When you move into a new apartment, one of the first things you need to do is buy or rent furniture. But how much does it cost to furnish a 2 bedroom apartment?
The answer is “it depends”.
There are a few factors that will impact the how much it will cost, such as whether you want to buy new furniture or second-hand, whether you will be using a rental company, and how much DIY you are willing to do.
Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on furniture costs for a two-bedroom apartment. This number will be higher if you are buying all new furniture, and lower if you are opting for second-hand or rental furniture.
In this article, we will explore the details of how much it costs to furnish a two bedroom apartment and some general tips about furnishing and decorating an apartment on a budget.
Considerations When Furnishing A 2 Bedroom Apartment
The total cost of furnishing an apartment can vary a lot depending on a number of factors. Below, we’ll discuss some of these factors and then provide a breakdown of how much it might cost to furnish a 2 bedroom apartment from scratch.
What Are You Starting With?
One of the biggest factors that will impact the price when you’re looking to furnish an apartment is whether you’re starting from scratch or if you already have some items. If you’re moving into a new place and need to buy everything to furnish an entire apartment, that’s going to cost more than if you’re just looking to fill in a few gaps.
Another consideration is whether you want all new furniture or if you’re okay with some second-hand pieces. Buying new furniture is always going to be more expensive than buying used, but it’s also worth considering that used furniture might not last as long.
The Size Of Your Apartment
The size of your apartment is also going to be a big factor when it comes to how much it costs to furnish. A 2 bedroom apartment with less square footage will generally require smaller furniture than a larger apartment, which can be cheaper.
The size of your apartment will also impact how many pieces of furniture you need to buy. If you have a lot of space to fill, that’s going to cost more money than if you only have a small space and don’t need much furniture.
Where To Find Affordable Furniture For A 2 Bedroom Apartment
There are a few different places you can look for affordable furniture, whether you’re looking for new or used pieces.
Some places to look for new furniture include:
Ikea: Ikea is a great place to find affordable furniture. They have a wide range of styles and price points, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
Target: Target is another popular place to buy furniture. They have a slightly higher price point than Ikea, but you can often find good deals on furniture and home decor items.
Wayfair: Wayfair is an online retailer that specializes in furniture and home decor. They have a wide range of prices, but you can often find good deals if you’re willing to look around.
Online Furniture Stores: There are a lot of online furniture stores that sell both new and used furniture. Check the clearance sections on their websites for the best deals.
Some places to look for used furniture include:
Yard Sales: Yard sales are a great place to find used furniture. You never know what you might find, and you can often negotiate a lower price if you’re willing to haggle.
Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are another great place to find used furniture. You can often find good quality pieces for a fraction of the price you would pay for new furniture.
Online Classifieds: Online classifieds websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find used furniture. You can often find good deals on furniture that people are looking to get rid of.
Furnishing On A Budget
If you’re working with a limited furniture budget, there are a few things you can do to save money when furnishing your apartment.
- Buy used furniture: As we mentioned above, buying used furniture is the best way to save money. You can often find good quality pieces for a fraction of the price of new furniture.
- Shop at discount stores: Discount stores like Ikea and Target are great places to find affordable furniture. You can often find good deals on furniture and home decor items.
- Shop the sales: If you’re patient, you can often find good deals on furniture by waiting for the sales. Stores will often have sales on specific items or during certain times of the year and this can be a great way to avoid paying full retail price.
- Rent furniture: If you’re not ready to commit to buying furniture, you can always rent it. There are a number of furniture rental companies that can help you furnish your apartment without breaking the bank.
- Minimize the delivery fees: If you’re buying furniture online, make sure to compare the delivery fees before you make your purchase. Some stores charge high delivery fees that can add a lot to the cost of your furniture.
How To Decorate A 2 Bedroom Apartment On A Budget
Finding furniture isn’t the only important part of furnishing an apartment. If you want your apartment to feel well put together and reflect your personal style, you’ll need to add some decor. This could include wall art, rugs, pillows, and other small accessories.
Again, there are a few things you can do to save money when it comes to decorating your apartment.
Shop at discount stores: Discount stores like Target and Ikea are great places to find affordable home decor items.
Shop the sales: Just like with furniture, you can often find good deals on home decor items by waiting for the sales. Stores will often have sales on specific items or during certain times of the year.
DIY: If you’re crafty, you can save a lot of money by DIYing your home decor. There are a number of easy DIY projects that don’t cost much money that you can do to add your own personal touch to your apartment.
Don’t Forget To Factor In Appliances And Other Essentials
When budgeting for your apartment, don’t forget to factor in the cost of appliances (both large and small appliances) and other essentials. Things like a fridge, washer and dryer, and basic kitchen appliances can add up quickly. If you’re working with a limited budget, it’s important to factor in the cost of these items so you don’t end up overspending.
Cost Of Furnishing A 2 Bedroom Apartment: A Breakdown
Now that we’ve gone over some general tips for furnishing a 2 bedroom apartment, let’s take a more detailed look at the cost – we’ll take a look at the essentials room by room and determine what you could expect to spend. We’ll look at the main living and dining areas, bedroom furniture, kitchen items, and bathroom items.
The figures below are based on furnishing an apartment with all new items from a reasonably low cost store, such as Ikea. You could spend less if you were willing to buy used furniture or you could spend more if you shopped at a higher end store, such as Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware.
The numbers below are intended to provide an idea of what you could expect to spend, but this will certainly vary from person to person and apartment to apartment. For example, if you plan on having a guest room or home office this will impact which items you need to buy and change the overall price.
