Furnishing a new Chicago apartment or condo can be pricey, especially for recent graduates or individuals parting ways with past roommates. Once you’ve paid the initial costs of moving, finding spare funds for a sectional or dining table isn’t always feasible. With today’s technology, however, renters and first-time homeowners don’t have to spend a fortune outfitting their new digs. Nor do they have to rummage relatives’ basements for rickety odds and ends in desperate need of purging.
After moving into your next Chicago apartment or condo, use the following tips to save on new furniture:
Bed in a box
Brand name mattress sets from well-known shops or even department stores usually cost thousands or more when you factor in the frame and box spring. While you could opt for the less expensive (and often less comfortable) flimsy alternatives, there’s a new wave of quality mattresses that offer unparalleled convenience. The “bed in the box” concept stems from a specific brand but has since transformed into a genericized trademark for any memory foam mattress that ships compressed directly to your door. Simply open the box, place the covered mattress onto your foundation or platform and cut the outer layer of protective plastic. In a few minutes, the mattress begins to expand and fully takes shape in 24 hours or less. Not only is the ordering process incredibly convenient, but many direct-to-your-door mattress companies offer perks like free shipping and trial periods – all at affordable price points around $1,000 or less. Depending on the level of support you’re accustomed to, the best brand for your back may vary. We’ve heard (and felt) that the Leesa standard mattress rivals the rest for most back, side and stomach sleepers. If you want to test it out before you invest, West Elm carries Leesa mattresses at many of their locations across the country.
Markets & thrift shops
Although summer is nearing its end, festival season is still going strong – at least in the antique world. If you’ve got a bohemian or eclectic sense of style and prefer a hands-on decorating experience, opt for distinct secondhand items with character. The Randolph Street Market Festival in the West Loop is home to the Chicago Antique Market, the Indie Designer Market, and Modern Vintage Chicago. The next event takes place September 23-24 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online ($8/adult) or at the door ($10/adult) and kids under 12 get in free. Randolph Street Market runs through December, with the last two months dedicated to holiday items alongside the standard mix of vintage, antique and global goods.
Online retailers
For mainstream furniture, some of the biggest savings can be found on websites like Wayfair, Joss & Main and Overstock. These e-retailers use “drop shipping” to streamline communication with suppliers and eliminate the high cost of massive warehouses traditionally used to store inventory. Thus, they can provide substantial discounts on big-ticket and small décor items alike, all while still generating strong profits. All three sites have thousands of items to choose from for virtually any space in a multitude of colors, sizes, fabrics, and finishes. Keep in mind, some of the items may require assembly to facilitate fast shipping (typically free after a certain price point). If you’re looking for a handmade or heavy piece, purchasing furniture online from a discount retailer may not be the ideal route.
Big box discount stores
There’s a reason Ikea is a global phenomenon. The Scandinavian-born company gained immense popularity in America once it opened its first round of stateside stores in 1985. In 2016, there were 487 Ikea stores across 48 countries and approximately 884 million people visited Ikea stores in one year alone. Not only is the furniture inexpensive and easy to move – catering to renters especially – crafty individuals often transform basic pieces into something more spectacular, a method now commonly known as an “Ikea hack.” There’s even an entire website dedicated to updating Ikea’s furniture meant to help inspire others seeking interior style on a budget.
One man’s trash…
Furniture isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, transitional, eclectic, glam or minimalist, there’s bound to be someone in your neighborhood who is tired of the look. Fortunately, interior design is ever-changing, so finding gems via Craigslist, Nextdoor, Letgo or OfferUp is easy. There’s also a new Facebook feature called Marketplace that acts as a classifieds section to connect with buyers and sellers in your area. Remember, always bring a friend if you’re going to check out a piece of furniture at a stranger’s house or plan to meet in a public place during the day.
Save for the sale
Sometimes, there’s a high-end piece of furniture you just can’t live without. Refrain from paying full price, even if you think it’s worth the upcharge. West Elm, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Rejuvenation, Crate and Barrel, and Williams Sonoma usually have at least a few sales running at any given time. Keep tabs on your favorite piece to track the next markdown –and don’t forget to couple with a first-time shopper coupon for additional savings. Generally, the best times to buy interior furniture are in January and July, when stores need to make room for new inventory.
