Making your new place home isn’t just about moving your stuff in and getting the keys. Our homes are places that say a lot about who we are, and decorating your home to fit your sense of style is part of the process of turning that empty suite into a place worthy of being called home. Many of our customers may be new to Western Canada or even to Canada itself, and so we wanted to put together this little guide to show you how to decorate on a budget without sacrificing style.
Below, you’ll find our list of the top places to brighten up your home without breaking the bank. What’s your favourite tip for decorating on a budget? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to tell us if we’ve missed your favourite budget-friendly store!
Dollarama is great for the little things: from crazy glue to photo frames and even shower curtains, this a one-stop shop for the lowest prices on new items we have found. These stores are located in nearly all MEQ cities, so you should be able to find one not far from home!
Tip: Note that the Dollarama website only sells in bulk/by the case, but this is a helpful tip if you need a lot of something!
- Walmart
This low-cost retailer is in almost every city in North America, and you’ll definitely find one within a short drive from your Mainstreet Apartment. With their HomeTrends line of décor, WalMart provides an affordable alternative with a wide range of stylish options at prices you can afford.
Tip: Check flyers for sales, since décor is rarely an urgent purchase, you can often save even more by waiting a short period in case the item you want goes on sale!
- Homesense
This major retailer is affiliated with clothing retailers Winners and Marshall’s, meaning sometimes they are a standalone store, but sometimes you’ll find them inside a Winners store. This is a great place for slightly-more-expensive-than-Walmart décor that looks great, has styles for every taste, and lets you get out without spending an arm and a leg.
Tip: No two stores have exactly the same selection, so check multiple stores when looking for something specific or if you don’t find anything that matches your vibe at the first stop!
- Real Canadian Superstore
They really do sell almost everything! Real Canadian Superstore has become another great place for tasteful décor that is budget-friendly and adds the convenience of letting you pick up your home décor, a few items of clothing, and your entire grocery list all in one place! Follow Mainstreet on Instagram for chances to win gift cards to Superstore that will make decorating free!
Tip: Each store section will have rolling racks of items on sale, and you will also frequently find items on sale in the décor section marked with yellow tags on the shelf: these are the best deals available!
- Kijiji / Facebook Marketplace
Online classified sites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are still one of the best places for everything from saving money to locating those impossibly hard-to-find items that you just can’t substitute. More patience yields better prices here. It’s important to learn everything you can about the seller, and read these guides on how to avoid getting scammed on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. If it seems to good to be true, it often is!
Tip: Remember to use a variety of search terms when looking for your item. For instance, “wood desk” is a great option if “mahogany desk” isn’t returning results. Go wider, then narrow down!