After the real estate bubble burst, many people found themselves trying to find ways to improve their existing home rather than move to a new one.

If you’re digging into your pocket to make improvements at your humble abode, here are some ways to save while you are at it.

Paint is one of the inexpensive ways to update a space and right now at Sherwin-Williams you can get a coupon that will make it even cheaper. Go to Coupons.com to get a printable coupon for 30 percent off paints and stains at Sherwin-Williams.

Among the other household item offers at Coupons.com is a $1 off coupon for 3M Scotch Blue Painters Tape. After painting every room in our house last summer, I can attest this is the best tape to use and you can never have enough coupons. You can print two coupons per computer.

Planning a big project or appliance purchase? Head lowes.com/cd_Coupon+Registration_253641591 to get a 10 percent off coupon for purchases up to $5,000. The coupon is sent via e-mail and should arrive within three to seven days, according to the company.

Save more at Lowe’s by printing off special store coupons at the Red Plum coupon site. Go to coupons.redplum.com/offers/default.aspx to find discounts like $10 off air purifiers, $20 off a carpet cleaner and $1 off Simple Green products.

There are print limits on these coupons, so get yours while they last.

Bring some style to your space with products from Pier One. Go to pier1.com/tv for $5 off any purchase of $15 or more or get a coupon for a free reed diffuser (up to $12) with any $30 purchase. These offers expire Oct. 11.

Don’t forget to always check for discounts at retailmenot.com.

For more savings tips, coupons and freebies, visit the Here’s the Deal blog online at journal-news.com/go/bargains or middletownjournal.com/go/bargains