Wait…HOW MUCH Did You Pay for That?

Card carrying frugalista and proud bargain shopper here, and there were simply too many clearance-priced impossible to believe low priced finds to tell you about in that first installment HERE! You’ll find even more stories, thrifty strategies, and amazing finds for home that only look like high end splurges in this post.

More Bargains That Appear to be Splurges!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

1. Vintage French Doors

While it may not occur to most folks to head to the antique mall for high quality doors, there is so much potential for value there! This pair of French doors above and below are vintage and solid wood and purchased for $35. Yep. They were perfect to separate the dining area from the kitchen we renovated.

French doors from kitchen to dining room with Belgian style. Black round dining table with linen dining chairs and lantern. #diningroom #hellolovelystudio
Louis Dining Chair…certainly charming indeed.

If you’re new to the blog, we renovated our last home from top to bottom, and before the French doors went in, there was a narrow opening. We widened the opening to accommodate the doors, welcome more light into the kitchen, and bring architectural interest and balance to not one, but two rooms!

10 Tips to Decorate Without Spending a Dime! Weathered white farm table with cheeseboard, red wine, rustic branch in blue bottle, and peely shabby chic door in background. #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #tablescape #cheeseboard #vintagedoor

Even if you don’t need a vintage door to use as a door, they can be found cheaply and used as decor like my $10 chippy one with original hardware above (from a moving sale) which came out of an old home.

Vulnerability poignant texting quote or tweet from Jon Acuff on Hello Lovely Studio. #textingtweet #lifequotes #vulnerabilityquotes

2. Traditional Mirror With Fluted Detail

I added the mirror to pair with my childhood piano almost 30 years ago! This is one of my favorite bargains because: it was FREE and something a neighbor threw in the garbage! Free curbside finds are great since you can save them from a landfill, but they are AWESOME when they become useful and beautiful for decades as they become future heirlooms!

My vintage white piano decorated for Christmas and snow outside the arched window in the music room - Hello Lovely Studio.

Here’s another bargain-priced leaner mirror found years ago at Home Depot for $80. It was great quality, but warped…warped in the best way because it makes everything reflected appear taller and thinner! Hahahaha.

Romantic and white French country bed reflected in a leaner mirror in the bedroom. Foors are white oak hardwoods. White crochet lace bed skirt, Rustic three legged teak stool holds pink roses. Knotty alder closet door is full of character and oil rubbed bronze egg knob. Stikwood (Hamptons) reclaimed wood statement wall. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #stikwood #hamptons #knottyalder #alderdoor #whiteoakflooring
Encouragement quote on Hello Lovely Studio to uplift and soothe in times of struggle. #strugglequotes #encouragementquotes

3. Modern Stainless Range Hood

I know there is risk when you buy appliances from non-traditional sources, but I have had only positive experiences. Whether new or used, you can often snag valuable fixtures at significant savings.

Serene white kitchen decor. Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet). Louis French linen bar stools. Carrara subway tile taken to ceiling. Fireclay farm sink. Modern Italian range hood. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #classicdecor #serenedecor #frenchcountry #viateraquartz #Minuet

This stainless modern range hood was brand new on eBay for $150 and normally costs around $500.

Serene white kitchen with white oak hardwood flooring. Shaker kitchen cabinets, Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet). Carrara subway tile taken to the ceiling. Modern range hood. Wall color is Benjamin Moore WHITE. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #serene #whiteoak #benjaminmoorewhite #viateraquartz #minuet
For a low low cost alternative to the white oak, here’s a laminate flooring you may like!

Another bargain in our former kitchen? That bulkhead ceiling light from Home Depot was intended to be just a temporary placeholder light, and it was $12 at the time (inflation has increased the price, but it’s still a great value).

French doors from kitchen to dining room with Belgian style. Black round dining table with linen dining chairs and lantern. #diningroom #hellolovelystudio
The lantern pendant was under $100 at Home Depot – Louis Dining Chair here

We have always loved coastal guard style simplicity for sconces so don’t overlook the hardware store for lighting bargains where you can also find exterior lanterns under $100 such as the one above which are low cost and can be used indoors.

