tips for Thrifting Good Vintage Glassware (& How to Clean It)
- 15 Black Demilune Tables for Any Budget (By Price)
- How to Reupholster Antique Chairs
- 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
- How to Clean Vintage Rugs at Home (Without Damaging Them)
- 25 New Furniture Finds That Could Pass As Antique
I’m a big believer that good design doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little patience and strategy, you can absolutely create a high-end home without a high-end budget. These are the exact sources and steps I use in my own home, and I hope they help you find some beautiful pieces for yours, too. If you’ve scored something amazing through one of these channels, I’d love to hear about it. Or- if you have a great source I haven’t mentioned, definitely share it in the comments. I’m always up for discovering new spots!
The post 5 Ways to Score Quality, High-End Furniture On a Budget appeared first on Room For Tuesday.
