Let the Sunshine in: 4 Expert Tips for DIY Sunroom Shopping

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Let the Sunshine in: 4 Expert Tips for DIY Sunroom Shopping

Whether you live in a warm, balmy climate or you want to catch those few rays of sunshine to warm you up on a cold winter day, a sunroom can be a great addition to your home.

If you're a DIYer, your sunroom also can be an excellent project to work on until you make it uniquely your own. There are ways to shop for your sunroom that won't cost a lot of money, if you know where to look.

Repurpose What You Have—with a Few Additions

The first place you should be shopping for your DIY sunroom is in your own home. Sites like Pinterest can give you great ideas for repurposing everything from lamps to floors. Chances are high you have an attic, basement or other storage area where you put things you don't need or aren't using.

You've probably forgotten about some of those things and might not even remember all that you have. Go through that storage area and see what you can use for your sunroom. There might be items that will work perfectly or you might need to make some adjustments to them, but they're free and available. You can modify or add to them to make them look just the way you want for your sunroom.

Photo by Wickerfurniture via Flickr

Consider Reclaimed Wood

If you're planning on building a dining or coffee table, or you need some bookcases, ForRent.com suggests you use reclaimed wood.  You can get something that's truly unique to your style and space. Reclaimed wood can be purchased from people who have taken apart old buildings. You also can find it at some antique shops.  Antique wood flooring is also a great option if you are installing new wood floors!  They add warmth and character that can't be replicated by new hardwood floors.

Checking around in your community will help you find the best sources of reclaimed wood so you can create something beautiful that's also friendly to the planet. Popular Mechanics suggests looking for reclaimed wood at boatyards, places with shipping crates, abandoned barns and salvage yards. The quality and quantity of the wood can vary, so checking several places may be necessary.

Photo by Paris on Ponce & Le Maison Rouge via Flickr

Don't Forget the Thrift and Antique Stores

You might not be a big thrift store shopper, but if you want to create a beautiful DIY sunroom on a budget it's time to visit places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. You also might have independent thrift stores in your area, as well as antique stores where you can get unique items that fit your style. Something doesn't have to be brand new to look great. Open your mind to all the possibilities when you look through stores with used merchandise. Paint, decoration and modification can go a long way.

Photo by Wickerfurniture via Flickr

Get Involved in Your Community's Cleanup Efforts

If your community hosts cleanup days where it dismantles old buildings or goes through them and cleans out anything left behind, get involved. You can find antique items like lighting fixtures, flooring and even windows. There's always something interesting in old buildings, and if you help clean them up you can get your DIY sunroom treasures for free. There aren't too many better ways to get what you need, especially for big, bulky, heavy or expensive items that might be hard to find anywhere else.

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