Today is Day 11 of a 31 day series on creating and cultivating an eclectic home. For some crazy reason, I have accepted The Nester’s challenge to write on the same theme every day for the month of October. This may end up killing me. Or you. But, I appreciate you reading and welcome your comments.
I spend way too much time playing around on the great time suck that is the internet. I could probably get so many projects finished if I spent my evening hours doing something more productive than vegging in front of the TV with my laptop on my lap.
The good thing about me spending my free time that way is that I know many sites to find great deals on decor. As much as I love pieces from places like Pottery Barn, I long for something different that wasn’t found in a catalog that comes to every mailbox in my neighborhood. From fabrics to furniture, I’ve got you covered on finding unique items online.
Shopping Online for Eclectic Decor
1) One Kings Lane – OKL is a site that offers multiple new sales to members daily. For instance, yesterday’s sales included furniture, linens, and picture frames. This isn’t just “stuff,” but high-end designer items that are deeply discounted. Not only are great sales offered, but there are collections curated by top designers. The curated sales are much more expensive than the regular sales, but they often feature vintage and one-of-a-kind items. If you aren’t already a member, you can get an invite through my OKL link here.
2) Groupon – Groupon and other daily deal sites aren’t the first place you’d think of to find home decor deals. But, occassionally nestled amongst the deals for half-price dinners and cheap haircuts, you will find 50% off at local furniture and decor stores. I even purchased a Groupon not long ago for a discount at One Kings Lane. That’s like a double score! If you aren’t a member of Groupon, you can get an invite through my link here.
3) Wuslu – Wuslu is another daily deal site, but it only focuses on home decor. Each day at 10 am EST, a new item is posted on the site and offered at a significant discount over retail. You just have to remember to check early and often, as some items sell out and each item is only available for one day (or until it sells out). You can visit Wuslu at Wuslu.com.
4) TukaBear – TukaBear is an online shop where you can buy brand new, brand name, or pre-loved home goods. They find their items through garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets, and then they turn around and offer the items to you. I’ve personally never purchased anything through TukaBear, but I do take a look-see often to see if there is something I might “need.” You can visit TukaBear at TukaBear.com.
5) DiggersList – DiggersList is a free online home improvement classified listing site. You can list home improvement (and decor) items or you can search items for sale in your area. Listings can be added through their site, and DiggersList also compiles listings from other sites, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore listings, so you can see what’s available. DiggersList is a newish site, so it’s still growing in many areas. You can visit DiggersList at DiggersList.com.
6) Craigslist – Craigslist is one of those sites that I’m sure everyone has browsed at least once. It features items for sale listed by people in your community. I’ve mentioned before that there’s a free section, but they also have sections for the different types of items being sold – furniture, household, arts & crafts, etc. I’ve been using Craigslist for years and used to think it was the best thing ever, but I’m beginning to change my mind. Perhaps it’s just in my area, but I have had a very bad time lately with people responding to my emails about their ads (even ones that were *just* listed) or having people not show up to take something from me when they said they would. Are you having the same type of experiences? Visit Craigslist.org to find the listings for your area.
7) Etsy – I’m a huge fan of Etsy, a site where artists can list their handmade wares for sale. It’s a great place to find unique decor for your home and support very small businesses at the same time. Additionally, there is a section of vintage items, so you can find some really fun items that way. I’m currently crushing on vintage oil paintings of dogs, and I’ve found some interesting (albeit expensive) pieces there. You can visit Etsy at Etsy.com.
This one is available here, in case you have an extra $270 lying around and want to buy me a gift.
8.) Ebay – You can find just about everything on Ebay, just like the commercial says. You can find some really interesting items, but you’ll have to pay shipping most of the time. Did you know that you can search for things being sold just in your area? A lot of times, you can find furniture pieces without having to pay shipping by searching that way. You can visit Ebay by visiting Ebay.com.
9) Warehouse Fabrics – Warehouse Fabrics is absolutely the best place online to find home decor and upholstery fabrics at fabulous prices. If you find a fabric that you like elsewhere, always, always, ALWAYS check to see if Warehouse Fabrics has it for a better price. If they have it, the price will be better. I have ordered from them and have been extremely pleased with the fabrics and transactions. I couldn’t possibly recommend them more. Visit Warehouse fabrics at WarehouseFabricsInc.com.
What other online sites do you turn to for great decor deals? Let us know. We’ve got some eclectic rooms to put together, people!
I also love fabric.com for GREAT prices on top brand fabrics! Usually 1/4 the price of JoAnn’s! Other than that, I just think it’s important to really shop around and gather your pieces from all different retailers/thrift stores. I always think of the Friends episode where Rachel buys practically the entire Pottery Barn window display and puts it in her and Pheobe’s apartment, haha. It makes a space catalog and flat.
Loving this challenge since I like to think of my style as a bit on the eclectic side!
so excited to hear about warehouse fabrics! i’ve got 2 craigslist chairs that need covering asap but can’t find fabric i can afford! thanks for the tip!
This is a great list of online resources. Some of them I didn’t even know about and will definitely add them to my decor resource list!
~Jenna
I hadn’t heard of most of these. Thanks for posting!!
Sometimes Zulily has great home decor deals too. I also am a big fabric.com girl 🙂
thank you for doing this series! i am loving it!
Hi,
Here in SW Ontario, Canada (and maybe elsewhere) we use Kijiji.ca (in the States it’s .com). It’s much the same as Craigslist (which we also have) but used way more often. I’ve had the same problem – people not getting back to me when I email. I’m moving and am having to downsize (breaks my heart) so will be trying to sell on Kijiji. I’m not having the warm and fuzzies, though, as like you, people don’t show up. What I’ve done when I see something I like and it’s marked PPU (pending pick up), I’ll still email to let them know I’m interested and to give me an email (or call) if they don’t show. I’ve lucked out twice doing that. Someone has suggested sending the stuff to auction but I know I wouldn’t get a fraction of the price I want. I suppose it’s better than nothing but it’s the principle of the thing. So I’ll take it with me, stuff it into the spare room and try Kijiji again in a month or two.
I’m curious about something – the fabric online sites. With all our computer monitors showing not quite the right colours, what happens when you receive the fabric and it’s not what you were wanting. Can it be returned? and if so, who pays the shipping?
Anyhoo, thanks for the great resources. I’m going to check if they’re available in Canada.
Cathy
Anyhoo, thanks for the other suggest
Hi Cathy! Most of the places that sell home decor fabrics offer a swatch service. They are usually free, but sometimes just a $1 or so. I like to order swatches before I order my yardage just to make sure I don’t run into the problem you describe.