How to Use Craigslist to Decorate Your Home

Anna @Annabode
by Anna @Annabode
Craigslist is hands-down THE best way to furnish your home on a budget.
Not only is it environmentally friendly, it actually makes for a healthier home. It’s also a great source for finding original vintage and antique pieces–especially when it comes to mid-century style. Plus, it’s the perfect way to find pieces that no one else has!
I’ve used Craigslist to buy my dining table, end tables, night stands, coffee table, bookshelf, our dresser, my fiancé’s desk, our daybed, my son’s play table…the list goes on. You can literally find anything you can imagine, from houseplants and landscaping to light fixtures and paint.


However, many of my friends have been hesitant to try it out, and I imagine some of you might be too. So as a seasoned Craigslist comber, here are my DOs and DON’Ts of using Craigslist to decorate your home:
DO…


-Try many different search terms. Some people may list a couch, others a sofa, others a sectional…you get the idea.


-Check daily until you find the perfect piece. Set aside 10-15 minutes in the morning to search–if you’re looking for, say, a sheepskin rug, the newest posts will be displayed first and you won’t have to look at all the results every time. It’s better to check in the morning, as the best pieces can get snapped up quickly.


-If you don’t have a car, ask if they will deliver for another $10 or $20 (depending on the size of the item and the distance). Many people are happy to do this!


If you do have a car, measure the interior to make sure whatever you’re buying will fit.


-Offer a lower price–it never hurts to try!


-Verify that they will help you move it, if it’s a piece of furniture. I’ve broken this rule before, and shown up to buy a bookcase from a pregnant lady in a walk-up. I had to disassemble the entire thing and carry it piece-by-piece to my car…not fun.


-Get their phone number, in case you get lost. Even Google maps can sometimes lead you astray.


-Let someone know where you’re going beforehand.


-Bring the exact amount, in cash. There’s a good chance they won’t have change if you bring more, and no one’s going to be impressed if you bring $5 or $10 less than the asking price “by mistake.”


-Inspect each piece carefully, in good light. Look for scratches, stains, etc., but only if you think they’ll bother you.


-Ask if they’re selling anything else–you never know what you might find!


To find more about the DON'Ts of using Craigslist, click on the link to Annabode below!
Anna @Annabode
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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4 of 27 comments
  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 23, 2015
    I love craigslist. It's fun to find unique items. More fun to pay so little to enjoy remaking it for your taste. Never had a bad experience. Just this past week I scooped up 2 solid wood upholstered chairs for the ends of my dining table for $60! One time, I was looking at a loft bed for my son & hers wanted a regular bed, we ended up just trading. Win-win! My daughter and I always send each other the ad and contact info when we're looking. Thanks for the great tips.
  • Cathy Troccoli Cathy Troccoli on May 02, 2015
    Another great place to check or local Goodwill stores. All offer daily specials,seniors get half off days. I've found vintage,retro and antiques at better than craigslist prices.
    • Kevin Kevin on May 27, 2021

      Cathy,


      My grandmother used to take me to Goodwill and Salvation Army stores in the Silver Spring, Washington DC area in fact i suspect, strongly suspect it had been grandma who I "got this from", trash to treasure, trolling Craiglist, etc.


      I find everything on Craigslist that is priced correctly sells its the overpriced stuff that does NOT so yes "negotiate" make an offer see what happens.


      Best wishes,


      Kevin

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