How Much Does It Cost To Furnish An Apartment?

Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but have you thought about how much it will cost to furnish it? Many renters and homeowners underestimate the cost of turning an empty space into a comfortable home. Have you ever wondered why some people end up spending way more than expected? The truth is, without proper budgeting and planning, furnishing an apartment can quickly become overwhelming and expensive.

So, how much should you expect to spend? And more importantly, how can you make the most of your budget? Let’s break it down step by step.

The Importance of Planning and Budgeting

Many people make the mistake of underestimating the cost of furnishing an apartment. They believe that they will only need a bed, couch, and dining table, but it is far more complex than that. Even the smallest apartments require a range of furniture, appliances, and decorations in order to feel comfortable. Without budgeting and planning, you may either spend too much money or have a half-empty apartment.

Several factors will determine how much it costs to furnish an apartment. How big the apartment is is one of the major factors. A studio apartment will cost much less to furnish than a two-bedroom apartment. Where you live is also an influence because prices of furniture vary depending on location due to transport costs and demand. Your own style and whether you opt for brand-new furniture or second-hand furniture will also play a huge role in determining the final amount.

Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown

Every apartment has essential spaces that need to be furnished. Let’s explore the costs of furnishing each one and what you should expect to spend.

Wall

You can select the best wall panels for your apartment, balancing both aesthetics and functionality.

• Space Perception: For small apartments, opt for light-colored wood or marble-effect panels to make the space feel more open and bright.

• Durability: Choose durable and easy-to-clean wall panels, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. PVC panels or moisture-resistant plasterboard are great options for these areas.

• Style Match: Select wall panels that complement the overall decor style of the apartment. Modern styles can go for sleek stone or metallic finishes, while traditional ones pair well with wood or vintage-style panels.

• Environmental Impact: Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) wall panels to ensure indoor air quality, especially important in small spaces.

• Ease of Installation: Given the renovation timeline, consider wall panel materials that are easy to install and remove, such as lightweight wallpaper panels or modular panels—this saves time and effort.

Living Room

The living room is the central social space in any apartment. A comfortable and well-furnished living space can transform your apartment into a cozy home. Therefore, a working and cozy layout can range from cheap to pricey. The cost of a living room layout ranges from $1,050 to $4,300.

•         Sofa: A basic sofa costs around $300, while a high-end sectional costs up to $2,600.
•         Coffee Table: The cost ranges from $50 to $500 depending on design and material.
•         TV Stand: A simple TV stand costs around $100, while a high-end one costs up to $800.
•         Decor & Lighting: Other decorations like rugs, lamps, and curtains can cost between $200 and $1,000.

Bedroom

A good night’s sleep is priceless, but your bedroom setup will come with a cost. This means that a properly furnished bedroom leads to quality sleep and relaxation. The cost estimate is $1,500 – $20,000, depending on the furniture used.

•         Bed Frame & Mattress: A low-cost mattress is priced at $300, while high-end mattresses are more than $2,000.
•         Dresser & Nightstands: Low-end dressers are priced between $150 and $600, while top-of-the-line ones are more than $1,500.
•         Bedding & Pillows: Pay $100 to $500 for good-quality bedding.

Dining Room

Even if you don’t host dinner parties, having a dining setup is essential for daily meals. Therefore, functional dining space enhances value of dining experience. Furnishing cost is estimated at $1,000 to $18,000.

•         Table & Chairs: $200 for a starter package to $5,000 for an expensive package.
•         Storage Cabinet: Sideboards or cabinets range from $300 to $2,000.
•         Lighting: Dining lights range from $100 to $1,500.

Kitchen

A well-stocked kitchen is convenient for daily cooking. The price ranges from $1,000 to $30,000, depending on the utensils and appliances.

•         Cookware & Utensils: A beginner’s set will cost about $100, while professional sets are more than $1,000.
•         Appliances: A microwave, fridge, and stove will cost between $1,500 and $10,000.
•         Storage & Organization: Kitchen shelves and cabinets will cost between $200 and $3,000.

Bathroom

While bathrooms don’t require large furniture, the little things add up. Towels, shower curtains, bath mats, and storage solutions all contribute to the overall cost. The budget can range between $100 to $4,000.

•         Shower Curtain & Bath Mat: It begins at $20 for basic ones and reaches up to $500 for designer ones.
•         Storage Solutions: Cabinets and shelves range between $100 to $1,500.
•         Toiletries & Accessories: $50 to $300.

Home Office (If Applicable)

For remote workers, a home office is required. The expense is between $500 and $12,000.

•         Desk & Chair: Inexpensive desks will be $100 to $500, with ergonomic chairs up to $2,000.
•         Shelves & Storage: It will be $150 to $1,500.
•         Lighting & Accessories: Decor and task lighting will be another $100 to $1,000.

Factors Affecting the Cost of furnishing an apartment

Have you ever imagined why some people furnish their apartments for a few thousand dollars while others spend tens of thousands? Well, several factors come into play:

Quality of Furniture

Furniture quality and longevity have a huge impact on the final cost. The better-quality product may cost more upfront but will be around longer, in the end being a better purchase. For instance, a well-constructed wooden bed frame may be more than the cheaper version, but it will endure years of use without shifting shape or losing quality.

New vs. Used Furniture

Buying second-hand furniture can reduce furnishing costs by up to 50%. Quality pieces of furniture, when most people dispose of them, are available at low prices on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and charity stores. If finances are limited, used furniture allows you to acquire trendy items without spending a fortune.

Geographical Location

The price of equipping an apartment is location-based. In urban areas with high living costs, prices for furniture are higher because of higher demand and shipping fees. For instance, a $800 sofa in a small town would cost $1,500 in a City. Purchasing locally or through the internet may allow you to get the best prices according to your area.

Apartment Size

The larger the apartment, the more furniture you need, which contributes to overall costs. A studio apartment will only have a small sofa and a bed, whereas a two-bedroom apartment needs more furniture for the additional rooms. Measure your area in advance and plan accordingly before you go shopping to avoid unnecessary buying.

Personal Style Preferences

Your style of preference determines your overall budget. A minimalist look with fewer pieces of furniture will be cheaper, while a luxurious, high-end look will be expensive. If you prefer designer furniture, expect to spend much more than someone who prefers affordable furniture.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Prioritize Essential Items

Start with must-have items like a bed, couch, and kitchen appliances before purchasing decorative elements. Prioritizing essentials ensures that your apartment is functional first. Many people overspend on decorations, only to realize they lack basic necessities like a comfortable mattress or a dining table.

Shop for Deals and Discounts

Furniture stores typically offer discounts, especially holiday sales, clearance sales, and online promotions. Waiting for these promotions can save you hundreds of dollars. Online retailers like Wayfair, IKEA, and Amazon typically have discounts on home essentials and furniture.

Consider Second-Hand Alternatives

Second-hand furniture outlets, online websites, and yard sales can yield fantastic deals on good products. People mostly offer nearly new pieces of furniture for a fraction of the initial price. Shopping at second-hand shops can help you furnish your flat elegantly without breaking the bank.

DIY Projects

If you’re creative, do-it-yourself home decoration can be cost-saving while giving a personal touch to your home. You can re-finish a second-hand dresser, create a coffee table, or craft a wall hanging using inexpensive materials. DIYs are not only cost-saving but also allow you to create furniture that is tailored to your liking.