Have you ever been to an auction? It's an off the wall way to furnish your house but great fun and a chance to grab a bargain. Allow two days, one to view, one to purchase, and thoroughly check out any piece you fancy for useability. Not all the lots will be antique - house clearances mean a chance to buy modern pieces at a snip - if you get lucky. I find the randomness fun and I have items that are still favourites that - a club chair I bought for £40 twenty years ago is still going strong!