Furniture
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Buy secondhand furniture and refresh it by repainting with chalk paint or steam cleaning and dyeing it.
One person bought a used couch for $20 and made it look new again using these methods.
one person who lived it
Invest in a good couch and computer chair if you spend most of your time at home.
If you are not in one, you are likely in the other.
one person who lived it
Replace individual short slats with full-length flat slats for better back support.
Short slats can cause back pain.
one person who lived it
Avoid cheap particle board or chip board bookcases if you live in humid areas or need long-term durability.
Moisture and humidity over time weaken the glue and cause the board to expand.
- It is not a problem if you live in a dry place.
one person who lived it
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Roam apartment complexes in May to find high-quality items left next to dumpsters.
People often leave items like paintings and electronics because they cannot be bothered to drop them off at thrift stores.
- This approach worked in one person's town.
one person who lived it
Have upholstery cushions restuffed with car seat foam to increase firmness and comfort.
One person reported their couch became the most comfortable place in the house after doing this.
one person who lived it
Place the small Allen wrenches or keys provided with furniture inside the hardware bag taped to the item.
It is easier than searching through a toolbox.
one person who lived it
Search Facebook Marketplace for sturdy, inexpensive, or free furniture to refurbish into farmhouse style.
It allows you to avoid supporting major retail conglomerates.
one person who lived it