Decorating and Furnishing on the Cheap - By: Mitch Endick

Over the past 50 years or so, we have seen a significant societal shift away from permanence. From personal relationships to appliances, we see things in a very temporary light. This is vastly different from the time when divorce was the exception and repair shops of all kinds flourished.

For a whole host of complex sociological reasons, we have become a disposable society. When something breaks, be it a relationship or a toaster we have learned to toss it aside and acquire a new one.

In spite of the overwhelming sense that everything old is thrown away, a growing number of people have changed their way of thinking. This is particularly true during these times of economic distress and uncertainty. For most of us, money is tight and getting tighter and the costs associated with keeping a home are rapidly rising. Prices for everything from utilities and food to furniture have risen sharply and many folks are thinking twice about were to spend their hard earned money.

In the midst of all this economic doubt and turmoil, spending on home decor often takes a back seat to paying the light bill. In what can be described as a silver lining around the dark clouds of recession, traditional practices of reusing furniture and appliances have gained popularity. Many people have turned to reusing old and discarded items in new and creative ways.

For some very good reasons, modern home furnishings are being produced using greater amounts of recycled materials, from plastic soda bottles to wood chips. The result has been an abundance of furniture for a reasonable price. One downside seems to be that when the item breaks, it is often less expensive to replace it than it is to fix it. So it is out with old and in the new. This brings us to decorating on the cheap.

From yard sales, flea markets and trash dumpsters, people are finding a wealth of used furniture items that are not only repairable, but can be refinished to suit a variety of home decorating schemes. In college and university towns across the country, annual ritual takes place every spring. Students and staff members who are leaving town have developed a habit of simply discarding unwanted items. The reason most commonly given is that moving the items costs more than the item is worth.

Like vultures, people from all walks of life descend on student neighborhoods looking for reusable items of furniture, appliances, even artwork. Furniture made from solid wood is particularly prized even if the item is need of repair. My father was fond of saying that paint can cover a multitude of sins. This is especially true when it comes to rescuing old furniture from the trash. Even local charities get in on the act, looking for items to resell in local second hand shops.

Decorating themes from country cottage to shabby chic can be enhanced using gently used items of furniture and accent pieces. There is no end to the paint treatments that can be applied to old wooden furniture. Decorative treatments can be used to create an informality and warmth that can be reflective of many different themes. Old furniture with subtle signs of wear can be the basis for cottage decor, French country or bohemian styles. These looks can be achieved on the cheap and still look like you spent much more.

Design forms that emphasize mismatches in furniture styles and the use of handmade accent items would hardly be considered high style. But if you are after look that reflects lifestyle over style, remember that there are no rules when it comes to decorating and furnishing you home on the cheap.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com. FineWebStores.com offers a unique items for your home or office including furniture, art and accent items and quality bed linens. Visit FineWebStores.com today for all of your home decor and furnishing needs.

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