How Much Does It Cost to Furnish an Apartment?
Furnishing costs vary widely depending on whether you're buying new, buying secondhand, or mixing both. Here's a realistic range by room.
Living Room
A sofa, coffee table, and TV stand typically run from a few hundred dollars secondhand to well over a thousand new. Lighting and a rug add to this total quickly, so budget for them separately rather than as an afterthought.
Bedroom
A bed frame, mattress, and dresser make up most of this budget. Mattresses in particular are worth buying new rather than secondhand.
Kitchen
Cookware, dishes, and small appliances add up in small increments. A basic starter set covers the essentials without duplicating what you already own.
Budgeting by Tier
- Bare essentials: mattress, basic seating, minimal kitchen setup
- Comfortable: matched furniture, a few decor pieces, a full kitchen set
- Fully furnished: complete room sets across every space
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