UPDATE: I wrote this post almost 2 years ago and I wanted you to see how well the couch has held up! There is an updated photo of the couch at the bottom of this post!
People tell me I'm the queen of the thrift store treasure hunt. If you need it, I can probably find it - and for WAY less than a new one would be.
Some of my favorite finds are -
Perfect washer and dryer set: $55.
Antique desk chair: $35 (valued at $350)
Murphy bed mechanisms: $175 (regular price is $350)
Spinning wheel and 32" fabric loom: $700 total (new these would be $5500 together!)
... and the list goes on!
This couch is a recent addition to the "favorite finds" list, because we now have a custom couch for less than $200 all in. Find out how you can do the same!
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I snagged this couch from a thrift store for $100 (down from $150) and brought it home with big plans. It wasn't until I got it home that I realized it was a fairly new (4 years old) La-Z-Boy couch. Score!
Part of the reason I am able to utilize these great finds (with a lot of help from my husband), is that we have learned how to do things.
One of the big "things" that I do to help save money while still having a nicely decorated home is to reupholster used furniture.
Yes, it is time consuming in the beginning... but saving thousands of dollars is worth a little time to me ;-)
This needed a couch make over in the worst way. While the pattern wasn't awful, it didn't match my style... and it was fairly worn out around the edges.
It took me a few months to find a really great fabric in the exact color (and price range) that I was looking for. But I eventually found it and was able to get to work.
*Thrifty Trick: Find fabric at a store that takes coupons. Saving 50% is nothing to scoff at. Be sure to buy all the fabric you'll need for the project at once (plus 10% extra, just in case). This prevents problems if you get the fabric on clearance and it's not there when you go back.
We had just moved to a new home halfway through the make-over process and that threw me for a loop, especially with all the boxes taking up my work space. It took A LOT of elbow grease and patience, but it was worth it!
All in, this couch cost $200 and is exactly what I wanted.
Now I just need to get a few throw pillows made and decorate that huge wall!
I'm sure you have at least one piece in your home that is crying out for an update... so get to it! For a full tutorial on how to reupholster, click here.
Follow me on Pinterest to find more homesteading ideas, and check out my DIY board here.
Update On How the Couch is Holding Up
2 years ago I wrote about recovering a thrift store couch. You might think that the couch has fallen apart by now, or looks really worn out. But I think it's just the opposite!
This couch has held up perfectly, and I think our living room looks better than ever!
More Money Saving Ideas
One Hour Lined Curtains
11 Free Gifts to Make with Scrap Fabric
Sarah says
I want to reupholster our reclining love seat
Never done it before so I am Leary
My mother did several she made it look easy
Victoria says
You can do it Sarah! I was terrified the first time, but it’s easier than you think!
You might try it on a piece you aren’t attached to, just to make it less stressful. Good luck!
Barb says
Looks great — good job but you didn’t show us the upholstering process. I’d really like to see how you put each piece on, where you stapled it etc.
Victoria says
Yes, you’re right. Next time I’ll take pictures of the full process. This was more a “how to save money” post. :-) Thanks for stopping by!