Sticker Shock: I think I understand why people DIY so much

rosiep05

Yep, I'm in awe over how expensive simple accessories are:

Pillows: Really? $150 for a pillow COVER...not even the full pillow?

Lamps: Apparently it's virtually impossible to find a white ceramic modern table lamp under $200. Seriously. I've looked.

Curtains: Not even going there. 

I think I'm FINALLY starting to get why people DIY so much lately. It's to keep you out of the poor house!

Pumpkin30

Haha, yup, you get it. I also enjoy doing DIY stuff, so that really helps out.

jennylove1084

You don't like any lamps at west elm?  Now I'm annoyed bc I see they came out w a gunmetal/natural owl lamp which is way better than the white one I got a year ago.  Still stumped on curtains and I'm DIY - I have 4 windows = 8 panels and 9 ft ceilings I have expensive fabric taste

Mrs.G123

Have you checked Home Goods for lamps? My large white ceramic lamps were $50 or 60 there.

HouseofSept

I found two brand new white ceramic lamps in goodwill the other day. They were originally $24.99 each from Target and for some reason they never sold at retail price at the store. I bought both for $20. Though they are really plain with no details at all but thats why i like them cuz they are so simple

  

CatLawdy&

rosiep05:

Yep, I'm in awe over how expensive simple accessories are:

Pillows: Really? $150 for a pillow COVER...not even the full pillow?

Try target, tj maxx and Tuesday morning.  

 Apparently it's virtually impossible to find a white ceramic modern table lamp under $200. Seriously. I've looked.

Try ikea 

Curtains: Not even going there. 

Pry JD penny,  I've purchased drapes there for less than I cold make them.  

I think I'm FINALLY starting to get why people DIY so much lately. It's to keep you out of the poor house!

Pew DIY as much as possible.  

Simpsongal1

Um, yeah I know the feeling.  I had SEVEN contractors at my house today giving estimates on various jobs.  The quote we received on our deck (not including moving electrical, etc.) was $20K.

The roof folks thought we needed a new roof - $10K minimum according to the second guy. 

That barely scratches the surface of what we wanted to do.  Time to re-evaluate....

And we haven't even gotten window treatments

lshoes32

Can you post a picture of what you are looking for in a lamp? One of us might be able to help you find something in a better price point.

 

~NB~

So true. My spouse did NOT understand this until I took him shopping with me. Before that he'd get ticked off at "my spending"... not anymore. A trip to the mall really opened his eyes.

Go_Dawgs

Eh, I think you are shopping at the wrong stores.  I love TJ Maxx Home Goods and have found some fabulous things for very reasonable prices.  I've had really great experiences on Etsy getting custom made items for low prices, like curtains, pillow covers (I think my custom pillow covers were $25  each), custom slipcovers that fit perfectly, and more.

Just wait for the shock if you ever do a home renovation.  

sagoon

Simpsongal1:

Um, yeah I know the feeling.  I had SEVEN contractors at my house today giving estimates on various jobs.  The quote we received on our deck (not including moving electrical, etc.) was $20K.

The roof folks thought we needed a new roof - $10K minimum according to the second guy. 

That barely scratches the surface of what we wanted to do.  Time to re-evaluate....

And we haven't even gotten window treatments

Holy cow, would insurance cover any of it?  We had our roof redone and insurance paid for all of it, minus a $300 deductible. 

Passanie

Are the lamps something you could find a cheap version of and spray paint? But yeah, I hear ya. I don't even bother looking at certain stores.

BrianaBones

I stalk the flea market every week, and we have a lot of great thrift stores in my town. 

I really have to keep an open mind about what I want, but I end up with inexpensive and unique accessories that way. Patience helps too. 

rosiep05

i STALK Home Goods, TJmaxx, Marshalls, Christmas Tree Shop, Target, etc...Maybe i'm being too picky.

Like these lamps from Ballard. Granted yes, it's Ballard, but still. White, simple, a little bit modern, yet classic. You think they wouldn't be that hard to find right? NOPE! I see the exact shape I want, but in colors like teal and orange and yellow.

rosiep05

Pillows is what's really throwing me for a loop! I looked on Etsy the other day and saw some pillows that i really liked...they were $89 for the pillow cover. Just the cover...AND the back of the pillow cover was plain white fabric...not even the WHOLE pillow cover!

I think I'm signing myself up for some sewing classes ASAP

Amerbutt81

I hear that!  I recently got a couple quotes to get our kitchen painted-- to the tune of $1500!!!  SCREW.  THAT.  I'll do it my damn self.

NuggetBrain

Angie's List has saved my ass repeatedly for things.

pinkeggs

rosiep05:

Pillows is what's really throwing me for a loop! I looked on Etsy the other day and saw some pillows that i really liked...they were $89 for the pillow cover. Just the cover...AND the back of the pillow cover was plain white fabric...not even the WHOLE pillow cover!

I think I'm signing myself up for some sewing classes ASAP

I make ALL of my pillow covers and I am a very inexperienced seamstress. There are lots of simple tutorials online that make it easy!

bleubook

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10124057/

not the same, but similar feel. 

DH&LS06

I just bought fabric to recover chairs, make pillow covers and drapery fabric from Calico Corners. They make custom drapes for $45 per panel (basic, you can customize and change them up a number of ways for not a lot more. I think I ended up paying about $60/panel for a cuff at the top, lined). You pay for your fabric and labor is only $45 per panel. I ended up getting 4 panels made for my living room and it would have cost me more to buy them premade. Something to consider..