5 Places Experts Find Unique, Inexpensive Decor—Beyond Target and IKEA

published Oct 25, 2019

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When it comes to staging your home, the devil’s in the details. Carefully-chosen decor can make a huge difference in the impression your home makes. When scoping out inexpensive decor, many staging experts hit up convenient and popular chains, such as IKEA, Target, World Market, and even Dollar Tree. While these well-known retailers are a great resource, sometimes you want something a little more off the beaten path. And thanks to online shopping, you don’t have to hunt down every last estate sale and local boutique to find those affordable and distinctive pieces you crave.

Here, professional home stagers share their favorite go-to sites for scoring amazing and economical decor:

LiveAuctioneers

If you’re looking for very specific pieces at the same prices as wholesale, LiveAuctioneers is a great resource.

“If you’re looking for a Bauhaus chair, for example, you can search auctions throughout the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Canada, and New Zealand for that chair,” explains George Case of Warburg Realty in New York City. “Most auction houses will recommend local shippers, from whom you can request quotes prior to to the auction, and decide if it’s worth it.”

He notes that you can bid in real-time through the website or app as well as leave absentee bids.

Etsy

You already know Etsy is a treasure trove of unique, handmade items that are perfect for adding a little flair for your home. However, you’re probably overlooking its function as an incredible source for vintage, handmade, and custom furniture and decor. Samantha R. Frith of Warburg Realty in New York City recently purchased a family of small vintage bronze cats that she says look gorgeous over a fireplace or on a bookshelf. She also shops the site for mirrors and lamps.

Boutique Rugs

A well-placed rug is a simple way to add warmth, dimension and color to a room. Kathie Emhof of Transitions Interior Design & Staging in Buffalo, New York says Boutique Rugs is her go-to for beautiful, well-priced rugs. The rugs are sorted by style—such as farmhouse, coastal, boho, etc.—so it’s easy to find something that will suit your vibe, and Emhof says they frequently have sales and discounts.

Minted

The right piece of art can elevate any space. Emhof loves the unique finds available on Minted. Everything is designed by an independent artist, and you can order the pieces in any size, framed or unframed, or on canvas.

Wisteria

Wisteria was founded in 2000 by Andrew and Shannon Newsom, a couple who sought to share the amazing pieces they found from around the globe during their frequent travels. Today, the site has decor, furniture, and more that reflects different cultures and styles.

“If your budget is a little higher and you want some truly unusual pieces, this is the place for you,” says Emhof.

She especially recommends their pillow covers and side tables, and you can find some great low-priced finds in their clearance section.