The Staging Fashionista Blog: The Thrifty Home Stager

The Thrifty Home Stager

I had to share some of the great deals I get by shopping at flea markets and thrift stores.  Home stagers have to really fork out alot of money for accessories, furnishings, linens, lamps, etc.  In order to keep my costs down but still have quality items I shop for things in the thrift store or flea markets.  I have found some great deals and some beautiful pieces to use in my home staging business. 

Not only is this being thrifty, but shopping at local thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Acts, is also a way to help others.  Purchases from the thrift stores help people in need and help people to get trained so they can get jobs to help support their families.

Finally shopping at thrift stores and flea markets is being green.  By repurposing used items you keep them out of landfills and give items a new home.  I am always amazed at the things I find at a local thrift store.  I have staged some beautiful homes with my finds and people are always asking me where did you get that?  Here are some of my favorite finds all of the items below cost me a total of $12.00, seriously!!!  Gotta love those bargains!   

VaseAccessories

So next time you pass by a thrift store - check it out!  You never know what kind of treasures you may find and for me as a professional home stager, being thrifty pays.

pictures

 

 

Mannie Tantawy

The Staging Fashionista

www.thestagingfashionista.com

We provide professional and affordable home staging and redesign services to clients in Northern Virginia and the DC-Metro area.  We dress homes to sell.  Let us help you get your home ready for the market.  Call us for a free estimate or for how we can help prepare your home for sale on 703-269-8330.

Buy our DVD, Staging & Decorating with Creative Towel Art.  Learn how to create unique origami towel designs in minutes!

    

 

 

15 commentsMannie Tantawy, APSD, RESA • November 04 2009 09:10PM

Comments

Mannie, I too like to shop flea markets when I have time. I also have a favorite consignment shop and the owner calls me when she has something she knows I would like. I also love Craigslist one of my favorites!

Posted by Donna Schoby (Liberty Bank of Arkansas) over 2 years ago

These are all nice items and I think we all love a good bargain!! 

Posted by Cathy Lee ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA (CL Design Services Home Staging) over 2 years ago

I'm always on the lookout for staging bargains.  I particularly like to look for  baskets, solid colored pillows, bed linens,and  dishes at sales.

Posted by Beverly Carlson (Carlson Properties) over 2 years ago

Our local hospital runs a thrift shop--the best place to get baskets of all kinds--usually a $1 or less.  The Habitat for Humanity Re-Store is also a great place for bargains--bought a light fixture with a tag on it from a retail store for $529.  I paid $35 and the money goes for their building projects.

Posted by Debra Brodhecker--House Dressing, New Jersey (House Dressing) over 2 years ago

I love my local resale shops and thrift stores. Great finds Mannie!

Posted by Karen Otto, Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging) over 2 years ago

Garage sales can be a good source too.  Being thrifty--it's a good thing!

Posted by Kim Dillon (Creative Eye Home Staging) over 2 years ago

You were able to visualize these items in people's homes.  That's the key to finding deals - you have to take them 'out of the store' in your mind. 

Good finds - thanks for reminding us of these good sources,

Mel

Posted by melody salazar (Salazar Staging & Custom Interiors) over 2 years ago

Thank you ladies - I'm glad to hear that so many of you are using these thrifty resources.  I think sometimes folks are shy to say that they go to thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets. But I  think it is just being smart.  

Posted by Mannie Tantawy, APSD, RESA (The Staging Fashionista) over 2 years ago

Mannie- I have to say I love the simple elegance of your diplay picture with the tulips.  It really cought my eye.

Posted by Abby Rusinovich (Refined Design Home Staging) over 2 years ago

sorry caught my eye.  Active rain in am before getting kid to school can be hazardousin spelling and grammar. Sometimes my excitement gets the best of me and I forget to hit spell check!

Posted by Abby Rusinovich (Refined Design Home Staging) over 2 years ago

Nice finds!  A few weeks back while shopping for a job, I found 90% off bookshelf accessories at Garden Ridge.  LOVE when that happens!  Your're right, fleas, Goodwill, etc. are all excellent places for good deals (Craigslist too!)

Posted by Teresa Meyer-Home Staging Cincinnati-OH. Stage a Star: Home Stager Cincinnati (Stage a Star Staging & Consulting Services) over 2 years ago

This past summer I found a beautiful vase, originally from the Bombay Company for only $2.00

 What better way to spend a beautiful summer morning than shopping outdoors and saving!

Posted by Liz Gallagher,Montreal Quebec RESA member. (LG Home Harmony - Home Stagers & Organizers ) over 2 years ago

I love a good bargain, AND being eco friendly. Great tip for a new shopping idea.

Posted by Deena Cottingham, Home Stager & Photographer (GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography) over 2 years ago

Estate sells are also a wonderful. My friend bought an entire art deco furniture at an estate sell for hardly anything. They're perfect for mid-century homes! 

Posted by Shirin Sarikhani, RESA-Pro (Seattle Staged To Sell www.seattlestagedtosell.com) about 2 years ago

Hi Shirin - now you gave me an idea - I never thought about estate sales.  Thanx

Posted by Mannie Tantawy, APSD, RESA (The Staging Fashionista) about 2 years ago

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