Come explore How to Decorate a Room Without Breaking the Bank: Low Cost Design Reminders. Serene breakfast room with window seat, round dining table, Belgian linen slipcovered arm chairs, and vintage Flower Market sign. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #breakfastroom #windowseat #belgianlinen #vintagestyle #modernfarmhouse #serene #neutraldecor

You can also score inexpensive lighting at big box stores when a lighting collection is being discontinued. The petite chandelier above was $10 on clearance at Lowe’s in 2008 when I had a ton of chandeliers to buy for the spacious French country home we built. (It went in a pantry in that home, then I brought it with me for the breakfast nook in the next home we renovated.)

Midlife feminist quote from Hello Lovely Studio about letting go of need for approval when you're over age 50. #over50life #over50quotes #feministquotes

4. Pedestal Dining Table

It seems that a common denominator in this installment of bargains is how it’s only a fantastic high end bargain if your find stands the test of time. This 48″ pedestal dining table cost $50 at a department store outlet near our home back in 2008. We’re still using the table four homes later!

Linen slipcovered dining chairs and stone color pedestal table with Elizabeth chandelier (Thomas O'Brien) in breakfast room - Hello Lovely Studio. #elizabethchandelier #gildedchandelier #breakfastnook

About eight years ago, I painted the table Behr Garden Wall, a neutral stone color. When I bought the table, it was black. Here’s the table black:

Hallway in our modern yet traditional European country inspired home. Paint color is Benjamin Moore WHITE. Great room with Belgian linen, white oak hardwood flooring, and gray accents. Come explore 11 Simple Decor Tweaks to Enhance Your Interiors!

Don’t pass up a bargain if the shape and size are right, but the color is all wrong. Paint transforms everything!

5. $1,200 Bargain

Not all high end bargains are $5 garage sale finds. This Stikwood (Hamptons White) reclaimed wood material is a value I can’t not mention. Why?

Neutral, serene, European country bedroom with Stikwood accent wall (Hamptons), white bedding, and BM Revere Pewter painted furniture - Hello Lovely Studio. #reverepewter #cottagebedroom

It’s a wonderful DIY project so you’ll be able to save labor costs, AND it’s the sort of addition to a room that makes the room feel solidly new. Remember, this material is real wood, and adding natural material with such a broad stroke brings nature inside!

Neutral, serene, European country bedroom with Stikwood accent wall (Hamptons), white bedding, and BM Revere Pewter painted furniture - Hello Lovely Studio. #reverepewter #cottagebedroom

You could easily spend $1,200 on a piece of art or furniture, but is it truly going to have such a solid impact?

Inspiring quote about spiritual seeing on Hello Lovely Studio. #spiritualquotes #seeingquotes

6. Not Quite Right Earthenware

If you have shopped for vintage or antique earthenware, terracotta urns, French pots, or beautifully patina-ed pottery, then you know they can be pricey. And they are often worth the price! However, if those prices are not in the budget, shop with a different eye. This pot on my counter with hydrangea was $5 from a thrift store.

Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.

It was painted with a horrible floral design in awful colors, but I could see the shape was beautiful. A little latex paint dry-brushed on the pot instantly aged and calmed the piece.

Mary Oliver poem quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #marryoliver #personalgrowthquotes

7. Heavy, Well-Made, Highly Useful Low Cost Furniture

If you haven’t browsed FB Marketplace, you may not realize that one of the common items offered up for low prices (or FREE!) is entertainment centers or large wardrobes. The Lexington made oak wardrobe I bought for our renovated kitchen below only cost $50! It is one of the best crafted pieces of furniture we have ever owned, and I can’t overstate the quality inside and outside of this incredible piece. I wanted a tall storage cabinet to hold a TV and kitchen items, and the trickiest part was transport.

Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.

Of course, the headache of moving them is why pieces of this scale are often free of charge. When folks are moving, it is often more cost effective to leave it behind…YOUR GAIN! Here’s another oversized piece scored at a bargain price:

European country neutral decor in the dining room with round table, lantern, Belgian linen slipcovered arm chairs, and Louis wood oval back dining chairs. Etagere is from RH and has vintage treasures and books. Original art flanking etagere is by me. Come explore 11 Simple Decor Tweaks to Enhance Your Interiors!
Louis Dining Chair…certainly lovely indeed.

