Design on a Dime: Setting Up a Home Work Space in Any Room
Looking for ways to set up the perfect home work space or dorm room on a shoestring budget? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Make Custom Tables On The Cheap
Making your own furniture isn’t that hard anymore – not with flat-pack furniture. All you need are these folding table legs and a table top and you’re set. Putting together furniture yourself can save you hundreds of dollars, and you’ll end up with pieces that get the job done, look great, and will last.
For example, these DIY desks can be put together in a weekend and will cost a fraction of a pre-built unit from an office supply store.
Buy Furniture On Sale Or Second-Hand
If you look around, you can certainly find great deals in second-hand stores, Goodwill or Salvation Army-type stores. Look in antique shops for pieces that are beat up and need a little work. Usually, a desk that would cost you $700 new can be had for $100, maybe less. Sure, you have to put in the work to refinish it, but still – it should cost you no more than a hundred or maybe $200 total for the job. If you splurge, you can get a solid wood desk for $300-$500 and still save yourself money.
Alternatively, keep an eye out for sales. Seasonal items might be marked down significantly. And, always ask about furniture that has cosmetic defects or floor models. Usually, these pieces will sell for a discount too.
Just make sure it’s structurally sound. If you can deal with a scratch or scuffing, which is only visual, it might be worth it.
Look For Package Deals
Some manufacturers, and dealers, sell furniture as a set. If you buy the package deal, you get a discount. Now, this isn’t always a good deal but it can be – especially if there’s room for negotiation in the deal (and there usually is). You may be able to get 5 percent (or more) off the list price by simply asking “what’s the best price you can give me on this today if I pay cash?”
Shop Online
What can’t you buy online these days? It should be no surprise that online giants like Amazon and Target sell desks at a deep discount. If you don’t mind paying the shipping charges, you can score an amazing deal by buying a desk online. Now, most of what you’ll find will be new desks, so this is unlikely to yield the best price possible unless you’re buying discount models or cheaper materials like flat-pack furniture. But, it’s still a great way to save some money compared to shopping retail in a big box store.
Check Surplus Offices
Check surplus office supplies and offices that are going out of business in your town. Most often, there will be at least a few businesses closing their doors. Their loss is your gain. Offer to buy their desks and office furniture.
Most businesses that are going out of business aren’t that picky when it comes to price. They want a fair price because they might have debts to pay off, but they also want to get out from under the business so they’re very flexible.
Repurpose Your Own Furniture and Recycle
Look around your own home. See if you can repurpose home furniture into office or dorm room furniture. This is the cheapest option you have. And, sometimes, it’s the best.