Living Room
- Sofa: $500
- Coffee table: $100
- End table: $50
- Side tables: $100
- TV stand: $150
- Floor lamp: $50
- Rug: $200
- Decor items: $100
Living Room Total: $1350
Dining Room
- Dining room table: $250
- Dining chairs: $200
- Sideboard or hutch: $150
- Decor items: $50
Dining Room Total: $650
Master Bedroom
- Bed frame: $500
- Mattress: $350
- Nightstand: $100
- Dresser: $250
- Mirror: $50
- Decor items: $100
Master Bedroom Total: $1350
Bedroom 2
- Bed frame: $500
- Mattress: $350
- Nightstand: $100
- Dresser: $250
- Mirror: $50
- Decor items: $100
Bedroom 2 Total: $1350
Kitchen
- Appliances: $1000
- Cookware and bakeware: $200
- Kitchen table: $200
- Dishes and glassware: $100
- Flatware: $50
- Table and chairs: $250
- Decor items: $50
Kitchen Total: $1900
Bathroom
- Towels: $100
- Shower curtain: $50
- Bath mat: $30
- Decor items: $50
Bathroom Total: $280
Grand Total: $6230
As you can see, the cost of furnishing a 2 bedroom apartment can add up quickly. Remember that this list only includes the essential items – so you may need to add some additional funds into your budget to cover any items that you need that aren’t on the list above. This will increase the overall cost to furnish your new home.
When it comes to furnishing an apartment on a budget, the key is to be strategic about your purchases. By taking the time to plan ahead and shop around for the best deals, you can save a lot of money. And, if you’re willing to get creative with your decorating, you can turn your apartment into a stylish and comfortable space without breaking the bank.
Other Options To Consider
Is Renting Or Buying A Furnished Apartment A Good Idea?
If you’re working with a tight budget, you may be considering renting or buying a furnished apartment. While this can certainly be a convenient option, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering renting or buying a furnished apartment rather than an unfurnished apartment:
The cost: Renting or buying a furnished apartment will likely be more expensive than furnishing an apartment on your own. If you’re working with a limited budget, this may not be the best option for you.
The quality of furniture: The quality of the furniture in a furnished apartment may not be as high as the quality of furniture you would purchase on your own. If you’re picky about your furniture or you have specific tastes, you may be better off furnishing the apartment on your own.
The flexibility: With a furnished apartment, you’re stuck with the furniture that’s already there. If you want to make any changes or upgrades, you’ll need to go through the hassle (and expense) of replacing the furniture. If you’re looking for a more flexible option, furnishing the apartment on your own may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to rent or buy a furnished apartment comes down to your personal circumstances and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind the quality of the furniture, renting or buying a furnished apartment could be a good option. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility or higher-quality furniture, you may be better off furnishing the apartment on your own.
Furniture Rental Companies
If you’re not sure if you want to commit to purchasing furniture for your apartment, you may want to consider renting furniture from a furniture rental company. This can be a great option if you’re not sure how long you’ll be living in the apartment, or if you want to try out different furniture styles before making a purchase.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering renting furniture:
The cost: Renting furniture can be expensive, especially if you’re renting high-quality pieces. Be sure to compare the cost of renting to the cost of purchasing the furniture outright to see if it’s worth it for you.
The quality of furniture: When you rent furniture, you have the opportunity to choose high-quality pieces that you may not be able to afford to purchase outright. This can be a great option if you’re looking for top-of-the-line furniture for your apartment.
The flexibility: One of the biggest benefits of renting furniture is the flexibility it offers. If you decide you want to change the look of your apartment, you can simply return the furniture and rent new pieces. This is a great option if you’re someone who likes to change up your style frequently.
If you’re considering renting furniture for your apartment, be sure to compare the cost and quality of the furniture to the cost and quality of furniture you would purchase outright. Renting furniture can be a great option if you’re looking for flexibility and high-quality pieces, but it can be expensive.
Final Thoughts
When trying to determine the cost of furnishing a 2 bedroom apartment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cost of furnishing an apartment can vary depending on where you purchase your furniture and what quality you’re looking for. Secondly, there are furniture rental companies that offer flexible rental terms and high-quality furniture, but this can come at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to rent or buy a furnished apartment comes down to your personal circumstances and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind the quality of the furniture, renting or buying a furnished apartment could be a good option. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility or higher-quality furniture, you may be better off furnishing the apartment on your own.
If you’re looking for other ways to save money around the home, we recommend checking out some of our other posts for more great ideas:
- The 10 Best Cheap Sheds For Outdoor Storage In 2022
- How To Organize Your Garage On A Budget: Tips And Tricks
- How To Decorate A Kitchen Hutch Like A Pro
- How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bedroom Yourself?
- 10 Smart Storage Solutions For Small Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to furnish a 2 bedroom apartment?
A: The cost of furnishing a 2 bedroom apartment can vary depending on where you purchase your furniture and what quality you’re looking for. However, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on furniture for a 2 bedroom apartment.
Q: Where can I find affordable furniture for my apartment?
A: There are a few places you can look for affordable furniture for your apartment, including online retailers, flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores.
Q: Is it a good idea to get a furnished apartment?
A: Ultimately, the decision of whether to rent or buy a furnished apartment comes down to your personal circumstances and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind the quality of the furniture, renting or buying a furnished apartment could be a good option. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility or higher-quality furniture, you may be better off furnishing the apartment on your own.
Q: What are some tips for decorating on a budget?
A: Some tips for decorating on a budget include painting walls yourself, shopping at secondhand stores, and DIYing decor items.
Q: Should I consider furniture rental companies?
A: It depends on what you’re looking for and your budget. If you’re considering renting furniture for your apartment, be sure to compare the cost and quality of the furniture to the cost and quality of furniture you would purchase outright. Renting furniture can be a great option if you’re looking for flexibility and high-quality pieces, but it can be expensive.