Setting a furniture budget for your new home

Furnishing a home costs anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on size, style, and quality—a range so wide that most buyers feel lost before they start. Whether you're moving into your first place or upgrading after a sale, knowing where your money goes makes the difference between a thoughtful investment and buyer's remorse.

This guide breaks down average costs by room, explains what drives prices up or down, and walks you through building a realistic budget that fits your space and timeline.

Average furniture budget for a whole home

Most homeowners spend between $10,000 and $30,000 to furnish an entire house. A common guideline suggests setting aside 10–25% of your home's purchase price for furniture, so a $300,000 home might carry a $30,000 to $75,000 furniture budget. However, your actual spending depends on how big your space is, what quality you're after, and how many rooms you're filling.

Your furniture budget covers more than sofas and beds. It includes major pieces like dining tables and dressers, lighting fixtures, area rugs, window treatments, and smaller items that pull a room together. Delivery fees, assembly costs, and protection plans can add hundreds or even thousands to your total, so factor those in from the start.

Home size plays a major role because square footage dictates furniture scale and quantity. Bigger spaces require larger rugs, longer sofas, more seating, and additional storage to avoid looking sparse, while those downsizing their homes can significantly reduce furniture costs. Personal style matters too—a minimalist look with clean lines costs less than a layered aesthetic that calls for custom upholstery, statement lighting, and curated art.

Room-by-room cost breakdown

Breaking your budget down by room helps you see where your money goes. Each space has its own essentials and extras, and knowing the typical range for each room keeps you from overspending in one area while skipping another.

Living room

Living rooms typically cost $1,500 to $25,000 to furnish, with most falling between $3,000 and $7,000. This room often demands the largest investment because seating costs more than most other furniture categories, and quality upholstery lasts longer when you choose durable fabrics and solid frames.

Essential pieces include a sofa or sectional, coffee table, TV console, ceiling light fixture, and window treatments. Many homeowners also add armchairs, side tables, bookshelves, a rug, throw pillows, table lamps, and wall art to create a welcoming space.

Dining room

Furnishing a dining room typically runs $1,000 to $18,000, with $2,500 to $5,500 being average. The dining table and chairs form the core investment, and your budget climbs when you opt for solid wood, extendable designs, or upholstered seating that stands up to daily use.

Formal dining rooms cost more than casual eat-in kitchens because they often include a china cabinet or buffet, a sideboard, a statement light fixture, and decorative touches like artwork or a rug.

Primary bedroom

Plan for $1,500 to $20,000, with most primary bedrooms landing between $3,000 and $6,000. The bed frame, mattress, and foundation represent your biggest expense here. A quality mattress often lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care, which makes it worth the upfront investment.

You'll also want two nightstands, a dresser, closet storage, lighting, and window treatments. Many homeowners add a rug, mirror, fan, TV, or extra storage to complete the room.

Secondary bedrooms

Guest rooms and kids' rooms cost $1,000 to $15,000, averaging $2,500 to $5,000. These spaces typically use smaller beds and fewer furniture pieces, which brings the budget down compared to a primary suite.

Multi-functional furniture works well here. Bunk beds, trundle beds, loft beds with built-in desks, or storage beds maximize space and reduce the number of separate pieces you buy. A nightstand, closet, desk, and basic lighting cover most needs.

Home office

A functional home office runs $500 to $12,000, with $1,000 to $2,500 being typical. The desk and ergonomic chair form your core investment, and spending more on an adjustable chair with lumbar support makes a difference if you work from home regularly.

Beyond the basics, you might add bookshelves, a filing cabinet, task lighting, power strips, and a rug. If your office doubles as a library or creative studio, costs climb when you add custom built-ins or specialty storage.

Outdoor space

Outdoor furniture budgets vary widely—$500 to $25,000—because the range of options is so broad. A simple patio set with four chairs and a table might cost $500, while a full outdoor kitchen, pool furniture, lounge seating, umbrellas, and landscaping can easily reach $25,000.

Weather-resistant materials cost more upfront but last longer, especially in climates with harsh winters or intense sun.

Key drivers that raise or lower your budget

Several factors influence whether you land at the low or high end of any budget range.

Square footage

Room size dictates furniture scale and quantity in straightforward ways. Larger spaces require bigger rugs, longer sofas, more seating, and additional storage to avoid looking sparse. High ceilings and open floor plans increase the need for scaled-up pieces that match the volume of the room.

Quality of materials

Material choice directly impacts both price and longevity. Solid hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut cost more than engineered wood or particleboard, but they last 15 to 25 years or longer with proper care, and you can refinish them if they get scratched or worn.

Here's how common materials compare:

• Solid hardwood: Very durable, 15–25+ years, repairable and refinishable, higher cost and heavier weight

• Engineered hardwood or plywood: Strong and stable, 10–20 years, good value when quality plywood is used

• Particleboard or MDF: Budget-friendly, 3–8 years, susceptible to moisture and sagging, best for low-wear items

• Genuine leather: 10–20+ years, develops a patina over time, higher cost, needs conditioning

• Bonded or faux leather: 2–6 years, affordable, prone to peeling and cracking over time

• Performance fabric: Stain-resistant, 5–10+ years, family and pet-friendly, easy to clean

Custom versus ready-made

Custom or made-to-order furniture costs 20–50% more than ready-made pieces, but it gives you control over dimensions, fabric, finish, and design details that fit your exact space. Lead times stretch from six to 20 weeks or longer, while ready-to-ship items arrive in two to 10 days or weeks.

