Eight clever strategies to slash the cost of furnishing your new home

It’s seriously expensive when you consider all the furniture and decor that goes into making it feel like a home. The amount you spend on furniture and accessories can add up quickly, so being mindful of your budget when decorating is vital. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can put your own stamp on your place without breaking the bank. 

Here are some great ways to reduce the cost of furnishing your new home: 

Compare prices online and at different stores so you can find the best deal available. Take the time to compare prices both online and at different physical stores and look out for seasonal sales, discounts, and promotions. By doing your research, you can snag the best deal available on the market. For example, you might find a couch on sale during a clearance event at a local furniture store, or discover a discounted dining set online. 

You can often find great deals on nearly new or slightly-used items at a fraction of the retail price online. Check online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Olio or local classified ads for second-hand furniture. You might come across a gently-used bookshelf or a coffee table that fits your style perfectly, at a fraction of the retail price.

Spend some time strolling around local sales and you might just pick up some incredible pieces (and amazing bargains). Find charity shops in your local area and check social media and local community groups to find upcoming events nearby. 

Cashback providers can help you earn more as you shop, which could help you reduce the cost of your furniture purchases. Dedicated cashback apps like BeFrugal, credit card rewards  and store card benefits could all work to your advantage. You can also keep an eye on coupon websites such as Wowcher  - they could have some great offers that will help reduce the cost of furnishing your home. Check out our full guide to cashback and how you can make your money go further.

Maximize functionality and minimize cost by investing in furniture that can serve more than one purpose. For example, an ottoman could double as a coffee table or a sofa bed could become an occasional guest bed. 

Choosing a piece of furniture is a big commitment and if you’re unsure about making a long-term purchase, or want flexibility in changing your decor, exploring furniture rental options might work for you.There are many companies that offer short-term furniture rentals, allowing you to change up your decor without breaking the bank. We explain all in our guide to rental furniture. 

Whether you invest in more expensive items for the long term or less costly pieces will depend on your circumstances and immediate priorities. While in some cases more expensive items might be higher quality and quality furniture can last much longer, it can also be difficult to know if certain pieces are worth the money. Before making an investment look into what is considered “good quality” in terms of material, construction and design when it comes to furniture so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And read up on the company selling the items, have other customers shared reviews of their experiences? 

If you’re willing to take on a DIY project, there are plenty of creative ways to spruce up the interiors of your home without spending too much money - things like making your own furniture out of recycled materials such as pallets or old doors, painting furniture, upcycling old items, adding wall décor or mirrors, and rearranging the space with a few simple accents. You’ll find endless inspiration tutorials online, on sites like YouTube, Coursera and housefulofhandmade  that show how you can create stylish furniture pieces yourself.

With this approach, you can save money while furnishing your new home and enjoy your own space without sacrificing functionality and style.

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