Making a House a Home

For a family or a single parent just starting out, moving, or redecorating their home, expenses can skyrocket.  Furniture alone can cost a bundle, plus all the basic necessities like television, microwave, lamps, carpets, cookware, dishes, silverware...the list goes on.  There are plenty of television shows devoted to teaching folks how to decorate within a budget, but it's sometimes simply a matter of location and the stores around you.   There are a variety of stores here in Woonsocket that carry new, used, and vintage furniture ranging from outrageously expensive to cheap, cheap, cheap.  If places like Cardi's and Bouvier are a wee bit out of your league, there are other plenty of other options.  Where you choose to shop depends upon your preferences and how much money you're willing to spend in order to make your house a home.

  is not necessarily the best place to go if you're on a budget, but they do offer 0% financing on fine furniture which is made to last. Prices can be a bit high, but then one advantage to purchasing furniture through an outlet such as this is the free delivery option.  

Rent-A-Center, with three locations throughout the city, is another tempting option. Gorgeous new furniture for every room in the house and  free delivery service for what seems to be a mere pittance. Who wouldn't want to redecorate their entire home for less than $100.00? The problem is, it's actually $100.00 per week, with sky high interest. Also, if you miss more than one payment, the movers will be knocking at your door.  I had my eye on a beautiful kitchen table set, with three chairs and a bench, selling at Rent A Center for  $ 700.00.  I decided to shop around before I made the purchase, and I'm glad I did.  I found the same, exact table set (with an additional chair!) at Flea Market Square for $185.00.  Talk about a close call!

Flea Market Square, for those of you who haven't heard, is a variety of three individual thrift stores located at 99, 101 and 103 Main St. in Woonsocket. The first, 99 Main, or is owned by Tina (one of the Mardi Gras Queen Contestants, by the way), and James. This store has been opened for approximately two years, and carries a variety of nearly new and vintage furniture, household items, electronics, toys, collectibles, and even jewelry. 101 and 103  Main St. were opened about 13 years ago by friends Ron Menard and Rene Belanger.  Again, items range from complete living room and bedroom sets to household items, electronics, clothing, toys and collectibles.  Although the furniture available at Flea Market Square is not exactly new, you'd be surprised at how nearly new much of it is. For antique lovers, there are plenty of treasures to be found within the walls of these three out-of-the-way stores.   The prices are fantastic, and the owners go out of their way to provide delivery services. First time you hear about these gems? Let them know, you saw them on Patch!

on Main St. offers an entire 3 floors of clothing, toys, home accessories and furniture.  While this is a great place to shop for clothing, toys and household needs, it is not my favorite choice for furniture.  Although you may occasionally find a few antique treasures here, a lot of the furniture is in need of repair.  Also, the prices are higher than one might expect from a thrift store; certainly higher than similar items found at Flea Market Square.   Plus, the Salvation Army doesn't deliver. If you don't pick up your furniture within the allotted time (3 days,) you must apply for an extension.  If you miss the extension,  you lose half your money.  Not the best way to go. The clothing, toys, and other accessories, however, remain reasonable, especially with the incorporated daily specials -  like half- price Wednesdays.

While redecorating my kitchen, I decided to go with Flea Market Square. I purchased the above kitchen set and the matching kitchen cart for a mere $215.00. My kitchen looks just the way I want it to...homey, warm and inviting!