How To Furnish A House On A Budget: 7 Tips And Tricks

One of the most exciting parts about buying a new home is getting to personalize it to your tastes and style. Whether you’re transitioning out of the renter’s lifestyle or simply upgrading to a larger house, it’s likely that your new home will come with some extra rooms or empty space in desperate need of furnishing. 

Most of us love open-concept designs and a spacious feel, but too much empty space can leave your home looking barren or uninviting. Luckily, with a little creativity and planning, you can create a cozy space that feels like home – without breaking the bank. Read on to learn how to furnish a house on a budget. 

How To Furnish Your New House On A Small Budget 

From home makeover shows to house flips we see online, it seems like outfitting our homes with the right furniture and decor is nothing more than a finishing touch. But spend a few minutes perusing your local furniture store or browsing online and you’ll quickly learn just how large a bill a few pieces of furniture can rack up. 

If you’re looking to save some money when furnishing your home, don’t fret: There’s an abundance of ways to secure stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Here are the tips and tricks to keep in mind when hunting for a deal. 

1. Set Your Decor Budget 

The first step in buying home furnishings is to decide on an overall budget. Having a better understanding of everything you need and how much you can spend will help you be more intentional with your purchases and avoid buying unnecessary items. 

To start planning, dedicate each room in your home for a specific purpose and then decide what kind of furnishings each room will need. For example, a designated dining room will need a dining table and chairs. A living room will require some comfortable seating, a coffee table and maybe an entertainment system. 

Once you figure out everything you need to buy, you’ll have a better idea of how much you’re likely to spend. Break down your overall budget into each room or piece of furniture to avoid blowing your total on just two items or going overboard. By breaking your budget down, it’s easier to visualize your home and stretch your dollar to get what you really need. 

It’s also important to remember that your budget can be flexible. This doesn’t mean you should increase your total, but rather, be proactive in how you stick to it. If you spend $125 on a table you originally budgeted $100 for, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, budget $175 for a dresser instead of the $200 you originally planned. 

2. Buy Secondhand Pieces 

Whether you want to avoid pricey furniture or simply be more environmentally conscious when furnishing your home, buying secondhand pieces may be the answer. Repurposing and upcycling furniture is a great way to save some cash and get your hands on totally unique items. 

You can find great items at thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales in your local area. Or consider browsing online marketplaces like you would any other furniture website. 

Here are some convenient platforms to help you get your hands on secondhand furniture or home decor: 

• Facebook Marketplace. User-friendly and built into your standard Facebook account, you can browse listings in your area and contact the seller directly for more information on pricing or the condition of an item. 
• Craigslist. A staple for used-items, Craigslist has an abundance of listings to sort through every day. Be sure to browse their “Free Stuff” section. 
• Kaiyo. If you don’t have the time to sort through items yourself, consider using Kaiyo. This website makes sure each item is in good condition and is known for curating high-end brands – without the usual price tag. The best part? They deliver and assemble.
• Nervous about buying secondhand? Chairish allows you 48 hours to return an item – just in case that buyer’s remorse kicks in.

When buying secondhand furniture, test its sturdiness by putting pressure on the item and inspecting the legs and frame. Keep an eye out for any DIY repairs by the previous owner and check upholstery for stains, tears and odors. Be wary of furniture with synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon, as these snag easily and hold odors. When possible, you should deep clean the fabric in pillows, couches or rugs to eliminate any pests that could be lurking. 

Most importantly, remember to take necessary safety precautions before meeting up with a seller. Never go to their house or give out your address. Instead, meet in a public, well-lit place and consider having a friend accompany you. Bring your phone in case of an emergency and never give out any of your financial information. 

3. Ask For Freebies 

You’d be surprised how many people have pieces collecting dust that they’d be happy to give away. Ask friends and family. Consider posting on social media or in a community or neighborhood group chat or website. Additionally, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist both have sections dedicated to free items. 

4. Look For DIY Opportunities

A big reason why people prefer to buy new items is out of convenience, but just a bit of elbow grease could save you loads. Rather than write items off as not fitting your home decor style, be open-minded and pull a Tim Gunn – make it work.

Here are some ways you can refinish the furniture you already have or makeover the pieces you find secondhand:

• Repair scratches or dings with paint, wood filler or a touch-up kit
• Re-stain wood items to better match your aesthetic
• Replace dull knobs and handles with shiny new hardware
• Consider using surface contact paper to resemble marble, granite or stone

5. Find Affordable Retailers 

Not all furniture shops are expensive. In fact, some of the most well-known or best furniture stores offer incredibly affordable prices. Check out local closeout retailers, discount furniture stores and warehouse locations for brand-name furniture at competitive prices. 

Here are just a few places you can get inexpensive, brand-new furniture: 

• IKEA
• Amazon
• HomeGoods
• TJ Maxx
• Kohl’s
• Target
• Walmart 
• Macy’s

6. Shop Online Sales 

Most furniture stores hold large sale events throughout the year that correspond with the seasons. Most notably are Labor Day, President’s Day and Fourth of July blowout sales, which can offer massive discounts, as retailers begin to make room for new styles or shipments. 

7. Use Gift Cards And Discounts 

Some retailers will throw in a gift card if you purchase a certain amount from them – like a full bedroom set – or if they’re running a seasonal promotion. Take advantage of gift card offers if you know you have a lot of empty space in need of furnishing. 

You should also acquaint yourself with the clearance section at furniture retailers – especially if you’re handy with some DIY skills. Many furniture shops will offer discounts for scratches or dents on clearance or returned items, so don’t be afraid to try negotiating the price down.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to saving money on home furnishings, there’s no right way to do it – but there are plenty of options to try out. From buying secondhand to repurposing items to plainly asking around for freebies, hunting for deals can save you big-time cash and guarantee you a one-of-a-kind home. 

Learn more about home decorating by reading about which pieces or furniture are worth splurging on.