When budgets are getting tighter, decorating or updating your home may get put on the back burner. Luckily, there are lots of contests, sweepstakes, and giveaways out there that feature fabulous items to keep your home looking fresh and running strong. Though our tastes tend to be a bit too discerning for most of the décor items available in giveaways, there are plenty of gadgets that we’d welcome in our home (and some chic items if you look hard enough). And with entry forms now conveniently on the internet, a click of the mouse gives you a chance to win, making it easy to enter multiple contests without spending much time or money. But just because a product is free doesn’t mean it’s right for your home. Read on and see how to find the items you can really use.

GO FOR NO-FAIL PRIZES
Home Appliances
While you might have to be a little picky about décor, newer technology is always welcome—especially when it’s free of cost. Unlike a particular accent rug that might not be right for every house and every person, appliances, which are chosen for function rather than form, are a great option. Floor care items such as vacuum cleaners and carpet steamers, outdoor goods like lawn mowers and grills, and bigger items like washers and dryers are all spectacular wins. When looking for prizes, try to enter sweepstakes for the items that you actually need. Many of these products cost hundreds of dollars if not more—not having to buy them may free up some cash for you to splurge a little on décor that might not have been in your budget before.

Kitchen Goods
Keep an eye out for any items for the kitchen. Smaller items like cutting boards, pots and pans, and handheld utensils may have fewer sweepstakes entries because they have a lower total value, which could increase your chances of winning. Or, look out for fun items you might not buy for yourself, like a margarita mixer, a cappuccino machine, or an ice cream maker. While they aren’t necessities, goods like these can be a great addition to the kitchen and make entertaining more fun—just make sure you have ample counter or cabinet space.

Electronics
A flat-screen TV, DVD player, high-quality sound system, or a new computer will fit right in, no matter what your style. Again, snagging these big-ticket items for free may allow you to spend more money elsewhere, maybe even on a beautiful armoire!

THE TIME TO BE PICKY
Consider your existing décor
When moving onto more stylized items like furnishings, pillows, rugs, draperies, or home accents, do a little editing. If your dining room is modern and contemporary, a sweepstakes for a chintzy floral tablecloth might not be your best bet. If you have a bedroom dominated in soft neutrals and warm earth tones, consider that color scheme when entering sweepstakes. An exception? Linens. Items like towels and sheets are going to come in handy when hosting guests even if they don’t match perfectly.

Select brands you know
With home décor, always consider quality. If it seems like there’s a lot to navigate, look for names you know and retailers you trust. It’s hard to learn much from a small picture online or a short description, but if you’ve always been happy with Lenox tableware or Ralph Lauren bedding, it’s likely that you will continue to be impressed. Similarly, look for smaller items from trustworthy brands rather than large pieces from ones you don’t know. These are the things that will last and continue to make you happy for years, instead of ending up shoved in the back of a closet or taking up space in the attic.

Look where you read
Many home design magazines and web sites sponsor their own giveaways and sweepstakes. These items are often from the same brands that are featured on the pages of these magazines or on their web sites, and reflect the design sensibility of the publication. So if you don’t know where to start, think of the decorating sites you love the best, and go there. It’s likely that their sweepstakes will be right on target with your personal style. Click on the link below for a list of our editorial giveaways.

DARE TO DREAM
There are dream house makeovers that offer winners the funds to redo their entire home or create their ideal haven. Sure it’s a long shot, but in this economy, it can’t hurt to try. And even if you don’t win, just thinking about your perfect house could inspire a few ideas, and a lot of creativity, so when you do have the funds to do a little decorating, you’ll know exactly where to start.