This 5-foot wide, reclaimed elm, heavy iron Dutch etagere shelving piece from RH may not even be in production any longer, and retailed for around $6,000 when we found it in 2008. We snagged it at the RH outlet for $400, and the beauty is heavier than I can say!!!

Come explore How to Decorate a Room Without Breaking the Bank: Low Cost Design Reminders. Rustic reclaimed wood coffee table in great room. Large glass vase with branch. #hellolovelystudio #coffeetable #rusticdecor #belgianstyle
This detailed shot of our reclaimed elm and iron Dutch coffee table gives you a better idea of the finish on the coordinating etagere.

We offered to sell it to the buyer of our home to avoid moving it and because it was so perfect for the wall in that dining room. However, they passed, and I’m sooooooo glad because I love the exquisitely made piece as much as ever, and we’re using it for storage at the moment. Eventually it will go in our lower level when we create a media room.

Cleo Wade quote on Hello Lovely Studio about love. #lovequotes

8. Bargain Placeholders That Move in for Good

It’s smart to shop with a firm idea of what you’re looking for, budget, and proper dimensions, but there’s a joy that also arises from allowing yourself to be surprised. When I saw a small handmade stool/plant stand/industrial style mystery at a garage sale for $1, I didn’t instantly see its value.

Belgian linen club chair with industrial accent table in my European country living room with French fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #livingroomdecor #europeancountry #belgianstyle #serenedecor #interiordesign

When I brought it home, I decided it would make a nice temporary side table for the living room until I could find “the right table.” At the time, I was painting abstracts as a side hustle so my paints were always easily accessible, and I layered on a zinc faux paint finish to help the top blend more with the base.

Belgian linen upholstered furniture in a spare yet cozy living room with European country style by Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Boom. Still haven’t found a suitable table we like more than this one.

Belgian style living room with minimal yet coy charm. Belgian linen egg chair and club chair. French fireplace. Arch window and white oak flooring. Paint color is Benjamin Moore WHITE. #hellolovelystudio #benjaminmoorewhite #greatroom #belgianstyle #europeancountry #belgianlinen #eggchair #archwindow #rusticdecor #whiteoakfloor #frenchfireplace
That table lamp with a beautiful aged finish and taupe silk shade was also a steal – $50 at JC Penney outlet 15 years ago.
Funny overwhelm quote from Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #overwhelmquotes #momlifequotes

9. Vintage Portrait Paintings

If you’re just shopping for them online or at the fleamarket, their prices may annoy you. But if you keep your eyes open at tag sales, rummage sales, and the thrift store, you just never know. $5 is all it cost to bring this sweet girl with a bob home to live with us.

Michele on husband's shoulders painting in dining room with mural over fireplace - Hello Lovely Studio.
Just ignore us – side effects of real life renovating include obnoxious 5-minute photo shoots for a holiday card.

Even the frame with linen matting is gorgeous.

Our dining room with SW Repose Gray walls and white fireplace - Hello Lovely Studio.

The Diana bust on the pedestal near the fireplace was also a great bargain for $40 at the antique mall. She has a crack, and that price included the pedestal!

Funny tweet about toddlers, parenting, and mysteries we will never sold - Hello Lovely Studio. #parentingtweet #funnytweets

10. Bargain Finds for the Bath

One of my favorite low-cost resources is IKEA where there are endless thrifty options. Their Molger collection includes (or included) this slatted bench which comes unassembled. We paid around $40 and bought multiples because they’re so useful and good looking.

A 3-legged stool in my bathroom near the clawfoot tub has a Diptyque candle and a book of poetry. White roses in the background.Come explore ideas for simple decorating ideas that won't wipe out your bank account.

The light blonde finish on the Molger pieces was pretty, but to calm the bench in our former bath, I painted it with light grey chalk paint.

Venetian etched mirrors can be pricey when you see them at Anthropologie or department stores.

In a classic bathroom, fireclay modern farmhouse console sink. Venetian mirror over sink. Wallpaper is Thibaut. Come explore How to Decorate a Room Without Breaking the Bank: Low Cost Design Reminders.

However, this one snagged at an outlet cost $35! I found it years ago, and I think it has a little chip somewhere, but I can’t even remember since it isn’t an obvious flaw.

