Reliable Places to Shop to Furnish Your First Apartment

Congratulations you signed the lease for your first apartment! Now the fun part comes: turning your space into a cozy and stylish home. With new budgets falling into place, the space can seem daunting if you don’t already have furniture to move with you. Where should you shop for furniture and decor without breaking the bank?

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best places to shop for furnishing your first apartment. From budget-friendly options to hidden gems, these stores will help you create a space that reflects your style and personality while keeping you and your wallet happy.

IKEA

If you don’t know what IKEA is then you’re missing out on a budget furnishing jackpot. While IKEA has become more expensive as of late, the options for furniture are endless, they’re affordable, AND they’re easy to move/put together.

You can spend hours navigating an IKEA store, but in the end, you’ll leave with everything you need ranging from storage, a bed, a couch, lights, kitchen utensils and so much more. It truly is a one-stop shop.

Target

Don’t underestimate the power of Target when it comes to apartment shopping. Their home decor section is a treasure trove of stylish finds at reasonable prices. Their furniture lines take lots of inspiration from high-end brands like CB2 and West Elm, so if you’re lucky you might be able to snag a stylish piece at a fraction of the cost.

Target is also a great place to look for kitchen appliances like toasters, Keurig, air fryers, and the Ninja Creami you’ve been dying to try.

Amazon

Amazon truly has everything and furniture is no exception. Typically amazon furniture is not exclusive to the site, so I use this website while also searching websites like Wayfair and Overstock (see below) to find the best deal on online furniture. Because of my Prime membership, I found that for certain items, not having to pay shipping would be the most cost-effective route to go.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a goldmine for unique and budget-friendly furniture pieces. If you’re planning on using a moving truck/company for your move, you’ll have to resources to pack lots of assembled pieces that are unique. Explore local thrift shops, consignment stores, and flea markets to discover hidden gems that can add character to your space. Be patient and keep an open mind – you never know what amazing finds you’ll stumble upon!

You can find some great furniture pieces this way, but be on the lookout for decor as well because you’re more likely to find items with history and character at a thrift store than at big box stores where everything is meant to be standard.

Wayfair & Overstock

If you prefer shopping online, Wayfair should be your go-to destination. With an extensive catalog of furniture and home decor items, you can find everything from couches to coffee tables with just a few clicks. Plus, they often have great deals and discounts to help you save even more. If you want really good deals hold out for holidays.

As the name suggests, Overstock is a retailer that sells overstocked and clearance items at discounted prices. Browse their wide selection of furniture, bedding, and decor to find stylish pieces for your apartment at a fraction of the original cost. Similar to Wayfair, they also have great deals year-round with extra savings around holidays.

HomeGoods

Known for its ever-changing inventory, HomeGoods is a fantastic place to find affordable home decor items. From rugs and artwork to kitchenware and bedding, you’ll discover a wide selection of trendy pieces that won’t break the bank. I was able to purchase all of my kitchen utensils, bath rugs, and towels here for just over $200.

You may want to carve out an hour or two before braving a HomeGoods. Each HomeGoods has a slightly different stock, so be prepared to go on a treasure hunt as you never know what unique items you’ll stumble upon.

Facebook Marketplace

Looking for a bargain? Facebook Marketplace is a platform where people in your local community sell furniture and other items they no longer need. No one is willing to make a deal like someone who just wants to get the furniture out of their storage. Because of this, you can often find gently used furniture at significantly discounted prices. Just be sure to arrange safe meet-ups and thoroughly inspect items before purchasing.

Walmart

Walmart might not be the first place that comes to mind for furniture shopping, but they offer affordable options for furnishing your first apartment. Walmart also allows independent sellers, so you may run into some deals similar to other online retailers. Be careful though to check reviews as independent sellers don’t always work out (I learned the hard way). Be sure to check reviews before purchasing — if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

DIY and Upcycling

Get creative and consider DIY projects or upcycling existing furniture. Repainting an old dresser or adding new upholstery to a chair can breathe new life into a piece and give it a personalized touch. Plus, it’s an affordable way to create unique furniture that fits your style perfectly.

This can be achieved with the furniture you have or items that you found while thrift shopping. If you’ve never done a DIY before, there are plenty of tutorials online, but you could also start small by DIYing something like artwork instead of your bedroom dresser.

Furnishing your first apartment doesn’t have to empty your wallet. By exploring a mix of budget-friendly stores, thrift shops, online marketplaces, and even DIY options, you can find stylish and affordable furniture and decor pieces that will transform your space into a home you’ll love. Splurge on the things you love and focus on finding functional and affordable pieces for the rest. It’s all about getting creative and finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, and budget.