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How Much Does It Cost To Furnish An Apartment?

Apr 25, 2022

How much does it cost to furnish an apartment? It will depend on how much furniture you want and the quality that you choose. However, on average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 and up. 

Click on the following sections for a breakdown of how much you might need to spend for each room in your apartment.

If you are looking for a great multi-purpose futon to add to your apartment, contact us.

The cost to furnish an apartment will vary depending on a number of factors

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish an Apartment? 


Essential Furniture vs Extras


When choosing the furniture that you will need for your apartment, it's a good idea to establish which pieces of furniture are essential and which ones are extras or nice to have. 


The Essentials:


Your essential furniture refers to those very basic pieces that you really need to have. For example, you will need somewhere to sleep, sit, and eat so start by choosing these pieces of furniture first.


  • Sleeping: You will need a bed and mattress or a futon and mattress
  • Sitting: You will need to get a sofa, chair, or futon 
  • Eating: You will need a table and chairs or barstools if you have an island or bar


Purchase your essential furniture first and then use the money you have left over for the extras.


Extras:


Everything other than the pieces mentioned above are basically extras. To decide which extras you should buy, write down all of the other pieces of furniture that you would like and rank them in order of the most important to the least important. Start at the top of your list and work your way down until your budget is used up. You can then purchase the rest of the items on your list over time as you save more money. 


Some extras that you might want to purchase could include:


  • Extra chairs
  • Dresser
  • Area rugs
  • Coffee table
  • Curtains
  • Bookshelves


Buying a comfortable place to sleep is an essential purchase

How to Save on Your Total Cost to Furnish an Apartment


Buy used when possible:


You can save a lot of money through buying used furniture. However, the one piece of furniture that you should avoid buying used is your mattress. You don't want to be worrying about bringing unwanted bedbugs or dust mites into your new apartment.


In addition, it is important to get a mattress that is going to be comfortable and that will give you a good night's sleep. A worn-out used mattress will not be as restful. It's definitely worth spending a bit more to buy a new mattress that will give you the support and comfort you need.


Invest in a mattress cover:


If your purchase your bed/futon and mattress new, then you will want to protect it so that it lasts longer and you won't have to buy another one in the near future. A mattress protective cover is definitely worth the extra investment.

Make sure you purchase a new mattress and mattress protector

Ask your friend and family members:


Get the word out that you are moving into a new apartment and you need furniture. Your friends and family members may have pieces of furniture that they are looking to get rid of and would be happy to see them going to someone they know. You can even put a plea out on social media.


Invest in multi-purpose furniture:


A great way to cut down on the cost to furnish an apartment is to purchase pieces that will do double duty. For example, a futon can serve as both your bed and your seating area. If you purchase a futon for your bedroom and one for your living room, then you not only have double the seating area, but you will have an instant spare bedroom for any overnight guests.


Invest in furniture that offers storage space:


One of the challenges of living in an apartment is the limited space, especially storage space. When choosing your furniture, select pieces that offer extra storage such as sliding drawers underneath a bed or futon or an ottoman that opens up for extra storage.

Look for double-duty furniture that can be both a bed and a sofa or furniture that offers extra storage space

Check out thrift stores:


Thrift stores are great places to find bargain furnishings. The problem is that they don't always have what you are looking for. Go early in the morning as they get new products on a daily basis. If you are lucky enough, you could end up finding a piece of furniture that is in great shape and will cost you much less than if you are buying new.


Go to garage sales:


If you are moving into your new apartment in the spring or through the fall, then check out any garage sales that might be taking place. Like a thrift store, a garage sale can be a great place to find inexpensive furniture. It's also a good idea to arrive early to get the best selection. However, keep in mind that you will probably need to have a way to transport anything that you buy as homeowners hosting garage sales don't usually offer delivery.


Check online sites:


There are lots of websites that offer used furniture such as Kijiji and Facebook marketplace. Check those out to see what is available in your area.

Garages sales are great places to find household items for your apartment

How Much You Might Need to Spend for Each Room in Your Apartment

Here is a breakdown of the type of furniture that you might want for each room of your apartment and a price range that you could expect to pay to furnish that room. The cost to furnish an apartment will depend on how many pieces you choose and what each piece costs, however, these price ranges will give you a general idea of what to expect.

Living room: Cost $2,000 - $6,000


 The following are basic items that you might want for your living room:

  • Sofa or Futon
  • Armchair 
  • Coffee table 
  • Side tables 
  • Floor lamp
  • Area rug 

Bedroom: $1,000 - $2,500


The following items are all pieces of furniture that you might want to include in your bedroom:

  • Futon/Bed
  • Mattress
  • Nightstand 
  • Lamp
  • Dresser 
  • Desk
  • Mirror
  • Area rug

Kitchen and Dining Area: $500 - 1,000


The furniture for your kitchen can be fairly basic as long as you have a place to sit and eat.

  • Table 
  • Chairs 
  • Barstools
  • Storage unit if cupboard space is limited

Bathroom: $50-$200


Your bathroom is going to be the least expensive room to furnish in your apartment.

  • Bath mat
  • Shower curtain 
  • Extra storage if needed 

Looking for the Best Quality and the Best Price for a Futon for Your Apartment?


If you are looking for the best quality futons at the best price, contact The Futon Shop. At the Futon Shop we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our own line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements. 


All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington Ontario location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacture in Canada and we even build our own line of high quality futon mattresses. You can come see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We ship all across Canada. 

