Furnishing Cost Estimator

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Home?

The average cost to furnish a home ranges from $3,000 to $50,000+ depending on home size, furniture quality, and shopping strategy. A 2-bedroom apartment typically costs $5,000-$15,000 to furnish completely, while a 4-bedroom house can cost $15,000-$40,000+.

Cost by Property Size

Studio Apartment

• Ultra-Budget: $1,500-$2,500 (used/IKEA basics)
• Budget: $3,000-$5,000 (IKEA/Target/Wayfair)
• Mid-Range: $8,000-$12,000 (West Elm/CB2)
• High-End: $15,000-$25,000 (Pottery Barn/Room & Board)

1-Bedroom Apartment

• Ultra-Budget: $2,500-$4,000
• Budget: $5,000-$8,000
• Mid-Range: $12,000-$18,000
• High-End: $25,000-$40,000

2-Bedroom Apartment

• Ultra-Budget: $4,000-$6,000
• Budget: $7,000-$12,000
• Mid-Range: $15,000-$25,000
• High-End: $30,000-$50,000

3-Bedroom House

• Ultra-Budget: $6,000-$10,000
• Budget: $12,000-$20,000
• Mid-Range: $25,000-$40,000
• High-End: $50,000-$80,000

Budget Tier Guide

Ultra-Budget ($3,000-$5,000 total)

Where to shop: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Goodwill, IKEA As-Is, estate sales

Strategy: Buy 80% used, 20% new (mattress, sofa). Focus on clean, functional pieces. Expect to spend weekends hunting deals and transporting items yourself.

Pros: Massive savings (70-90% off retail), unique vintage finds, sustainable

Cons: Time-intensive, inconsistent availability, may need repairs, limited selection

Budget ($5,000-$10,000 total)

Where to shop: IKEA, Target, Wayfair, Amazon, HomeGoods, mix of new and used

Strategy: Buy new essentials (bed, sofa, dining table), used accents (chairs, decor, side tables). Wait for sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday).

Pros: Predictable costs, everything matches, fast delivery, warranty coverage

Cons: Lower quality, may need replacement in 3-5 years, limited customization

Mid-Range ($10,000-$25,000 total)

Where to shop: West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Article, CB2, Pottery Barn (sale items)

Strategy: Invest in high-use pieces (sofa, bed, dining table), save on low-use items (guest bedroom, accent pieces). Mix mid-range with budget items.

Pros: Quality lasts 8-15 years, stylish designs, good warranties, comfortable

Cons: Higher upfront cost, delivery fees add up, long lead times (4-12 weeks)

High-End ($25,000-$50,000 total)

Where to shop: Pottery Barn, Room & Board, Restoration Hardware, Design Within Reach

Strategy: Curated, cohesive aesthetic. Quality craftsmanship, premium materials (solid wood, top-grain leather), designer collaborations.

Pros: Lasts 15-25 years, superior comfort, heirloom quality, professional delivery/setup

Cons: Very high upfront cost, long lead times, expensive to replace if damaged

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Prioritize Essential Rooms First

Furnish in this order to spread cost over 6-12 months:

1. Month 1: Bedroom (bed, mattress, dresser) - $600-$3,000
2. Month 2: Living room (sofa, coffee table) - $500-$2,500
3. Month 3: Kitchen essentials (dinnerware, cookware) - $200-$800
4. Month 4: Dining room (table, chairs) - $300-$2,000
5. Month 5-6: Accents and extras (rugs, lamps, decor) - $300-$1,500

2. Mix Budget Tiers Strategically

Invest in (high-quality):

• Mattress (8 hrs/day use - worth spending $800-$2,000)
• Sofa (daily use - worth spending $1,000-$2,500)
• Office chair (if work from home - worth spending $300-$800)
• Dining table (family gathering spot - worth spending $500-$1,500)

Save on (budget-friendly):

• Guest bedroom furniture (low use - IKEA is fine)
• Accent chairs (decorative - Target/HomeGoods)
• Side tables and decor (easy to swap - thrift/discount stores)
• Outdoor furniture (weather-dependent - budget options work)

3. Shop Major Sales

Furniture sales can save 30-60%. Best times to buy:

• Memorial Day (May): 30-50% off furniture
• 4th of July: 25-40% off summer outdoor items
• Labor Day (September): 30-50% off (best time to buy furniture!)
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: 30-60% off online retailers
• Post-Christmas (January): 40-70% off clearance items

4. Buy Used Strategically

Safe to buy used:

• Solid wood furniture (tables, dressers, bookshelves)
• Metal/glass items (coffee tables, lamps, decor)
• Outdoor furniture (easy to clean/sanitize)

Buy new (health/safety):

• Mattresses (bed bugs, allergens, hygiene)
• Upholstered items (sofas, chairs - if buying used, inspect carefully for stains/odors)
• Cookware and dinnerware (unless very gently used)

5. Negotiate and Ask for Discounts

• Floor models: Ask for 10-30% off display furniture
• Delivery fees: Often waived for large orders ($1,000+)
• Scratch & dent: 20-40% off items with minor cosmetic damage
• Price match: Many stores match competitors (bring proof)

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Delivery and Assembly

• Delivery fees: $50-$200 per order (sometimes waived at $1,000+)
• Assembly fees: $50-$150 per item (if you don't DIY)
• White glove delivery: $150-$500 (unpack, assemble, remove boxes)

Unexpected Extras

• Rug pads: $20-$100 (prevent slipping, protect floors)
• Curtain rods and hardware: $30-$150 per window
• Shelf liners: $20-$60 (protect drawers/shelves)
• Furniture protectors: $15-$50 (felt pads, coasters)
• Storage solutions: $100-$500 (bins, baskets, organizers)