By Jessica Ackerman
Creating a vintage bedroom on a budget is not a difficult task, but it does require some shopping and creative thinking.
The best thing about creating a vintage bedroom is that it is a great way to recycle old fabrics and furniture relatively inexpensively. For some tips and tricks on creating a vintage bedroom on a budget, check out the ideas below.
Setting the Budget
Before starting to shop, create a budget of how much is available to spend on the design. Break the figures down for each component of the bedroom decor: Furniture, fabrics, accessories, and flooring. The largest portion of the funds should be set aside for furniture. If the furniture can be found at exceptionally good prices, use the extra money to purchase more in another area, or simply save it. A $500 budget can be easily whittled down to $300 with some savvy shopping and creative bargaining.
Thrift Store Furniture Shopping
Thrift stores are the best place to find vintage furniture for a bedroom. Local thrift stores that offer a pick-up service for donations are usually the best places to start, because they often have the widest selection of furniture. When shopping for pieces, be sure to create a list of what is needed and how much room is allotted for each piece. For instance, if there is only four feet available for a dresser, but the one at the thrift store is five feet, resist the urge to buy it and be choosy about the pieces being brought into the house. By limiting the large furniture to only what is needed, there will be more room for fun accessories and accent pieces. Also be sure to check the condition of the furniture before buying it. Check drawers and bed frames to make sure that they are safe and secure. Furniture in poor condition, no matter how vintage it may be, is simply a waste of money.
Fabrics & Flooring
Vintage fabrics are fun to shop for. Again, thrift stores are a great place to start the fabric search. Look for old curtains and draperies, bedspreads and blankets that can be recycled and turned into something new. Old curtains, for instance, can be cut up and turned into fabric covers for throw pillows or cut into squares and used for making a quilt. Consider simple throw rugs in complimentary colors to accent the floor. Look for styles and designs that work well with the vintage era desired.
Accessories
Accessories for a vintage bedroom can be found at thrift stores, discount department stores, yard sales and flea markets. Search for pieces that compliment the desired vintage era. Lava lamps, psychedelic candles and posters of Jimmie Hendrix would work wonderfully in a '70s style vintage bedroom. A Victorian styled mirror, lacy curtain sheers and delicate rose print fabric would be great for a Victorian era theme room. Look to magazines, vintage photos and design books for inspiration. Be creative and be willing to bargain with vendors at yard sales and flea markets to get the best prices on vintage bedroom accessories.
Creating a vintage bedroom on a budget is as simple as doing some creative shopping. Take the time to find the perfect pieces and only purchase what is in the budget. With some inexpensive vintage finds, a vintage bedroom is easy to create.
Artist, Jessica Ackerman, is a consultant with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and describes how to decorate with large outdoor wall art and tree wall art.
