Want to give your home that hotel look?
Liquidators host a never-ending fire sale for hotels that need to
clear out their rooms for renovation or closure. Buying from a
liquidator’s warehouse, an entire room can be furnished for as
little as $300, according to Donald Fenning, owner of Hotel Surplus
Outlet in Los Angeles (323-780-7474;
www.hotelsurplus.com).
Here are some tips for prospective scavengers, from Fenning and
David White, president of Universal Hotel Liquidators
(203-776-7000;
www.furnishcheap.com), based in New Haven, Conn.
" It’s possible to buy online, but it’s far better to visit the
outlet, where you can touch and feel the merchandise and avoid
paying high shipping prices.
" Take measurements of your doorways and rooms to make sure the
furniture will fit.
" Returns are not accepted, so inspect items carefully to check
for damages or imperfections.
" Thanks to supply and demand, items found in every hotel room
will be the least expensive. Armoires, desks, lamps and TVs will be
cheap, while a lobby rug or chandelier might be more expensive.
Phones and ironing boards can be found for as little as a
dollar.
" If your buddy happens to be an art dealer, bring her along.
White prices his art between $5 and $40, and some of it is worth
hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
" Be flexible. Says Fenning, “If you’re willing to look for
something that’s more neutral or you can be open-minded about
décor, you’re going to have more success than somebody who’s very
parochial.”