A Broke Person's Guide To Redecorating In Delhi

The road between RK Ashram Metro Station and Rajiv Chowk is the Panchkuian Road where you can score plastic and cane swings, wooden dividers and comfy couches starting at INR 5,000 or less (depending on your bargaining skills). They’ve also got plastic hangings to perk up your kitchen decor and faux greens you can liven up dull corners of your house with starting for as low as INR 125. You just have to be patient and keep looking because you’ll find budget beauties in plenty at this market.

Known For: Garden decor and accessories, vintage furniture, jute and cane home decor.

A tarpaulin-covered lane in Amar Colony is where you’ll find vintage chests and other furniture pieces piled on top of another. This furniture market is perfect for those who’re going for the whole colonial British vibe as you can find rustic looking bedside tables, cabinets with a pop of colour, wooden chests with brass detailing, old-school gramophones, telescopes and more. They’ve also got colourful doorknobs and mirrors with intricate carvings that look like a piece of art.

Find more deets here and here. 

Known For: Vintage furniture, handpainted cabinets, doorknobs and other vintage collectables.

On our mission to find more in Lajpat (other than just saris and blouses), we struck gold because we found numerous stores in the market selling Pinterest-y birdcages, pre-stitched curtains, Morrocan lamps, all of which are very affordable. Want to add a bit of green? You’ll find numerous bamboo plant sellers in Lajpat. Need a bit of colour? Dayal Handlooms has chic colourful curtains. Antique furniture’s what you like? Hit up Super Art Gallery for vintage clocks and Jodhpuri cabinets.

This market just has so much to offer; check out our guide if you think otherwise.

Known For: Home furnishing, antique furniture and decor, vintage collectables and more.

It’s no secret that Sarojini Nagar is one of the city’s most affordable shopping markets and you can find more than just clothes here too. Head to Sakshi Export Collection in Sarojini and you’ll find a world of soft furnishings in all colours and styles. We particularly love the cushion covers here with floral and ikat detailing that you can buy for INR 165 only. They’ve got curtains, bedcovers, tablecloths too at reasonable prices. In case you want to buy crockery, you can find that too.

More information here.

Known For: Cushion covers, bed linen, table accessories and more.

Pro-Tip: Check out these table mats, table runners, and other table accessories for those gram-worthy tablescapes.

Hauz Rani is a hidden gem for all things ceramic, be it crockery, flower pots or decorative knick-knacks. If you’re looking for everyday crockery that looks more expensive than it actually is, you’re in the right place. They've got soap dispensers for INR 100, tiny bowls for INR 25,  dinner plates for INR 125 and so much more. 

Just FYI, it's at a walking distance from the Malviya Nagar metro station.

Find more info here. 

Known For: Ceramic crockery, decor, pots and planters. 

Pro-Tip: Talking of which, find the best online ceramic brands here and save yourself a trip to Hauz Rani. And while you're at it, check out these fancy dinner plates and bowls to make your food look pretty. 

Between Arjan Garh and Ghitorni metro station, you’ll find seven to eight shops selling custom-made chiks, colourful mudas, beanbags and even hanging lights made out of colourful rope for reasonable prices. We’re eyeing the bean bags at the Village Article store, starting at the low, low price of INR 350 only. They even stock fabrics so you can get your bean bags customised too.

Check out all the loot we found here.

Known For: Cane furniture, beanbags, hanging lamps, beanbags and more.

Pro-Tip: For all things rustic, head over to this list of chic cane decor. Or perhaps some bamboo home accessories and decor? And some jute products as well. 

On AK Roy Marg near Sarojini bus depot, you’ll find a lane of potters selling items made out of clay. They’ve got earthen and terracotta lamps (INR 200), ceramic wind chimes (INR 250), Jaipuri vases, funky shoe-shapes pots and more that are perfect if you plan on adding a bit of green inside or if you want to revamp your balcony too. Another pottery place that we like (and is most convenient for Ghaziabad peeps) is the one on the main road near Vasundhra. Find more info here.

Known For: Earthenware, terracotta accessories, pots and more. 

Pro-Tip: Also, check out these brands that do really cool concrete decor that you can order online. 

In the Hanuman Mandir subway, there’s a nomadic haat full of home decor items that look great, are economical and who knew that a once-dingy subway could be turned into a budget shopper’s paradise? You’ll find paintings, mudas, metal lamps, photo frames and more such knick-knacks that can make a world of difference in the overall appearance of a room. And doesn’t beauty lie in the details after all?

Find more details here.

Known For: Photo frames, paintings, metal lamps, planters, jewellery and other knick-knacks.

If you’re looking to buy affordable furniture (40% cheaper than what you’d find in the market), get in touch with Abhishek who sells pre-loved goods that expats wish to get rid off before they move out. He’ll add you to the WhatsApp group where he sends pictures of goods that are available for sale. Bunk beds, water filters, baby prams.. embassy guys might just help you find the very item that you need to complete your home makeover.

More details here.

Known For: Pre-loved affordable furniture, appliances, gadgets, instruments and more.

 Pro-Tip: On a tight budget? Check out these expensive-looking but affordable dinner accents. 

Looking to upgrade your kitchenware? Head to Tip Top Market in Karol Bagh. It’s a basement full of shops selling really cool crockery and home decor items like bottle lamps (INR 200), pebble candlestands, ceramic tissue boxes, coasters (INR 500) and more. We also found huge mirrors with brass detailing, rustic lamps (INR 400), antique-looking chests, tiny drawers and rugs. Bargaining with the shopkeepers here might be difficult but if you’re persistent enough, you can hit the jackpot.

Look what we found here.

Known For: Crockery, storage containers, bottle lamps, table accessories and more.

Pro-Tip: It's time to de-clutter your room with these awesome organizers and storage solutions. 

No home makeover’s complete without pretty lights and lamps and this shop in Malviya Nagar offers just that. From fancy chandeliers to basic fixtures and tall stand lamps, they’ve got a variety of lights and they’ll cater to different budgets too. While we admit that the ornate chandeliers can be expensive, they do stock lights starting at rates as low as INR 550. Light it up, fuzzball and let The Milky Way guide you.

Find more info here.

Known For: Lamps, lampshades and other lighting options.

Pro-Tip: Light up your homes with these luxury lamps and pendant lights. And for string and fairy lights, head here. 

City Furnish is a service that lets you rent everything from TV and beds to cushion covers and bed sheets for as long as you like, but if you change your mind and decide to keep an item you’ve rented, this service will let you do that too for a nominal price. For those who keep relocating and for students studying away from home, City Furnish is a great option when you want to make your flat look more like home and at prices that don’t pinch the pocket. You can rent goods starting at INR 1,150.

More information here. 

Known For: Electronics and furniture on rent.

Pro-Tip: Not looking to rent out your furniture? Then these home decor stores are just right for you!

Ceramic pots, frames, wooden furniture and kitchenware – you'll find all of this and more at the Banjara Market in Gurgaon. It's literally a gold mine for decor enthusiasts. Most of the wooden furniture sold here is reclaimed and restored – the 'banjara' shop owners are happy to polish, repair or spruce them up before you pay. 

Known For: Wooden furniture, Mirrors, Ceramics, Metal containers, Showpieces and a lot more! 

Pro Tip: Check out this list for you're looking to but affordable home decor items from the comfort of your home.

Also, be sure to check out our list of affordable furniture markets in Delhi NCR. Oh, and if you're stepping out, this market guide will come in handy!

Disclaimer: Please make sure you're following all safety protocols like practising social distancing and wearing masks at all times before heading out.