Provident Home Design

Decor, DIY, and Interior Design

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About PHD
    • Contact Me
  • DIY PROJECTS
  • DESIGN 101
  • PAINT
  • HOME TOUR
  • DESIGN INSPO
  • DECOR TIPS

GET NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL WHEN THERE'S A NEW POST!

Tips & Tricks to Getting Free Furniture

Furnishing a home can be an immense expense but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to save thousands of dollars on furnishings and still get a beautiful, high-end looking home. The purpose of this post is to share the tips and tricks I have employed in furnishing my own home with the hopes it can help you in creating a beautiful home on a budget.

In this post I will share several of my furniture finds with you– I do this as an illustration of the possibilities and not in the least bit to brag. I feel very grateful and blessed for these deals and know from the bottom of my heart that you can be equally blessed!

So that being said let’s start with the furniture throughout my home that I have received for FREE! I am hoping that sharing the details of how I received free furniture will help you be in positions to do the same.

Tip #1– Start or be a member of an email or Facebook group for your church congregation, neighborhood, or community (or other groups you are already naturally in).

Years ago I started a Facebook group for all the women in my church congregation. As part of the description for the group I stated several of the purposes of the group, one of which included giving away unwanted items. Through this group I have received the following items for free.

 

The set of chairs in my dining room.  They were originally a maple color but I painted them all white.

DIY Door Casing Tutorial

 

The bookcase in our media room (“Man cave”).

How to Decorate a Man Cave

 

My daughter’s full-size frame, box springs, and mattress.

Girls Bedroom Makeover_edited-1

 

The above were all free from a woman who was moving across the country and down-sizing.

On a different church email group I received a notice to the group saying “my neighbor across the street has put out two dressers on the curb…they look to be in decent condition if anyone wants them”.

I was actually needing a dresser for my daughter’s room and emailed her immediately saying I’m on my way!  One of them had a messed up drawer so I took the better one which only needed a fresh coat of paint.

bunnyhas a friend

 

Tip#2–  Don’t hide the fact that you like a good deal or buy second-hand items.  Let’s face it not everyone feels comfortable re-using other people’s stuff.  Therefore, many people feel uncomfortable asking a friend if they want their furniture before getting rid of it (even if it is in excellent condition) because they are afraid the person would be weirded out by it.

But I guarantee you nearly all people would  rather give their unneeded furniture to someone they know for free rather than putting it out for trash pick up or taking it to a thrift store for some stranger to buy.

I have found that when people (friend’s, family, neighbors) know that I love garage sale-ing or use Craigslist they are more likely to contact me before they get rid of their unwanted furniture.

These are the items I have received for free because I have been asked by friend’s or neighbor’s if I want them.

Our TV console in the media room.  I believe they used in their dining room as a buffet but it fit perfect as a console in our “man cave” (btw, I don’t know why the picture makes the front of it look so dusty).:-/

The Makings of a Stylish Mancave

 

The gray couch in my living room.  The couch was brown when it was given to me but I painted it gray.

Living Room Makeover Take 2

 

The sofa table behind the couch.  All it needed was a fresh coat of paint.  I love the details on it!  And yep, the décor on the sofa table are thrift store and garage sale finds.

Free Sofa Table

 

The wooden chairs for my outdoor table.  They were a neighbor’s and were previously painted blue.  I painted them to match our table and I love how well they go with the style of the table.

Free Outdoor Chairs

 

The outdoor coffee table is also from a neighbor although it didn’t use to be a coffee table.  It was their kitchen table and when she purchased a new one she texted me asking if I wanted this one…

Upcycled Table into Coffee Table

 

which leads us to our next tip!

Tip #3–  Learn to see furniture for what it can become rather than what it is at the moment.  As I wrote in my “You Know You are a DIY-er If…” post some people instinctively see the potential in even the ugliest pieces of furniture or spaces.  If you aren’t one of those people that’s okay you can learn this trait!

Whenever I come across an opportunity for free or inexpensive furniture I ask myself the following questions– What furniture items am I needing in my home (at this moment or in the near future)?  If this item isn’t one of the pieces I need, is there a way I could turn it into the furniture I am needing?

In the example above, I didn’t need a kitchen table but I did need an outdoor coffee table.  I used my jig saw to cut the legs off the table and then I painted it to match the “faux stain” treatment on the outdoor table and chairs and added several clear coats of an outdoor polyeutherane.  Still looking for “the right” rug for this space!

Upcycled Outdoor Coffee Table 2

 

I did a similar thing a few years ago when I was garage sale-ing and found a sofa table for only $5.  I didn’t need a sofa table at the time but I did need a bench for our outdoor table.  Again I just chopped the legs down to make it what I needed.  It is still going strong after 3 years of use!

