How to Furnish Your New Home: Room-by-Room Guide

The biggest mistake new homeowners make is trying to furnish the entire house at once. Live in your new home for a few weeks first. You'll discover how you actually use each space, where the light falls, and what truly needs attention.

**Priority order:**

1. Bedroom (you need to sleep!)

2. Kitchen essentials

3. Living room basics

4. Dining area

5. Home office (if working from home)

6. Guest rooms and extras

Start with the anchor pieces:

- **Sofa**: Invest here — it's the most-used piece. Budget $1,500-$4,000 for quality.

- **Coffee table**: Functional centerpiece. $300-$1,200.

- **Side table with lamp**: Essential for lighting. $200-$600.

- **Area rug**: Defines the space. 8×10 is standard for most living rooms. $300-$2,000.

- **TV stand or media console**: If applicable. $400-$1,500.

**Design tip**: Measure your room and create a floor plan before shopping. Leave 36" walkways between furniture.

Good sleep is non-negotiable:

- **Quality mattress**: This is your #1 furniture investment. $800-$2,500.

- **Bed frame**: Platform, upholstered, or traditional. $400-$2,000.

- **Nightstands (2)**: One per side. $150-$600 each.

- **Dresser**: For clothing storage. $500-$2,000.

- **Blackout curtains**: Essential for sleep quality. $100-$400.

**Pro tip**: King beds need at least a 12×12 room. Queens fit in 10×10 rooms comfortably.

Where families gather:

- **Dining table**: Size for your family + 2 guests. $800-$3,000.

- **Chairs**: Comfort matters for long meals. $150-$400 each.

- **Sideboard/buffet**: Optional but great for storage. $500-$2,000.

- **Overhead lighting**: A statement chandelier or pendant. $200-$1,000.

**Size guide**: Allow 24" per person at the table and 36" clearance around all sides.

Essential for remote workers:

- **Desk**: L-shaped or standing desk for productivity. $400-$1,500.

- **Ergonomic chair**: Invest in your back. $400-$1,200.

- **Monitor stand/arm**: Proper ergonomics. $50-$200.

- **Bookshelf**: Organization and display. $200-$800.

- **Good lighting**: Desk lamp + overhead. $100-$400.

**Design tip**: Position your desk near a window but avoid glare on your screen.

Realistic furniture budgets by tier:

**Starter ($10,000-$20,000)**: Quality essentials, mix of new and value brands.

**Mid-range ($20,000-$50,000)**: Solid investment pieces, designer lighting.

**Premium ($50,000-$100,000+)**: Custom pieces, luxury brands, professional design.

**Money-saving tips:**

- Buy essentials first, add accessories over time

- Mix high and low — splurge on sofa, save on coffee table

- Check our [Furniture marketplace](/furniture) for curated deals

- Consider floor models and scratch-and-dent deals

- Wait for major sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday)