Finding nice-yet-affordable furniture for your first apartment might seem like a daunting task. And you’re right to see it as a challenge. According to Home Advisor, the average one-bedroom apartment costs $3,670 to furnish—and that’s the low estimate. The high estimate can set you back a whopping $61,610.
However, the good news is that if you’re on a budget, furnishing your first apartment without breaking the bank is possible. To do so, you’ll need to create a budget and shop strategically.
We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for furnishing your first apartment and provide a breakdown of the average cost of appliance essentials, room by room.
Furnishing the Living Room
Wondering how to make a furnished apartment your own? It all starts in the living room. Buying the sofa first will provide a starting piece as you develop your decorating style. The average cost for seating is:
- Sofa: $1,000
- Love Seat: $650
- Lounge Chair: $450
- Sectional: $2,200
See if any of these options work for your space and lifestyle. Once you purchase more permanent furniture, you can use the other times in your office, patio, or bedroom areas.
For cheap ways to furnish your apartment, you can also reupholster any decent couch to match your style for between $50 and $400. Knowing you can alter the couch inexpensively can widen your options and help you find a more affordable couch. Additional costs to furnish your apartment living room could include:
- Coffee Table: $150-$450
- Area Rug: $200+
- TV: $500+
Furnishing the Bedroom
Though your apartment will initially start out pretty sparse, one of the first things you’ll need is a bed. Your mattress is a big-ticket item that is worth a quality investment. You spend a third of your life on your bed, and the quality of your sleep determines your overall health and well-being.
This is one of those furniture items we mentioned that will likely be worth purchasing new.
The average mattress cost varies in price depending on the type of mattress you want.
Common mattress types include:
- Spring: $900
- Memory foam: $1,300
- Hybrid: $2,050
Look into financing for this type of investment, considering its impact on your health. You will also need a frame and box spring to support your mattress properly. Keep an eye out for good prices on these other must-haves for a bedroom:
- Dresser: $500+
- Nightstand: $150+
Money-saving tip: Find a bedding set that comes with a comforter, fitted sheets, and flat sheets.
Furnishing the Kitchen
Eating out is convenient and simple, but when you’re living on a budget, it makes the most sense to invest in some cookware and cooking appliances to make your meals. Some apartments have standard necessities, such as a microwave and dishwasher.
In these cases, you’ll only need to purchase cookware and kitchen utensils. Cookware essentials include:
- Frying pans
- Pots with lids
- Baking sheets
- Basic utensils
These types of kitchen sets usually cost around $200. A good set of knives will also be useful, but you can purchase those later. For immediate use, use an all-purpose chef’s knife.
More tips:
- A blender is a fast way to make a healthy breakfast on-the-go.
- A crock pot is essential for slow, effortless dinner prep.
- A coffee pot, Keurig, or Ninja Coffee Bar will prevent expensive coffee shop runs.
- A toaster oven bakes snacks and frozen foods, reheats leftovers, and toasts bread.
In the event you do need to purchase larger appliances, the costs could be the following:
- Refrigerator: $1,200+
- Dining Room Table and Chairs: $1,000+
- Microwave: $200+
Money-Saving tip: Open a credit card with the store where you plan on buying these items. Make sure you have the cash to pay off the receipt in full, so you don’t incur interest. A store-wide discount usually could save you hundreds on this initial purchase.
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Extra Items/Rooms
You can easily furnish your entire apartment with the necessities on a budget. Other pieces and items can be added with time and patience.
For instance, extra items needed in additional rooms like a home gym or office space—while not necessarily an immediate priority—can be added with time. If you’re setting up an additional spare room, you can expect the costs to run about the same for your bedroom. Setting up an office space could require the following:
- Desk: $400
- Chair: $150+
A home gym would need some of the following basics to get up and running:
- Mount Rack: $350+
- Bike: $700+
- Bench: $200
- Various Weights: $20-$200
- Treadmill: $400+
Trust Colonial Van Lines for All Your Moving Needs
At Colonial Van Lines, we are always eager to set you up for success in any transition you may have in life. Moving is a big ordeal, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call us for a quote today, and we’ll help you get moved into your new place quickly and efficiently.
