I am looking for some lighting, furniture items for a new home. Our budget on this house has been stretched so I'm looking for items on the inexpensive side. Was wondering if anyone has a favorite online store that has contemporary/organic/classic items? On my fav list is West Elm, World Market, and, LampsPlus. Lighting budget is about $100 more or less per fixture and the furniture under $400. Anyone have any ideas? Thank you!!
Most of our stuff is Ikea. Yes, they do have a limited life - but when you have young kids that is not necessarily a bad thing. All of our furniture has taken a beating from kids, puppies and several moves and something starts looking too beaten up I don't feel bad about replacing it, because it was inexpensive.
Target is great for lamps on a budget. You can even select which shade you want with a particular base.
Do you have IKEA nearby? That's a good furniture option for a tight budget. Those won't be pieces that last forever, but they can get you by. You might also take a look at Craigslist.
ETA: Sorry, just noticed you said online. Both retailers have online shops, but I'm not sure that's exactly what you were going for.
Go to lighting department in Lowes and ask for a catalog or two from one of the manufactures they purchase from. Make sure you get one with pricing it it.
There are thousands of lights in there you'll never see at the store. Anything you pick ships to the store in a week or so.
We did this several years ago on a remodel.
Ebay is great for high end fixtures at lower prices than retail. I got a gorgeous mid century chandelier that I could easily sell for several hundred for only $45.
You need to be very sure of what you want before bidding or buying on Ebay. Go to online lighting stores and find brands you like then search for those names. Some are auction listings where if you're willing to not get too attached to a particular light you can get an amazing deal. Other listings are buy it now, they'll be slightly more expensive but always way below retail.
We also have found great deals on craigslist. Just be sure you know what you want, don't by something just because it's a good deal.
I haven't bought furniture ion over twenty years. Lighting I buy from Target, Home Depot, or Lowe's.
Go to a lighting store and then buy online. It's so much cheaper. My chandelier cost about 1,000 in the store and was under 400 online. Same maker - and NO shipping. The brand I chose was Golden lighting. Check out the website. I love my chandelier!
I'd also second IKEA. If one was closer to me, I could probably furnish my entire home with their stuff! I tend to surf the clearance racks at our local Lowe's stores--can find some really good deals on items like mirrors, light fixtures, etc. Craigslist or Facebook swap pages are good for used items (some in excellent condition, others that might need a little TLC). Although, expecting to pay $100 per light fixture isn't really "budget" to me... my goal would be closer to $25-$40 each! If you need help coming up with ideas for arrangements & decorations, visit all of your local furniture stores! They do a pretty good job of laying out all the pieces in specific rooms.
I think you might really want to consider if you're just trying to furnish the place for cheap (and temporary), you can find some really good deals. If you're truly looking for good long-term items, you will have to increase the budget. It just depends on what your goals are!
