Adam Bluhm

Hello, all. Here's the scoop. I'll keep it short.

I'm looking to move out of my parents home. Yes, I'm 21 and cannot take it anymore. I'm sure they cannot take it either.

My father owns a few apartments and agreed to give me a good monthly deal on one. The problem is that we live in a cheap, semi poor town and these apartments appeal to the native folk. IE: they're on the semi-dumpish side. I'm going to ask if I can redo one apartment by recarpeting, painting, cleaning, etc etc etc and make it all nice.

I want to plan ahead and feel like looking at some contemporary furniture. I don't want to break the wallet. Heck, I have no wallet to break. Pieces I'd need would be a couch, recliner/other living area chair, coffee table, end tables, computer desk/normal desk to hold the pc, tv stand, component stand or an all in one HT stand, lamps, etc.

I don't want anything too wacky/"artsy." I'm happy with either medium to dark wood, and maybe glass if the design and price is right. I'd describe my preference as 'neutral contemporary.'

I could spend all day on google searches, but most want $1,000 for a coffee table. I'd like to spend as little as possible, without the furniture looking like it's made of plastic.

Any online links are appreciated. BTW, I've never stopped at a pier1. Do they charge an arm and a leg?

Mr. JBL has made my first home theater possible.

Mark Hedges

Pier 1 isn't too expensive although I still think they charge too much for some stuff.

Is there an Ikea near you? I got a lot of stuff from them - I think the quality was reasonable for the price.

Mark

Adam Bluhm

To give you an idea of what I mean by 'neutral contemporary,' here are a few links to show you what intrigues me off hand.. [I'll edit as I find more]

http://www.eurway.com/item_display.l...70&cat=94&s=30



I also like what I like to call a 'rustic contemporary.'

http://www.homedecorators.com/detail...115&subcat=651

Mr. JBL has made my first home theater possible.

Ryan Wright

BWAHAHAhahahahAhhaahHhAHhahahaa!!

Oh, sorry. I forgot where I was.

Yes.

Adam Bluhm

That wasn't much helpful.

The love seat I listed above is $269. No, it's not leather. No, it doesn't look cheap, in my opinion. Yes, it's cheap, in my opinion.

It's taking me a while to peruse sites, so I was asking if anyone already knew of a fairly inexpensive, all-around site.

I haven't noticed an Ikea, Mark. I have to drive at least an hour to find any decent stores around here. I'm in NE PA. I'll keep my eye out, though. Maybe I can find a web listing with location..

Mr. JBL has made my first home theater possible.

Jay Heyl

Do NOT buy vinyl furniture. This is the voice of experience here. It doesn't breath at all and is the most uncomfortable stuff to sit on when it gets the least bit warm. Go with something covered with a nice, durable cloth.

I think the word you're looking for is "eclectic". I'm not sure what words a designer would use to describe that lamp, but I don't believe "rustic" or "contemporary" would be among them.

Ikea sells what is largely glorified lawn furniture. It's usually fairly inexpensive and not a terrible deal for someone first starting out. Just don't expect it to last as long as something purchased from a serious furniture store.

LewB

It is yard sale season, have you tried looking in the local paper's classified ads ?

Lew
My DVDs

Eric_L

Try Ikea online. I liked Futons also in my single days.
I'd avoid auction sites, cheap stuff can look good in pictures.

Tim Morton

The rustic look you showed seems to be pottery barn ish...not cheap at all, but that style is being copied at all the stores...for online shopping Ikea is a great place to start. and as i sit here in the sweltering vermont heat...that couch looks like a killer...find something else!!!

MarkHastings

I'll put in another good word for Ikea. Their stuff is cheap yet looks fairly expensive.

The only warning I'd say is, the reason why Ikea is cheap is because their stuff is "Cheap" Don't expect on getting a years and years out of some of their stuff. My company bought a bunch of Ikea furniture and furnishings and some of it always falls apart.

It was good for what it had to do, but if you can afford something better, do it.