furnishing an apartment cheaply in St Louis (St. Louis, Arnold: sales, mattress)

[bannsmith]

I'm moving to STL in two months and will need to completely furnish an apartment on a tight budget. I know an IKEA is nearby, but anyone know of anywhere else I can pick up a cheap couch, bookshelves, lamps, etc? ie Salvation Armies, salvage shops, thrift stores, flea markets?

I'm willing to fork out a little money for a bed and kitchenware, but other than that I'd like to keep prices as low as possible.

Thank you!

[aragx6]

As far as bookshelves, tv stands etc. I've always purchased what I call the Wal-Mart black collection. Basic and cheap (3 shelf bookshelves are like $20)

There's Goodwill's throughout the metro, the one with the best stuff tends to be the Brentwood store: Goodwill Locator

[STLCardsBlues1989]

The Goodwill here usually has some cheap couches. I would assume STL does as well.

And my TV stand came from Wal-Mart in a couple different pieces.

[KITHforlife]

There's an IKEA in St. Louis!? I thought the nearest one was like a 3 hour drive and in IL?

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by KITHforlife

There's an IKEA in St. Louis!? I thought the nearest one was like a 3 hour drive and in IL?

This is true- the closest is in the southwest suburb of Chicago Bolingbrook. But you can buy everything via catalogue and online.

[RhondaHMo]

Originally Posted by aragx6

This is true- the closest is in the southwest suburb of Chicago Bolingbrook. But you can buy everything via catalogue and online.

Yeah, but the shipping prices are crazy! And there's nothing like actually SEEING the store! They opened one in far North Dallas when we still lived there and I LOVED to browse it! Most isn't really my decorating style and some of the larger pieces are pricey but you can find lots of neat 'add-on' stuff in there and the total experience is pretty cool. Wish the rumors would come true and they would build one in this area.

-Rhonda

[Manders378]

There is a Flea Market in Pevely called The Pevley Flea Market LOL
Not sure where all the Salvation Armys are but I know there is one in Arnold off Jeffco, I own my own business in the same plaza so I see it everyday!

As for cheap beds, Weekends Only. There is one off of Lindbergh in South County! You can get a twin bed for under $100 bucks, actually I think the Twin is even under $50 but I dont remember how much exactly!

We also get much of our home furnishings at Walmart as well! We LOVE Walmart, my 3 yr old is always asking to go there LOL Shows you how much we are there LOL

[forkdora]

Value Village. Craig's List. Always tons of garage sales going on. In Webster people throw away some great things. So go to nice areas on the evening before trash days.

[STL Mom]

Try Craig's List, Goodwill, Fantastic Finds, Miriam Hitching Post, antique malls (often they have used furniture that's not really antique but very inexpensive) and many other used/consignment/thrift stores. Sam's Club can have some great deals on new furniture.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

My sister bought a $50 couch from her neighbor.

Someone died on it, though...

Anyway, Goodwill, garage sales, check the Post-Dispatch classifieds, Walmart, buy the other furniture people don't want.
The Post-Dispatch have a section called The Bargain Box (under $350)
I have a paper from a few days ago:
"Couch and Loveseat, mint condition, quality, neutral color, $129"
"Day bed, white metal, with pull out trundle bed, mattress included, good condition, $50"
"Living room furniture, couch, matching chair, coffee table & end table (Queen Anne) $298"
"LIVING Room Set, 3-piece brown corduroy, SOFA, LOVE SEAT, CHAIR, excellent cond. $175"
"Loveseat: Lay-Z Boy, good condition. $25"
"Dining Room set: Glass Top Table & 4 chairs white fabric/46" sq. top white base $100"
"bed & frame full size wood grain frame, w/box springs & mattress, nice $45"

There's also a Furniture/Draperies section. It'll probably be a little more expensive, though.

Just some examples there. There are some more. Good luck!

When you buy furniture some businesses will probably charge more to deliver.