Whether you’re stepping into your first solo apartment, downsizing to a cozy nook, or making a cross-country move without a single stick of furniture, furnishing an apartment can feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, future furniture fanatic! We’re breaking down the costs, dishing out tips, and guiding you through every cushy couch and comfy mattress decision. How much does it cost to furnish an apartment? Let’s take a look.
Breaking Down the Basics: How Much Does Furniture Cost?
When figuring out how to furnish an apartment, the costs can vary wildly depending on your apartment’s size, location, personal style, and whether you’re a thrifter or a luxury shopper. But let’s get you started with the essentials:
Bedroom Essentials
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, so start with the essentials:
- Mattress: $500 – $1,200+
- Bed Frame: $90 – $500+
- Dresser: $200 – $500+
- Nightstand: $100 – $300+
Investing in a quality mattress is critical since you’ll spend about a third of your life on it!
Living Room Staples
Your living room is where you’ll spend a lot of your free time and entertain guests, so make sure it’s comfy and functional:
- Sofa: $500 – $4,000+
- Coffee Table: $150 – $400+
- TV Stand/Entertainment Center: $100 – $4,000+
Whether you opt for a minimalist setup or a plush, inviting space, your living room sets the tone for your entire apartment.
Dining Room Must-Haves
If you love hosting dinner parties or simply need a spot for your morning coffee, the dining room is essential:
- Dining Table & Chairs: $300 – $10,000+
- Hutch or Sideboard: $300 – $3,000+
You can choose from space-saving two-seaters to grand dining sets—whatever suits your space and style.
Home Office Needs
In today’s work-from-home era, a functional home office is more important than ever:
- Desk: $200 – $1,000+
- Chair: $100 – $400+
- Bookshelf: $100 – $1,000+
Comfort and ergonomics are crucial here, especially when working from home for long hours.
Housewares: The Unsung Heroes of Your Apartment
Once you’ve nailed down your big furniture pieces, it’s time to think about the smaller but equally essential housewares. This category includes everything from pots and pans to bedding and bath mats. Even if you go the budget route, expect to spend over $1,000 on housewares.
Kitchen Necessities
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so make sure you have the essentials:
- Cooking Utensils & Cookware (pans, pots, spatulas, etc.): $200 – $600+
- Dishes & Silverware: $50 – $300+
Linens and Decor
These items add comfort and personality to your space:
- Linens (towels, bedding, etc.): $100 – $400+
- Home Decor: $200+
These pieces might seem small, but they play a huge role in making your apartment feel like home.
Appliances: What You Might Need Beyond What’s Provided
Most apartments have essential appliances like a refrigerator and an oven, but you’ll likely need more. Here are some typical add-ons:
Small Kitchen Appliances
Depending on your culinary habits, you might need a few additional appliances:
- Microwave: $25 – $100+
- Blender: $25 – $100+
- Toaster: $25 – $100+
- Coffee Maker: $25 – $100+
Your overall appliance costs will hinge on what you deem necessary and how much you’re willing to spend for convenience.
Furnishing a House vs. an Apartment
If you’re comparing the cost to furnish a house versus an apartment, you’ll need to consider the additional rooms and space a house offers. More square footage typically means more furniture and, therefore, higher costs. A house will also require more housewares and possibly additional appliances like a washer and dryer, which most apartments provide.
Rent or Buy Furniture? Let’s Talk Options
Furnishing an apartment can be expensive, and buying high-quality furniture outright might not fit your budget or lifestyle. This is where CORT comes in as your secret weapon!
Renting Furniture with CORT
CORT Furniture Rental allows you to rent beautiful, quality furniture without the long-term commitment of ownership. Perfect if you’re on the move frequently or just not ready to invest in permanent pieces. Plus, CORT’s expert stylists can help you design your dream space, and the best part? No heavy lifting — CORT takes care of delivery and setup.
Buying from CORT Outlet
What if you’re ready to buy but want to stick to a budget? CORT Furniture Outlet is the place to score high-quality, gently used furniture at a fraction of the original cost. CORT makes it easy to furnish your apartment with style and savings.
How to Furnish a Studio Apartment
Furnishing a studio apartment presents unique challenges due to the limited space. Consider multi-functional furniture pieces like a bed with storage underneath or a fold-out couch that can serve as both seating and a guest bed. Also, think vertically! Shelving and wall-mounted storage can save precious floor space.
Consider Fully Furnished Apartments
Before you go all-in on buying or renting furniture, think about whether a furnished apartment might be right for you. Furnished apartments have everything you need — including major furniture pieces and some housewares. This option can save you time, money, and the hassle of moving furniture. It’s perfect for short-term stays, students, or anyone who wants to keep things simple.
Ready to Take the Leap? Find Your Dream Apartment with Ease!
Ready to find an apartment? Narrow down your options with ApartmentSearch’s advanced search filters. We make it easy to find the amenities you’re looking for—like an in-unit washer and dryer—so you don’t have to waste time endlessly browsing listings.
Time to Furnish? CORT Has You Covered.
Ready to furnish that apartment? If you’re in a situation where renting furniture makes sense, visit your local CORT showroom or browse online to start building your furniture rental package. But if you’re ready to invest in quality used furniture, visit CORT Furniture Outlet for deals that will make your wallet and your new apartment happy!
