Well, it’s almost spring, and you know what that means. Actually, chances are if you live in a dorm or apartment on a college budget, you don’t know what that means. It’s time for spring cleaning, people! Open up your windows and let the stale smell of winter be gone. Afternoon strolls through campus are no longer a race to save your favorite extremities! As Mother Nature turns over a few new leaves, you should too. To match the changes outdoors, liven up your space indoors with some new furniture. This season is all about furniture that looks high-quality but won’t break the bank.
Recliner
GIFT: LA Z BOY
These days, they’re making more than your grandpa’s favorite napping chair. The Aria chair should fit easily into almost any space, and with La-Z-Boy’s pedigree, it’s bound to be comfortable. Not so comfortable? The prices, which range from $749 to $850.
THRIFT: His house ministries
This is a more heavily used piece, but they can’t all be diamonds. It is leather and also reclines. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it’s available for a mere $20.
Coffee Table
GIFT: Restoration Hardware
A coffee table is utilitarian enough to have its style put on the back burner, but when done right, it can be the focal point of a room. This flawless specimen, made of 100 percent salvaged wood, has a regal yet slightly understated look about it. Too bad the asking price is between $1,595 and $2,095. Tuition or a place to set my drink?
THRIFT: Stepping stones thrift shop
This $20 coffee table may look like it was carved from an old wooden ship by a blind man, but you could always re-stain it.
Leather Sectional
GIFT: Pottery Barn
Ah, the leather sectional: the very pinnacle of interior décor. Nothing says you’ve made it (or are in crippling debt) quite like a mock chaise and faux leather. This shining example is quite the showpiece, but at $4,295, it’s far from affordable.
THRIFT: Goodwill (Hardscrabble Road)
Yes, it’s a little rough around the edges, but so is that favorite T-shirt of yours, and you know how comfy that is. A quick wipe down, maybe a little leather conditioner, and you’ve got a serious winner on your hands for the cool price of $50.