 

 

If the furniture piece is something I need but I don’t like it as it is, I ask myself would the furniture piece look better with a new paint color?  How else can I alter the furniture piece so that it would fit my style and home (paint, add trim, change out hardware, reupholster, etc.)?

An example of this is when a friend asked if I wanted the couch from her kid’s play room.  I was actually wanting a couch but not a brown, traditional couch.  Painting it and taking off the couch’s skirt altered it for the look I was seeking.

What I Learned From Painting My Couch

 

You can never underestimate the power of paint!!!  One of my favorite paints to use for out dated cherry or oak wood furniture is Rustoleum’s Oil Rubbed Bronze Primer and Paint in One Spray Paint.

Best Espresso Spray Paint

 

I used this product on my $20 Craigslist (formerly cherry) coffee table and it looks SO much more modern (wish I had the before but I bought it before I knew I would have a blog).

Coffee Table Makeover

 

I also used it on my $10 set of nesting tables that I got from a garage sale.  They were previously oak and look so much more stylish in espresso!

Espresso Painted Furniture

 

Fresh paint will always improve any free or inexpensive furniture you may encounter!!!

Tip #4–    Free furniture often can come from the furniture you already have that you no longer love or has become dated.  When you are looking to make your home more beautiful and more your style don’t forget to consider how you can transform the furniture you already have!

It is extremely rewarding to do!

I was recently introduced to a website called HomeTalk.com where people share the projects they’ve done on the site.  You can easily use this site to find ideas for transforming your furniture via the search tool on the site.

You can check out the Couch Revival board I created on HomeTalk, HERE.  It includes 16 couch update ideas.  I found these ideas from typing in Couch and Sofa in the search tool.

!6 Ways to Update an Old Couch

 

So, if you have a piece of furniture you don’t love and you can’t figure out how to improve it try typing the name of the furniture in the search tool on HomeTalk and hopefully you can get some ideas of ways you could upgrade it from seeing what others have done!

These are the tips that have worked for me in getting free furniture.

Tip #5–  However, I know others who have lucked out by finding gems on the side of the road ready for trash pick up.  My mom scored a couple of adirondack chairs that way.  We just tightened the screws and painted them and they were as good as new.  Adirondack chairs are at least $70 a piece so she save a lot of money.

Tips #6-  Lastly, one of the women on my church facebook group wrote a post saying that she loved to fix up and makeover furniture so if anyone had any furniture they were getting rid of for free to let her know.  Even though I don’t think I would feel comfortable doing this I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.  People are wanting to get rid of furniture everyday for various reasons and it can be a win-win situation to let people know!

Heck, just as I’m writing this I’ve remember we have a dresser sitting our garage that we don’t want or need!  I will first figure out if there is some way I can repurpose it into something we need.  If not, I will be giving her a call!:-)

Do you have any tricks on getting free furniture??  If so, don’t hesitate to share in the comments.

For more tips along this line you can view my post on Garage Sale-ing and my other one on how to use family heirlooms in decorating.

As always thanks for being here!   It sure makes taking the time to write these ideas out worth it!!:-)

Signature

Tips & Tricks to Getting Free Furniture

Related Posts From the Blog:

  • DIY Brinkley Beveled Mirror KnockoffDIY Brinkley Beveled Mirror Knockoff
  • DIY Decorative BoxesDIY Decorative Boxes
  • Three Years Ago Today…Three Years Ago Today…
  • Ballard Designs Knockoff PaintingsBallard Designs Knockoff Paintings
  • Easy Spring Wreath and 11 Curb Appeal BoostersEasy Spring Wreath and 11 Curb Appeal Boosters
  • DIY Orb Ceiling Light FixtureDIY Orb Ceiling Light Fixture
  • I’m Dreaming of a White EntryI’m Dreaming of a White Entry
  • Outdoor Furniture & Decor DealsOutdoor Furniture & Decor Deals

before and afters// budget decor// decorating// furniture// inspiration// money saving tips17 Comments

Subscribe

GET NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL WHEN THERE IS A NEW POST!

« The Trick to Growing Grass & Porch Update
Let’s Talk Best DIY Tools »

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 1:50 am

    Nice post Tamara. I love how your patio is turning out! Wish I could see it in person:(

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 7:40 am

      Thanks, Wendy! Sure missing you!

      Reply
  2. Linda says

    Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Tamara,
    Excellent ideas! SO many inspiring and affordable ideas to decorate a home and yard. Thanks for sharing great finds and great post! 🙂
    Linda

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you, Linda!:-) Glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  3. Angela says

    Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 10:27 am

    By re-purposing unwanted items you are also helping to reduce waste. I Love your home. I am trying to do the same thing as I am recently divorced and need to furnish a home on a budget. Never painted before but I’m learning. I need ideas for art. Can’t believe the price for prints!! I got a bonded leather couch that has many loose patches not sure how to revive that unless I can paint it. God bless you and thanks.

