Must-Read: How to Buy Furniture Like a Pro

Let’s be honest: Humans are aesthetic creatures. If we see something we like, we get a little charge out of it and we want more. This has nothing to do with the content of that something, simply how our eyes are depicting the colors and curves that are coming off of the product in question. And that’s the way it is with . There are certain things that we just like, and there’s no reason or explanation behind it. It just is. The trick is trying to get that in your home without having to spend way too much money.

And so today we’re heading on over to Bargaineering where they have a list of ways for you to purchase without having to spend a whole lot of money. Among the pieces of advice they have:

Know what to buy used, and where

Of course there?s a lot of used on Craigslist and eBay, but sorting through those listings can take time. I looked there, but I was much more successful by making friends with the shop in town that sells used matching what I wanted.

When the owners had a warehouse sale, where everything was 50% off, I was first in line and walked out with a filing cabinet, dining room chairs, and hall mirror. I did get two things off eBay: my dining room table and bed frame. I saved time by limiting my search to sellers within 20 miles of my house.

Let people know you?re on the hunt, too. When I posted on Facebook that I was looking for mid-century modern , a friend in Tampa pointed me toward a store in town. I found the perfect coffee table there that I had shipped to New Jersey.

Well that certainly helps. Head on over to the blog above to check out some other examples of ways to get your without spending an arm and a leg, but still making sure that it’s the right stuff you want.