Best Places to Get Free or Cheap Furniture

There’s nothing like snagging a good deal on something you are going to re-do. A DIY project shouldn’t break the bank. If you are just starting out, you may wonder where the best places to find something for your first project is. On the other hand, even those who have been doing it for some time could use some new inspiration. Here are my top 5 places to get cheap or free furniture. 

Top 5 Places to Get Cheap or Free Furniture 

Facebook 

I have snagged so many pieces through Facebook. Whether it’s on the Marketplace or a local yard sale site, I have gotten some awesome things. My neighborhood Facebook page is always posting some incredible items for free or cheap. 

I sometimes end up being fourth or fifth in line but don’t let that deter you. I’ve noticed with large pieces of furniture, many people will show interest but by the time it gets to them, they don’t have the means to pick it up or realize they don’t have the space. Or perhaps their spouse says, “not another one.” Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything. 

Yard Sales

Even though so much is virtual these days, people still hold good old yard sales in their driveway. The early bird catches the worm definitely rings true though. If a yard sale sign says it starts at 8, you want to get there at 8. Don’t be a creeper, though, and sit outside their house for an hour. The good stuff goes quickly, and you want to be the one who leaves with the prize. 

Several neighborhoods around here will do a neighborhood yard sale. It’s an excellent opportunity to go from one house to the house trying to find the perfect or imperfect piece. Don’t be afraid to haggle a little bit. While you don’t want to lowball someone, people are looking to get rid of their stuff and will likely be keen on a great offer. Finally, also keep an eye out for estate sales. Those are just full of amazing finds. 

Thrift Shops 

I don’t know about you, but the pandemic had me purging things that were taking up space in my house. Mostly toys that my children no longer play with and the dress on sale I had to have that will never fit. Sigh. I digress though. Thrift shops are an excellent place to find treasures just waiting for a makeover. 

What I love about thrift shops is that you have to go in with an open mind. People rarely are donating a brand new piece of furniture they no longer like. (Find those on the Marketplace!) Instead, you can find some really neat old pieces that truly have so much potential. On the plus side, many thrift shops use proceeds for a specific charity and that’s always a good thing. 

Your Own House

Yes, you read that right. Look around your house for furniture that could use a facelift. My husband had a set of bedroom furniture when we first got married that was the ugly orange wood. It took several years for me to tackle it, but when I did, it gave it such a fresh look. I also recently painted an IKEA KALLAX and added feet to it and transformed it from a playroom piece to a living room beauty. 

I will be working out in my family room and be scanning the house for something I can re-do. I like to call it multi-tasking. Since changes taste all the time, it’s fun to take a piece of furniture you already own and give it a facelift. This way, you are only paying for supplies and sometimes I have those laying around the house, too! 

Look for Clearance Deals 

When I go to Target or Home Goods, I go straight to the clearance section. While Home Goods tends to keep theirs in one area, you have to scout out Target. Home Goods usually has a section of clearance furniture items. While some are still pricey because there is nothing wrong with them, you will occasionally find a damaged piece. 

One of the main reasons to do a DIY project is to save money. It’s very easy to go overboard and end up spending more money than a new piece of furniture will cost. However, your DIY Mama of 3 is here to help you make the best out of any DIY project!

Bottom Line

There are several outlets you can reach out to in order to get free or cheap furniture. You always want to have an open mind because the opportunities a piece of furniture has are nearly endless. Even a fresh coat of paint can do a world of difference. I hope the list of the best places to get free or cheap furniture has your creative juices churning for your next project!