This boy's bedroom was redone by designer Martin Morales for under $1,500.

Sarah Gray Miller, editor-in-chief of Budget Living magazine, shares these tips to keep in mind when bargain shopping for antique, vintage or used furniture and clothing:

• Know when to shop; you can get flea market bargains by coming at the end of the day.
  
• Don't be afraid to look for items in unusual places.
  
• Items at vintage stores are usually high quality and often have never been used.
  
• Vintage stores can be more expensive than thrift shops, but the quality can be better.
  
• "Unfinished" furniture is new furniture, but at second-hand prices.
  
• Always bring your floor plan with you so you can make sure the furniture you're buying will fit your space.
  
• To be considered antique, an item must be at least 100 years old.
  
• Beware of bogus antique furniture — lack of wear and tear around the drawer handles could be signs of a fake.
  
• Real antiques should be unvarnished on the back and bottom, and also a bit of a dirty, used look. Pegged joints should stick out slightly, due to the shrinkage of wood over time.
  
• Before you shop:
  • Measure your space.
    
  • Make a diagram of your floor plan.
    
  • Look for outlets and window sills.
    
  • Note which way doors swing.
    
  • Inventory your existing furniture.
    
  • Consider re-positioning furniture to create more space.
• "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." - Walter Kitteredge

Budget Living magazine
317 Madison Avenue, Suite 2300
New York, NY 10017
212-687-6060
www.budgetlivingmedia.com

Someone Else's
Kathy Finley, Store Manager
11024 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-761-6627
Someone Else's is a second-hand clothing store offering vintage items at various prices. One hat and three shirts featured in this episode were purchased for $94.35.

Martin Morales, interior designer
Interior Motives
323-660-6777

Next: Thrifty Shopping Tips

Related Links

Take the Shopping IQ Test

Get Tips from Shopping Videos