I found this little quatrefoil bowl at Big Lots for just $8.Several years ago while shopping at Big Lots for a few items for the day care center she owns, my friend Anna found herself in a pretty frightening situation. Apparently someone had come in to rob the store and was being chased through the aisles by an armed police officer. Her biggest fear was not that she would end up a casualty of a shootout but that her obituary would include the words, "... was shot to death while shopping at Big Lots."
While my ribs were sore from laughing at her story, I could relate. I love a good bargain, but I do have my standards. Until recently the only way I'd shop at Big Lots was incognito-picture a burka and dark sunglasses. That all changed a couple of weeks ago when I read that Big Lots was a secret source used by interior designers in need of a few extras for the rooms they design.
I know what you are thinking, but it's true. BL does have something to offer. Yes, you may have to navigate the aisles, dodging the hunter green futon covers and poorly framed pictures of things like clowns crying, but there are some gems to be found.
How cute is this little votive holder I picked up at BL for $3?
Do you have a favorite source for inexpensive home accessories?
Keep your eyes peeled for diamonds in the rough too. Kathysue of Good Life Design saw the potential in a footstool she found at Big Lots for only $45. Originally upholstered in brown micro-suede with a bronze base, Kathysue transformed the stool with new fabric and spray paint. Voila!
Love it!
I didn't reveal my source at the time I first showed you these gourd lamps, but they too were BL finds. (You'll have to wait until Friday to see what became of them and the dreaded peach color.)
The votive holder and bowl pictured above were from a company called Echo Point and were priced at 60% off. They also had nice looking quatrefoil vases in both white and gold and a light green throw blanket that appealed to me. I noticed some nice outdoor planters and plenty of wicker baskets that would work well for organizing your pantry or closets.
Moral of the story: Don't be a discount store snob like I was and get over to Big Lots. You never know what you might find.
Do you have a favorite source for inexpensive home accessories?
Every now and then you can find a real gem at Big Lots. I found a cobalt blue strawberry potting jar there a couple of years ago there for $12.00 and I love it! The old store was in a dicey part of town but we have a newer one in a much nicer area. I haven't been in there in quite a while. I'll have to pot back in. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm sitting here by myself, drinking coffee and laughing until the dogs looked up at me. What a funny story about your friend.. and the hunter green futon covers...
ReplyDeleteMy sister shops a BL all the time. For me, it's on the way to the thrift store and Hobby Lobby (fabric and sewing notions). But, it's on the other side of the street. I always tell myself, "I'll hit that side of the road on my way back", I'm usually broke by the time I'm done with the other stores. And dragging home some piece of old furniture. Ha! I know I really need to stop.
Kelly
Your friend's story made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeletelove it. okay, i've never been but you've convinced me! I am going to check it out this week.i know where one is too! I wonder if it's like target though, where i go in for detergent and walk out with $200 worth of clothes, and stuff..... I will set my budget BEFORE i go to BL! :)
ReplyDeletegreat post ;)
I had to smile at your friend's story. I'd add to that Goodwill and the dollar store. I only started going to both this past year after seeing all the great finds other bloggers have found. I've found many things in both and they are easily transformed with paint and maybe a little tweak here and there.
ReplyDeleteYou never know what you might find there :) Love the bowl and candle holder! I have some candle holders I bought at z gallery :) Have a good tuesday!
ReplyDeleteXO
Kristin
I was going to go last weekend and forgot, thanks for the reminder. I need those lamps !
ReplyDeleteI need to go check it out. This is like the 3rd post I read about Big Lots. Who would've ever thought??? Love all the things you got!
ReplyDeleteLove your bowl, votive and lamps. Yes I do shop in BL. You are right, you just have to really hunt and there are some really great things. I just bought a chines garden stool from them and am in the process of transforming it right now. It's going to look like a million bucks, I hope. lol Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteYOu know I actually have been meaning to go over to a local BL to check out these wicker resin chairs that were in some beautiful colors. Haven't done it yet, maybe I'll put on my sunglasses and burka and go. LOL!
ReplyDeleteLol! I am all about the bargain shopping so I am in and out of a lot of the "shadier" stores. One of my all time favorites we don't have here in TN but it is Gabriele Brothers. Love Gabes!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree! You never know where you can find an absolute gem. And the best part about it? it's not likely at anyone else's home (let alone page 26 of a popular catalog...). Great advice!
ReplyDeleteMarija
I'm always on the hunt for deals. I love your pick ups!
ReplyDeletei saw the bowl and the jar. i keep waiting for them to go down more, but if i don't jump on it fast, they'll be gone!
ReplyDeleteHi thank you for the mention about my foot stool. I never dismiss BL sometimes they have hidden treasures, you just have to be up for the hunt!! Happy Monday,Kathysue
ReplyDelete