It doesn’t matter if you’re moving into a studio apartment or a single-family home: furniture is expensive! Believe it or not, furniture is one of the most significant investments people make when moving, leaving new homeowners wondering how to afford furniture for a new house.
Before you go into debt buying brand-new furniture to fill your new place, there are ways to find quality furniture without spending a fortune. Before sharing the best ways to buy furniture — and pay less — it’s essential to understand why furniture is so expensive in the first place.
5 Reasons Why Furniture Is SO Expensive
People are often surprised by how much furniture can be. First-time furniture buyers may wonder, “why is furniture so expensive?!” The truth is many factors make quality furniture a high-ticket item.
1. Quality furniture is made with quality materials.
High-quality materials can add to the high cost of furniture. Solid wood, leather, and high-end fabrics are all expensive materials. Inexpensive furniture is typically made of cheaper materials like particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which can lower cost but compromise durability.
2. Some pieces require skilled craftsmanship.
Well-made furniture can sometimes require skilled artisans who take the time to create each piece. Furniture manufacturers pay these craftsmen a premium, increasing the furniture cost.
3. Manufacturing costs add up.
The cost of manufacturing furniture includes the price of equipment, facilities, and utilities. These costs are passed on to the customer, which can contribute to high furniture prices.
4. Shipping and storage can be costly.
The cost of shipping furniture from the manufacturer to the store or customer can be a significant amount that gets passed along to the buyer. In addition, furniture needs to be stored in a warehouse, which adds to the overall cost.
5. Price includes marketing and retail costs.
Retailers need to market furniture to attract customers, which can be expensive. The cost of showroom rent, staff, and other retail expenses also contribute to the high furniture cost.
How to Buy Furniture on a Budget
Despite the high cost of furniture, there are several ways to save money when buying what you need to furnish your new home. Instead of stressing and wondering, “how much does furniture cost?” reframe your mindset by asking yourself: “how much can I get it for?”. Here are a few tips and tricks to buy furniture without burning through your entire budget.
Shop at a furniture outlet.
One of the best ways to score a deal on furniture? Visit a furniture outlet. Outlets provide new and used furniture at a steep discount, giving you quality furniture for a fraction of the price. Plus, outlet stores typically have a return policy — unlike online marketplaces or thrift shops. Outlets are the number one way to score more for less.
Scour online marketplaces.
Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are great places to find inexpensive furniture. However, you need to be cautious when buying furniture online, as there is always a risk of fraud or getting an item that doesn’t match the description. Use cash whenever possible and meet buyers in a neutral location.
Visit local estate sales.
Estate sales are a great place to find high-quality furniture at a fraction of the retail price. These sales often feature antique or vintage furniture that has been well-maintained. However, estate sales can be competitive, and the best deals often go quickly. Make sure to get there early!
Peruse secondhand shops.
Thrift stores are another excellent option for finding inexpensive furniture. You can find many furniture styles and materials, and the prices are often modest. A significant downside is that furniture may be damaged or stained. Check the condition of the furniture from top to bottom before purchasing anything. Odds are, you won’t be able to return the piece once you buy it, but with a bit of elbow grease, you can give old furniture a new life.
Bundle furniture (and save).
If you need a furniture set, ask the sales clerk if buying multiple pieces of furniture could yield a discount. Often it will! For example, instead of buying a sofa, accent chair, coffee table, and side table separately, bundle them together in a living room set and save. Furniture stores need to move inventory quickly, so the more you buy, the more you may save.
Drive by garage sales.
Garage sales are another excellent option for finding inexpensive furniture. You can find a wide range of furniture styles and materials, and the prices are usually low – and often negotiable. The downside of garage sales shopping is that it can be a very time-intensive process. Typically you don’t know what kind of furniture a garage sale will have, so it’s a shot in the dark whether or not it will have what you need.
Shop CORT Furniture Outlet For The Best Deals on Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your new place, it may feel impossible to find high-quality, affordable furniture. Luckily, you can turn to CORT Furniture Outlet for new and gently-used furniture and decor for your entire home at up to 70% off retail prices. With an ever-changing inventory of like-new furniture that’s on-trend and in style, you’re sure to find what you need. Plus, you’re able to buy what you love AND take it home the same day. Swing by your local CORT Furniture Outlet and furnish your new place in no time!
