When it comes to furnishing a home or apartment, people tend to forget the little things that make a house look like home. They're so focused on getting the big stuff (i.e. couch, bed, refrigerator) that when they realize that they need to buy decorations and art, they don't have anything left in the budget.

If you find yourself in this situation, don't fret. Art and decor doesn't always have to cost a fortune. If you know where to look and if you have an eye for great works of art and great deals, you're bound to furnish your home or apartment to perfection in no time.

Often, you don't have to look far and wide for great pieces of art. In fact, you might even find some right in your neighborhood.

Art School

Head to your local art institute and chat up the students. Some of them may be willing to sell their works at really low prices. It's a great way to save money and it even creates a win-win situation for both parties. You, on your part will get your hands on some art pieces for your home, while the students gets the money and satisfaction of being able to earn something (other than grades) for their creations.

Estate Sales

Want to find antiques or one of a kind artworks? Consider heading to the nearest estate sale. Most items sold at these events are from another generation, so if you have a classic theme going on at your home, looking for art at an estate sale could be ideal.

Goodwill

It may not happen often, but if you're lucky, you just might strike gold at Goodwill. Numerous people have actually purchased paintings and other pieces from a Goodwill store, only to find out that they actually got their hands on a classic work of art that's worth a ton of money. Of course, realistically speaking, these incidents are few and far in between, but that doesn't mean that you should pass on a trip to your neighborhood Goodwill store. After all, even if you don't en up purchasing a million dollar painting, you may still stumble upon decent artworks that would look great in your living room.