Here’s a mirror with a similar shape that may give you a similar look if you can’t hunt down a bargain:

Doesn’t the wallpaper in this bath we created above appear expensive?

Classic bathroom with modern farmhouse fireclay console sink by DXV. Wallpaper is Thibaut. Venetian mirror. Come explore How to Decorate a Room Without Breaking the Bank: Low Cost Design Reminders.

It is one of those high end Thibaut wallcoverings that I love. Yet I found a partial double roll at a local garage sale for $1. Yes. We papered that bath wall with $1 of product.

Vintage clawfoot tub in a serene white bath with plantation shutters - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Porcelain tile is one of those underrated materials that no one even recognizes as a high end bargain, yet it IS! This calacatta-look porcelain from Lowe’s was under $2 per square foot. I loved it enough to pay five times that price yet didn’t have to!

No Cost Design Help

Whether you are just beginning to narrow down your design style or are collecting ideas for your well established signature style…

Serene breakfast dining area of kitchen with window seat. Belgian linen pillows and slipcovered arm chairs. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #serenedecor #breakfastroom #windowseat #belgianlinen

Follow HELLO LOVELY! Also, remember to peruse decor inspiration and interior design from the archives here on Hello Lovely.

11. Chippy Ironstone & Antique Jars

There’s something to be said about collecting for quality, but when the priority is keeping costs low, don’t overlook chippy ironstone and old jars with chips when the flaws aren’t obvious and don’t interfere with function.

Rustic candle holders, white roses, and a French mirror in our courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio.

Who can resist a sweet, very old, imperfect ironstone little pitcher for $5? Not me!

White serene kitchen with Minuet quartz countertop from Viatera. Marble subway tiles were taken to the ceiling. Louis French linen bar stools and window seat. #hellolovelystudio #kitchendecor #frenchcountry #viateraquartz #minuet #carrarasubwaytile #windowseat #belgianlinen

The ironstone, made in Belgium, compote above was less than 20 bucks because of a little chip. And the antique jar below has a chip that doesn’t affect its usefulness as a vase or beautiful color.

Serene vignette in my studio with white reclaimed barnwood farm table, old mason jar as vase, colorful fruit, rustic cutting board, and peely weathered vintage door in background. #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #vintagedoor #masonjar #cheeseboard #rusticdecor

Pretty sure it was the beyond talented stylist Tricia Foley who inspired me to begin collecting white ironstone many years ago. I sold most of my collection a few moves ago, but I still keep my eyes peeled and occasionally pick up more since you can still find well-priced examples everywhere.

You may also score ideas for displaying your bargains from this cottage style home tour:

Make sure to visit the first installment with even more bargains HERE.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
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29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
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Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
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Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
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White Ruffle Bedding
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Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
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Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
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Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
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Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
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Gustavian Cabinet
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Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
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Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
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French Market Basket
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French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
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Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
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6 Comments

  1. Amy
    February 28, 2023 / 8:58 am

    Snagging incredible, beautiful, useful deals is prolly my only & favorite hobby!! Then going home to find the perfect spot or perfect person to give it to is also fun & satisfying. There’s almost nothing else that rivals the feeling of being a good steward of your money. And the treasure hunt & stories about finding these gems is half the fun!! SO enjoyed reading all your stories and seeing all your amazing treasures found. I’m inspired afresh and off to my favorite thriftstore! Haha!

    • Michele
      Author
      February 28, 2023 / 5:24 pm

      Hahaha. That’s the spirit. We would have so much fun thrifting! I always go hunting with the same attitude: what can I not live without? And then. Look at those poorly painted cast iron French bull dog doorstops priced to sell quickly…come live with me in a house I like to keep spare! Hopeless! Good thing I am not half bad selling my wares too. There will be a clear out sale later this spring or summer since I packed so much stuff with us this move, and the rustic pieces look out of place.

  2. Carole
    February 28, 2023 / 6:43 pm

    Stop with these posts, Frugalista. I don’t have time to be inspired. Oops, it’s too late. The damage has been done. LOL

    • Michele
      Author
      March 1, 2023 / 5:32 pm

      Hahahaha – oops! Just doing my part increasing traffic to local thrift stores and antique malls! 🙂

  3. Amy
    February 28, 2023 / 10:03 pm

    Hahaha!! 😂Totally hopeless!! 🤣

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing