Ebay decorating is like treasure hunting

Capture exactly the item you need to complete your creative decorating scheme

When using ebay decorating, it helps to have some ideas thought out ahead of time when you are planning a decorating project. Follow the same rules and game plan as you would when shopping in a regular store. Have your measurements, colors, ideas etc. handy in your Portable Home Decorating Portfolio

If you are searching for a green banker"s lamp for your home office desk, don't get sidetracked into looking at those cute frilly bedroom lamps. Focus on your project. By all means cruise and window shop to your heart's content, but remember your mission.

How much should I bid for this eBay decorating item?

This is always a tough call. I guess my answer would be,"How much is the item really worth to you?" Here are some general guidelines:

• Is this the first item you've found on your search?
  
  If so, mark it in "My EBay" and keep looking. You may find something you like better.
  
  
• Is this an item you'd like to have but are not really crazy about?
  
  See above comment
  
  
• Is this something you really like, fits into your plan, and you have exactly the right place to put it?
  
  Jump into the bidding and see if you can get it for a reasonable amount.
  
  
• Is this something you absolutely love, can't find anywhere else, and don't want to live without?
  
  If it is a "buy now" item, grab it. If you have to go through the bid process, decide on your highest price and add 20% to it if you must. Even if you are paying more than you feel it is worth, if it's a great item it will increase in value. Even if it doesn't, if it is a "must have" item, you will enjoy it for many years to come. For that reason alone, it is worth paying over the perceived value for the item.

If you are bidding on a "must have" be sure to set "Alerts" under the Tools section so that you get phone notification when you are outbidded.

EBay decorating ideas for various home decorating styles

Below is a listing of items you could consider buying for your eBay decorating scheme:

Traditional Style Decorating

• leaded glass crystal
• Wedgewood or Royal Dalton china
• pictures of foxhunts, horses, and watercolor landscapes
• Chinese screens
• tufted or needlepoint footstools
• silver tea service

Federal/Colonial Style Decorating

• wall tapestries
• any items with American eagles
• ginger jars
• embroidery samplers
• pewter items
• fireplace accessories

Country Style Decorating

• quilts and quilt racks
• kitchen items such as butter churns and tin cookie molds
• stoneware and pottery bowls
• rag rugs
• kerosene lamps
• blue or white enamelware

eBay Decorating Victorian Style

• umbrella stands

• tassels
• vintage linens
• piano shawls and tablecloths
• large vases and floral arrangements
• Dresden figurines
• ormolu clocks
• ornate photo frames

Garden Style Decorating

• wicker furniture
• bird houses and bird cages
• plant pots and plant containers
• floral arrangements
• botanical and garden prints
• hammocks and swinging chairs
• trellises and picket fences
• antique garden tools
• fruit packing crates with original labels

Southwestern Style Decorating

• Indian arts and crafts items such as baskets and jewelry
• Indian woven rugs and baskets
• Kachina dolls
• Mexican hats and serapes
• Cattle skulls and longhorns
• totem poles
• dream catchers
• drums
• Remington sculptures
• Ansel Adams prints
• Antique guns

Log Cabin/Adirondack Style Decorating

• log and twig furniture

• fishing creels
• canoe paddles
• wildlife pictures
• blue enamel pots
• kerosene lamps
• duck decoys
• Pendelton blankets
• back packs
• fireplace tools

eBay Decorating Asian/Oriental Style

• shoji screens
• tatami mats
• ginger jars
• items made of porcelain and jade
• Japanese fans
• Japanese lanterns
• paper umbrellas
• calligraphy wall hangings

So there you have it. A list of items and how to get started on your eBay decorating projects. I hope you have great fun and I wish you the best of luck on your treasure hunting expedition!