There are many places to buy affordable furnishings to make a dwelling cute, comfortable and impressive. The key is shopping around.
Although most students can’t spend top dollar commissioning artist Vigil Ortiz to design a bedspread or have famous designers plaster the wall to accent a Picasso painting, domestic necessities can be affordable.
Graduate student Kristin Hoobler said she has bought items on discount at yard sales including an antique coffee table for $10 and a kitchen table and a night stand for $2. She said she loves Ross Dress for Less, located in the Gateway Mall in Springfield, and T.J. Maxx, located in the Oakway Center off Coburg Road, where she has found stylish dishes and sheets. Hoobler said she has an artistic eye and enjoys making things work together.
“I get to be creative, and I save a bunch of money,” she said.
Many people have found fantastic savings at thrift stores like Goodwill, with five area locations; The Salvation Army at 2065 W. Seventh Ave. in Eugene and 346 Main St. in Springfield; Value Village Thrift Store located at 555 W. Centennial Blvd. in Springfield; and St. Vincent de Paul’s six local locations. However, some of the merchandise at second-hand stores is more expensive than at discount stores. For example, a used couch was selling at Value Village for $119.99, and stained lampshades were going for $4.99 at Goodwill. At Ross, furniture pieces range from $12.99 to $149.99, and lampshades are priced at $4.99 and up.
TLC’s “Trading Spaces” designer Vern Yip said in an online posting that he likes to shop at Target for lamps and glass accessories and at Banana Republic for sale bedding and towels. Area resident Lindsey Lusk said she gets good deals at Discount Depot, located at 3061 W. 11th Ave. She said the last bargain she got there was two Ralph Lauren pillows for $10.
Small touches can also make a big impact. Bright candles, vases and fake roses add color to rooms. Throws cover worn desks and tables, and small pillows accent other decorations.
To inexpensively add spark to a room , find a few decorative pieces to visually excite and cover flaws with table cloths, throws or paint. Other local stores that sell accessories are Pier 1 Imports and Bed Bath & Beyond, both located at Oakway Center off Coburg Road.
— Mary Sasa
