Alternative Furniture Ideas

Furnishing a new home or apartment is expensive and may seem overwhelming task, particularly if most of your cash went toward the down payment or moving expenses. Many objects are useful as alternative furniture. They are functional and serve as substitutes temporarily or even long-term while you save to buy the furniture of your choice. Does this Spark an idea?

Nightstands or End Table Alternatives

Many items are the correct size to use as substitutes for nightstands and end tables. A small step ladder with flat rungs can hold a book, a drinking glass and an alarm clock on the different rungs. Another alternative is a filing cabinet. These are available inexpensively at garage sales and thrift stores and can be painted to match your room decor. A bar or tea cart provides a whimsical look for this type of furnishing as well.

Coffee Table Alternative

Create your own coffee table alternative by grouping small occasional tables together to provide a larger surface area. Old trunks and antique hope chests make interesting coffee table alternatives and provide extra storage for the living room area. Outdoor occasional tables work in this space as well.

Dining Table Alternative

Using two sawhorses and a piece of plywood covered with a tablecloth or decorative sheet is an inexpensive alternative to a dining room table. Hunt for cheap patio tables at bargain prices at garage sales and thrift stores to use as well. This gives the kitchen or dining room area a bistro look.

Occasional Chairs Alternative

Extra dining room chairs are often sold at garage or estate sales and can provide occasional chairs for your living room areas. You can reupholster the seats with fabrics that match your decor. Purchase outdoor benches or even old church pews to provide seating for guests in your home. This also works well around the dining room table for extra seating. Large floor pillows provide comfortable seating and add color in the room.