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Monday, June 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Hi Angela! I agree the price for prints can be ridiculous! I have several DIY wall art projects you may like…just type art or painting in the search box on the side bar and hopefully you can find some ideas for your home! God bless!

      Reply
  4. Dianne Anderson says

    Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Good morning Angela, Absolutely love your used furniture ideas! I’ve been doing this for years, since I moved into my ‘big’ empty house. Yard sales, 2nd hand stores, give-aways, Salvation Army – everywhere! The 1st project was converting a small dresser into a TV cabinet. Drawers were removed, & replaced w/shutters to close off the TV. It was ‘antiqued’ w/paint. Since then my house has filled w/all sorts of re-do’s, out of $$$ needs (we had very little). My home has become big conversations from all guests. Now I’m called creative instead of cheap. And all the work is a joy.

    Reply
  5. David Wilson says

    Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    I thought your article was great and wanted to share a couple more hints. You can check the free section of Craig’s List and locate many treasures there. Many of the posting are ‘curt alerts’ but some are on an arrangement basis. I recently checked our local Craig’s List and found someone was moving and giving away a gorgeous antique dresser/chest. I also watch for real estate signs to keep an eye out when the owners are moving out and the new ones are moving in. I have scored a number of great items because the sellers didn’t want to move a piece or the buyers ended up not having room for something. Sometimes something will get damaged in the move and the people are not DIYers so the put it on the curb.

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      David, these are great suggestions! Thank you for sharing them!:-)

      Reply
  6. Gina says

    Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Hi, I just read this on Pinterest. Thanks for sharing! I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have used the Free section on Craigslist to acquire free furniture items. I’ve also joined the Yahoo group called Freecycle where other people give away or trade items, too. But my favorite and fun way to get free stuff is scouting out items right after a garage sale! I discovered this when I stumbled upon my neighbor’s garage sale items that she couldn’t sell but also no longer wanted. It gave me the idea to look around the neighborhood after the sales were over. Sometimes I would luck out on some good stuff! Anyway, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      Thanks for sharing your great ideas, Gina!!

      Reply
  7. kouten07 says

    Monday, March 14, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Hi Tamara,

    Loving what you have shared. What paint did you use (and the process) for your outdoor wooden slatted chairs? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Monday, March 14, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      Hi! I’m so glad you liked the post! I wrote all about the paint and process of the outdoor chairs in this post, http://www.remodelaholic.com/how-to-faux-stain-paint/ that I wrote for the Remodelaholic website. Thanks for coming by today I hope you’ll come again soon!:-)

      Reply
  8. Margaret Hayes says

    Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    Your painted couch is the bomb diggity, I dod not need to do that right now, but will think about it or chairs in the future, what kind of fabric paint did you use please?

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks, Margaret!:-) I made my own chalk paint to paint the couch. The “recipe” and tutorial can be found at this link, http://providenthomedesign.com/2015/01/18/paint-couch-diy-chalk-paint/.

      Reply
  9. williamgmz says

    Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    thankz for sharing…

    Reply
    • Tamara says

      Monday, June 11, 2018 at 10:11 am

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!:-)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello and Welcome!! My name is Tamara and this is where I share my tips and tricks to creating a beautiful home! If you are new, feel free to start HERE.

Subscribe

Get notified via email when there's a new post!

Join me on Instagram!

[instagram-feed]

More Blog Inspiration:-)

  • Icon Caroline on Design

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Centsational Girl

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Decorating Delirium

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Lauren Liess

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Life on Virginia Street

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Remodelaholic

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon The Creativity Exchange

    Close preview

    Loading...
  • Icon Thrifty Decor Chick

    Close preview

    Loading...

Categories


Disclosure & Privacy Policy

You might also like

The Final Before & After of our Current Home

The Final Before & After of our Current Home

New Build Update-Paint, Lighting, and Floors oh My!

New Build Update-Paint, Lighting, and Floors oh My!

New Home Update

New Home Update

New Build Update- Cabinets are in!

New Build Update- Cabinets are in!

House Update–We Have Walls!

House Update–We Have Walls!

Join Me on Instagram!

[instagram-feed num=9 cols=9 showbutton=false]

Privacy

Copyright © 2021 · Savory theme by Restored 316

Enter your name and email to get my weekly post sent to your inbox... it's FREE!
Want to learn more about DIY, decorating, and making your home beautiful? Sign up below!
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.