Buying furniture for plus size people is not only hard but also expensive. Plus size furniture shopping doesn’t have to be that difficult. Even on today’s top decorating shows you will find the stars heading off to thrift shops or antique malls to pick up “good stuff.” Today everyone is doing it, for the fun and the cost savings. Here are a few suggestions of where you will find these gems:

Thrift shops: often the best places for decorative items and kids’ things (including all the baby equipment that is so expensive.) They are also great for lamps, pictures/frames/art, kitchen gadgets, small appliances, tables, bookshelves, sewing machines, kitchen ware of all sorts!, books, decorative, bedding, curtains, clocks…just about everything.

Garage sales: for many people garage sales are a cheap form of entertainment because you just never know what you’re going to find. (I once found a Star Trek TV tray in mint condition that I bought for fifty cents and sold on eBay for $25. Can’t do that kind of profit on the stock market!) Similar to thrift stores they are often times treasure troves for baby and kid items, as well as computers, stereos, kitchen ware, art, tools, linens, craft supplies, holiday decorations, and lawn equipment.

Estate sales: these are absolutely my favourites, especially in the more historic parts of town where I can usually find antiques and collectibles. Sometimes they are a little pricier but usually offer better quality furnishings of all types including tools, yard equipment, newer electronics, antiques, crystal, collectibles and even consumables like canned goods, paint, and cleaning supplies. Great for purchasing an entire room of furniture, e.g. a kids’ room, or a dining room set. Major appliances, televisions, and even cars are common items. Be prepared to wait in line to get in, however, if you arrive early at some of the bigger sales. And during the last hours of the sale prices are typically cut in half.

eBay: Initially eBay was like a giant garage sale where one could find phenomenal bargains, but not so true today. Usually a good source for computers and small appliances as well as baby and kids’ stuff including video game consoles and games, but watch the prices! Quality can be new to very good.

Craig’s List: everything under the sun. Since these are local listings you can find major appliances, bigger tools, all kinds of electronics like big screen televisions, large furniture, and building materials.

Habitat for Humanity stores: great resource for building materials that are left over from construction.

Charity sales: These are different from flea markets, they may be held as an auction or outright sale. People often donate entire rooms of furniture to these sales therefore you can pick up a complete bedroom or living room set for reasonable (but not bargain-basement) prices. Quality is usually very good.

Antique malls: You really have to know what you are buying. Prices can be very inflated or very good. Shop around and educate yourself before you buy.

Freecycle.org: as the name suggests it is all free. Everything is available from pets to live plantings for your garden, food, computer parts and computers, to all kinds of household items. Beware, however, that you’re not just hauling away someone’s trash (especially true of appliances and heavy furniture!)

Furniture rental companies: these are businesses that rent furniture for temporary use, e.g. staging new homes, families who are renting a home for six months and don’t want to purchase furniture, etc. Although the prices are a bit high you will usually find good quality furniture and accessories including beds, appliances and electronics.

Pawn shops: known for electronics and jewelry they can also have unusual items e.g. artwork.

Moving sales: frequently offering larger items that the owner does not want to move including exercise equipment, large bookshelves, older appliances, etc.

With this type of treasure hunting you have to be willing to purchase what is available. If you are looking for a red couch you are likely going to be disappointed. However if you are looking for a good, comfortable couch, in a color you can live with, then you are almost guaranteed to find what you want.

Beware of buying a piece here and there that will not work well together. Your items should still be cohesive, just as if you bought them at a furniture store. If you are going with earth tones, with natural fibers and materials, then stick with this as your purchasing guide.

More Tips:

Carry the cards of a hauling company with you in case you find a great buy that is too big for your car. If an item plugs in make sure you test it before you buy.

Be cautious of hidden problems, e.g. odours in fabric items or children’ equipment that are not safe. And finally, if in doubt, don’t. There will always be another treasure hunt tomorrow…or, perhaps, next Saturday!

Good Hunting!

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