Homes everywhere are benefiting from the lousy economy. Not only have prices dropped on furniture and other goodies for your home, but consumers have to be creative—buying whole living room sets in one store or trying to replicate a look in a catalog has just become too expensive.

 In the spirit of this new world order, here’s a tip for finding inexpensive accents for your place: If you find a piece inspired by an earlier time, try to find an original. For example, this Anthropologie chair is adorable and it’s 50 percent off, now at $699.95. Before you get out your credit card, though, do some homework. Chairs shaped like that are fairly easy to find—a lot of them were made in the 1960s. Type “mid-century modern chair” into eBay, and you will find several options that are just as cute and, bonus, authentic! Just look here, here, and here. Of course, the wow factor for the Anthropologie chair is the bright, fun fabric. But you can pick a fabric that will go well in your place, and have the cushions re-covered.

eBay fun aside, I wouldn’t leave you without a good deal for something shiny and new for your home. Check out the Caliente coffee table at CB2, discounted from $199 to $149.