This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of CORT for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Want to know where to buy affordable furniture? I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks!
There’s nothing more fun than day dreaming about the perfectly decorated home!
I love to imagine my beautifully designed apartment filled with the most fabulous and unique finds. The reality though is that my husband and I move a lot, and we have a tight budget. So I need to be careful about what I purchase.
Sometimes when dreams meet real life (aka your budget), it can be a little depressing. It doesn’t have to be though!
Whether you’re moving into your first place, your living room needs updating, or like me, you don’t want to spend a lot on furniture that might not fit your next apartment, it’s possible to find good quality furniture on a budget … you just need to know where to look!
I love this beautiful lamp I spotted at CORT.
Where to Buy Affordable Furniture
So where can you find budget friendly furniture?
I’m sharing my fave tips for where to buy affordable furniture below!
CORT Clearance Centers
This petite sofa would be perfect for a small apartment.
A recent visit to my local CORT Clearance Center inspired this whole post. In fact, all of the photos in this post were taken at CORT!
I’d never been to CORT before, but I was so impressed by the gorgeous discount furniture I spotted there. They have everything you need to furnish a home or an office, from furniture to accessories.
The furniture at CORT is affordable, but it’s not cheaply made. I saw a large range of styles, everything from classic to modern, during my visit, plus lots of unique pieces that would make your home stand out.
I spoke with a consultant during my visit to CORT who was super helpful. He explained that the furniture at your local clearance center may be new or gently used, and that they receive weekly shipments. So it pays to visit often to see what’s new!
Love mid-century modern furniture? This chair I spotted at CORT would be perfect for you!
Of course, the best thing about CORT are the prices, which are up to 70% off new retail, every day! All of CORT’s offerings are high quality, so it’s exciting to see great prices on pieces that will last.
Want to save even more? You’ll get extra discounts when you buy sets or “home to go” packages, which is basically everything you need to furnish a one bedroom apartment. Perfect for anyone moving into their first place, right?
Another benefit to shopping at CORT is that your purchase is CORT Certified. Basically, that means that CORT guarantees that if any product is found to be defective within 90 days of purchase, they will repair or replace it. I love that peace of mind!
Big Box Stores
The clean lines on this dining table and chairs from CORT would work with many decorating styles.
Another place to buy affordable furniture are big box stores. You know the ones … these are the places that carry all your household essentials and maybe even groceries.
Big box stores carry budget-friendly styles that range from classic to trendy. These stores will probably have everything you need to furnish a home from plates to rugs to couches.
When you buy furniture from big box stores, you need to be realistic about quality. Often cheap prices equate to poor craftsmanship.
The pieces you purchase from a big box store probably won’t last a lifetime, so consider that carefully before you make a purchase.
Department Stores
CORT carries everything from furniture to accessories. I loved these candlesticks and the nail head trim on that couch.
Department stores tend to carry good quality furniture brands, but they aren’t exactly known for their deals and steals. Hear me out though!
If you want to find affordable furniture at a department store, then you need to wait for a big sale. Shop around and find the furniture you like, then be patient.
Many department stores also offer coupons. To get the best price at these stores, you’ll want to use coupons on top of the sale prices. So sign up for email updates to receive sale notifications and special coupons.
Thrift Stores
Dreaming of a Parisian getaway? This cute sofa is for you!
If you love bargain hunting, thrift stores can be a great place to buy affordable furniture!
Of course, you’re unlikely to visit a thrift store and find exactly what you’re looking for on your first visit. The selection is always changing, and some of thrift shops don’t carry furniture, so you’ll need to do some hunting.
My best thrifting tip is to make a list of everything you’re looking for. Then, visit your fave stores frequently … once a week, at the very least.
Once you spot something you like, examine it very carefully. Keep an eye out for damage that can’t be easily repaired, as well as anything you don’t want to bring into your home (like bugs … yuck!).
Hand Me Downs
I loved the details on this petite desk. It would be perfect for a small apartment.
If you have friends or family with good taste, there’s always the possibility that you might inherit their hand me downs.
Do you need a dining table or a couple end tables? Let your circle know that you’re trying to furnish your home. You never know what they may offer you.
Of course, their dining table might not be exactly your style, but a little paint or new upholstery can go a long way!
Estate and Yard Sales
This dresser I spotted at CORT is a total statement piece. Use it in a bedroom, an entry, or even to hold a TV.
Estate and yard sales are some of the best places to buy furniture on a budget. Like thrifting, shopping these sales can be hit or miss, but they’re also a fun way to find unique pieces or even antiques.
And just like thrifting, the more frequent your visits, the better your chances of finding something you love.
If you enjoy visiting estate sales, make sure to sign up for alerts. You’ll get notified of upcoming sales and may be able to preview the offerings.
Online Classifieds
CORT even carries patio furniture! I loved this set I saw there.
The last place I’d suggest searching for affordable furniture is online classifieds. These ads can range from national websites to local groups that you find via social media.
Often, searching online classifieds is a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but with a little perseverance you can find some gems.
As with furniture from thrift stores, you’ll want to inspect anything you find carefully. And don’t be afraid to bargain a little!
I fell in love with this vibrant teal sofa I spotted at CORT … talk about a statement piece!
One final tip to keep in mind when shopping for budget friendly furniture … have an open mind! If you find something you like, but it’s not quite perfect, maybe all it needs is a little love (aka paint, reupholstering, etc.).
Okay, so now that you know all about CORT and where to buy affordable furniture, make sure to stop by your local clearance center!
I think you’ll be excited by all the great deals and gorgeous furniture you find. 
Where do you think is the best place to buy furniture on a budget?
I am looking for something like this so thanks for this info! The sectional is perfect,
Maria
I’m so glad you found it helpful! I love that sectional, too!
I’ve never heard of CORT. I’ll have to see if there is one in VA.
I was really impressed with their selection! It’s always good to find new places to shop! 🙂
Wow… beautiful furniture! I LOVE all and the furniture you choose are perfect. We are planning to buy new furniture for our house. This post is very helpful for us. Thanks for sharing.