Shop Now

"I shopped at The Futon Shop in Burlington in person today and I am very happy with my purchase. Brian was super helpful and just a pleasure to deal with.  He made sure that my futon package was exactly what I needed. The futon is very good quality and the matress is very comfortable. I was able to assemble with almost no difficulties. I would recommend the Futon Shop in Burlington to anyone looking for futon."

- Sanah Laird


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Futons have garnered a devoted following for a myriad of reasons, chief among them being their unmatched versatility. Ideal for small spaces, futons effortlessly transition from a cozy sofa by day to a comfortable bed by night, making them a perfect solution for guests or those living in studio apartments. They also offer an aesthetic appeal, with designs ranging from traditional Japanese styles to modern, minimalist looks that can complement any decor. Furthermore, the affordability of futons compared to conventional beds and sofas allows individuals to furnish their spaces on a budget without compromising on style or comfort. Beyond practicality and style, many appreciate the simplicity of a futon's design, which promotes a less cluttered and more mindful way of living. In addition to their practical and aesthetic benefits, futons are also celebrated for their environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional furniture that can be cumbersome and often requires complex assembly or specialized disposal methods, futons are typically made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex. This not only makes them more sustainable but also easier to recycle or repurpose at the end of their life cycle. Many futon owners find peace of mind knowing they have chosen a piece of furniture that aligns with their environmental values. With the increasing awareness and concern for the planet, the choice of a futon becomes not just one of convenience and style, but also a proactive step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Futons are not just for students! The notion that futons are merely for college dorms or temporary living situations is quickly becoming outdated. Families, professionals, and retirees alike are discovering the practicality and comfort that a well-chosen futon can offer. Whether it's for a spare room that doubles as an office, or as a primary bed in a minimalist living setup, the adaptability of the futon caters to a wide demographic. This shift in perception underscores a broader trend towards multi functional furniture that doesn't compromise on either form or function, reflecting a more versatile approach to interior design and living spaces. The evolution of futon designs has also played a significant role in their surging popularity. Today's market offers a range of styles, from traditional Shikibuton, a type of Japanese mattress that can be folded and stored away, to the more substantial, sofa-like convertible futons that are common in Western homes. This diversity ensures that there's a futon for every taste and requirement, whether one prefers the minimalist aesthetic of a floor mattress or the practicality of a convertible couch-bed. High-quality futons now incorporate durable, comfortable materials that rival those used in standard mattresses and sofas, ensuring that choosing a futon no longer means sacrificing comfort for convenience. Coupled with the rise of small-scale living and the minimalist lifestyle movement, futons are increasingly becoming a symbol of thoughtful, intentional living. They reflect a rejection of the unnecessary, encouraging a focus on what truly adds value to one’s living space. For many, a futon is not just a piece of furniture, but a choice that supports a lifestyle free from the encumbrances of excessive possessions. This paradigm shift towards valuing simplicity and functionality has propelled futons from the fringes of furniture choices into the mainstream, aligning perfectly with contemporary life's demands and philosophies. When you’re ready to add a futon to your home furnishings, take a trip to The Futon Shop in Burlington. Futons are their specialty and you will love the selection of futons and accessories. The Futon Shop 5205 Harvester Road, Burlington (905) 633-9697
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Originating from Japan, the futon is a traditional style of bedding that comprises a padded mattress and duvet, both of which can be folded and stored to save space. The Western adaptation has morphed into a multi-functional piece of furniture that doubles as a couch and a bed, ideal for small living spaces or as a cost-effective furniture option. Ensuring versatility and comfort, futons have become a staple in dorm rooms, guest rooms, and minimalistic living environments worldwide. Futons are not only practical but also renowned for their simplicity and minimalist aesthetic. When selecting a futon, consumers consider the quality of the frame, typically crafted from wood or metal, for durability and support. The choice of futon mattress varies from traditional cotton to modern foam options, offering different levels of comfort and resilience. Accessories such as covers and pillows can be added to enhance the futon’s comfort and match the interior decor, making it a versatile choice for any room. The functionality of a futon is further extended by its ability to seamlessly fit into tight spaces and multipurpose rooms. This quality makes futons an ideal solution for urban living, where every inch of space is valuable. Beyond the practicality, the futon culture embraces a philosophy of simplicity, frequently associated with the minimalist movements and sustainable living practices that advocate for less consumption and a de cluttered way of life. Hence, futons not only serve a functional purpose but also represent an environmentally conscious choice for consumers who wish to minimize their ecological footprint. Maintaining your futon in good condition requires simple yet consistent care. Regularly cleaning the mattress by vacuuming can help keep dust and allergens at bay. If the futon cover is removable, be sure to wash it as per the instructions—most are machine washable—which helps in maintaining its appearance and hygiene. For the frame, wiping it down with a damp cloth can prevent the accumulation of dirt and preserve the material. Additionally, rotating and flipping the mattress periodically will ensure even wear and can prolong the life of your futon. Proper maintenance not only increases the longevity of the futon but also enhances your overall comfort and satisfaction with this versatile piece of furniture.Futons are widely recognized for their cost-effectiveness, offering a budget-friendly alternative to traditional beds and sofas. Their economical appeal is particularly evident when considering the dual-purpose. When you’re ready to enter the world of futon ownership, the experts at The Futon Shop are here for you! They are proud to manufacture futons at a location in Burlington so your futon is locally made. They can also arrange your futon to be shipped across Canada. No matter your budget or style, there is sure to be a futon to fit your needs! The Futon Shop is here for you! Take a visit to The Futon Shop in Burlington to get inspiration for your interior decorating using futons and their accessories. Call the friendly stall at 1-844- 93 FUTON!
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