Custom makes sense when you have unusual room dimensions, specific fabric preferences, or a cohesive design vision that requires matching finishes.

Delivery and assembly fees

Delivery options range from curbside (cheapest) to threshold (brought to your door) to white-glove (unpacked, assembled, and placed in the room). White-glove service can add $100 to $500 or more per order, depending on the size and number of items.

Assembly services, old-furniture removal, stair or elevator fees, and rural delivery surcharges all add to your total. Some retailers include free delivery and assembly on orders over $1,000, so compare policies before you buy.

Warranty and protection plans

Manufacturer warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship for one to five years, while extended protection plans add coverage for spills, stains, accidental damage, and wear. Protection plans cost 10–20% of the item's price.

Review what's excluded before you buy. Most plans don't cover normal wear, intentional damage, or commercial use.

Price tiers: when to save and when to splurge

Allocating your budget across quality levels helps you get the best value. Not every piece deserves a premium price tag.

Economy range

Budget-friendly furniture typically features flat-pack assembly, laminate or particleboard construction, basic foam cushions, and simple joinery. It works well for short-term housing, low-wear rooms like guest bedrooms, or trend-driven pieces you plan to replace in a few years.

Avoid economy-tier furniture for high-stress items like primary sofas, dining chairs used daily, or mattresses.

Midrange value

The midrange offers solid wood in key structural areas, better cushions with higher-density foam or spring cores, and performance fabrics that resist stains and fading. Sofas, dining tables, and dressers in this tier often last 10 to 15 years with normal care.

Premium investment pieces

Splurge on items you use every day or that anchor a room's design. Mattresses, your primary sofa, an ergonomic desk chair, and a solid dining table justify premium spending because they affect your comfort and daily experience.

Premium furniture often features repairable construction, timeless designs that don't look dated, and strong warranties.

Hidden costs most shoppers forget

Beyond the sticker price, several expenses catch buyers off guard.

Sales tax and tips

Sales tax adds 5–10% to your total depending on your state, and it applies to furniture, delivery, and assembly fees. Tipping delivery and assembly crews is customary—$20 to $50 per person for standard deliveries, more for complex installations.

Design services

Professional interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour, or they offer flat-fee packages starting around $500 for a single room and climbing to $5,000 or more for a whole-home design plan.

Return shipping or restocking

Restocking fees range from 10–25% of the item's price, and return shipping can cost $50 to $300 or more for large furniture. Order swatches, check measurements twice, and read return policies carefully before you buy.

Five steps to build your personalized furniture budget

A structured approach keeps you organized and prevents overspending.

1. List every room and needed pieces

Start by walking through your home and noting every room that needs furnishing. For each space, separate must-haves from nice-to-haves—essentials like beds, dining tables, and seating come first, while accent chairs, extra storage, and decorative items can wait.

2. Set a target price tier for each item

Assign each piece to economy, midrange, or premium based on how often you'll use it, how long you want it to last, and how visible it is in your home. Your primary sofa might justify premium spending, while a guest bedroom dresser can stay in the midrange or economy tier.

3. Research and record current prices

Compare prices across retailers, read reviews, and check material specifications before you buy. Track sales cycles too—many retailers offer deep discounts in January and late August when they clear out old inventory.

4. Identify phasing opportunities

You don't have to furnish every room at once. Prioritize high-use spaces like bedrooms, the kitchen, and the living room, then add furniture to secondary rooms over the next few months or even years.

Phasing spreads costs over time, gives you a chance to save between purchases, and lets you refine your style as you go.

5. Track spending against proceeds

Monitor your budget versus actual spending as you shop, and adjust your plan if you go over in one category. If you've recently sold a home, knowing your sale proceeds upfront helps you set realistic caps.

When you sell with Opendoor, you get a clear cash offer and a predictable closing timeline, which makes it easier to plan your furniture budget and know exactly how much you have to work with. Get a free cash offer to see what your home is worth and start planning your next move with confidence.

Move forward with confidence and comfort

Furnishing a home well comes down to a few core principles: prioritize high-use items, match materials to your lifestyle, plan for hidden costs, and phase smartly to avoid financial strain. When you approach furniture shopping with a clear budget and a room-by-room plan, you can create a comfortable, stylish home without overspending.

Opendoor's streamlined selling process gives you clarity on your home sale proceeds early, so you can set a realistic furniture budget before you start shopping.

FAQs about furniture budgets

How long does it typically take to fully furnish a home?

Most homeowners take six months to two years to completely furnish their homes, depending on budget constraints and decision-making speed. Phasing purchases over time lets you spread costs, refine your style, and avoid impulse buys.

Should I buy furniture before closing on a new house?

Wait until after closing to make major furniture purchases, as room dimensions and layout may differ from expectations. Measure carefully, note window and door placements, and consider traffic flow before you commit to large pieces.

Is leasing furniture ever more cost-effective than buying?

Furniture leasing makes financial sense for short-term living situations under two years or when cash flow is limited. Beyond two years, leasing typically costs more than buying outright.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Opendoor always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.