How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a New Home?

Here’s what to expect if you’re budgeting for home furnishings.

Moving into a new home is already expensive. Now, add in the cost to fill that home with furniture and these expenses can really set you back if you aren't prepared for them—if you don't go about it in the right way. That's why budgeting for furniture is an important part of preparing financially for the cost of moving—whether you're buying or renting. However, because there are so many variables—including your home's size, location, and architectural style—figuring out exactly how much it costs to furnish a home is a bit tricky. So, we used average costs as a guide, and asked experts for tips on building a practical, personalized home furnishings budget. Here’s what to expect and keep in mind when budgeting to furnish a home.

Related: 8 Smart Ways to Save on Moving Costs, According to Pros

Average Cost to Furnish a Home

According to Home Advisor, the national average cost to furnish a house is about $16,000, but the actual range spans from $3,500 to just shy of $100,000. The lower end accounts for budget-friendly furnishings in smaller spaces, like studios and one-bedroom apartments, while the higher end accounts for three- or four-bedroom homes with luxury furnishings.

"The cost of furnishing a new home is a loaded question and obviously varies depending on the size of the house and the level of furnishings," says Molly McGinness, an award-winning residential interior designer based in Cape Cod. "The level of furnishings can range from highly customized top-of-the-line quality to fast fashion type of furnishings. In general, most people have sticker shock when they consider the cost to fully furnish a whole room."

Furthermore, there are many factors beyond the quality level of furnishings that can affect costs: room size and layout, delivery fees, assembly service, and any bulk discounts from a single manufacturer or supplier. So, when budgeting, don't forget to factor in costs beyond just the furniture price tag.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Home Furnishings

Room size and layout

The more extensive your home, the higher the total cost of furnishing. For example, you may only need a small two-seater for a quaint living space but need a seven-seater sectional, ottoman, and side table for a larger room. And this is about more than just square feet. The number of windows and angles of walls can also affect where you place furniture and how much of it is needed to make the space feel cozy. So, to plan out how much furniture you need (and how big it needs to me), draw up a layout of the rooms to play around with different options before you purchase anything.

Furniture quality

Not everyone is furnishing their forever home, so it’s essential to think about how long you really need your furniture to last. Top-quality pieces are worthwhile to splurge on if you’re hoping to hang on to them for a lifetime, but if you plan to move within just months or years, then it’s best to adjust to a more modest price point. Strike the right balance by mixing higher-end pieces with thrifty saves. If you have the time to wait for durable designs to go on sale, you also might be able to spare your budget without sacrificing quality.

Delivery costs

While you can load up your car with smaller items, most home furnishings are bulky and require truck delivery. From mattresses to bed frames to couches, don’t forget the delivery fees that will be tacked onto the cost of the item itself. If you’re importing from another country or have goods shipped long-distance, additional freight and transport costs apply. For the lowest costs, look for online services that include delivery with the price of the furniture. Otherwise, consider purchasing multiple items from one supplier to reduce delivery costs.

Assembly costs

If you’re a DIYer, you can save quite a bit, but there are some items that are best left to pro assembly. Some furniture will come with easy assembly instructions in the packaging. Still, the actual process can be time-consuming and physically challenging. Many delivery services will also offer installation and assembly for hydraulic items, modular setup, lighting, and upholstered pieces. Consider the cost of hiring a local handyperson, especially if you have a whole house to furnish.

How to Save Money on Home Furnishings

Home and real estate investor Chloe Cohen offers a tip to “think of designing as phases." Phase one, she says, is the skeleton: It includes necessary items, like beds, couches, tables, desks, and chairs. "Phase two is design, such as rugs, curtains, and throws," she adds. "Phase 3 is the knick-knacks.” To help avoid unnecessary splurges that lead to overspending, price out each phase and make purchases as your budget allows.

With each phase, you can find bargains and hunt for deals everywhere, from major retailers to custom designs to flea markets. But with this organized approach, you’re prioritizing your budget toward the items you’ll use and need the most. And once a “must-have” item is checked off the list, you can move on to items that just spark joy. Anything that doesn’t fit or turns out to be a dud can be returned for additional savings, but keep in mind that any thrift items or those on sale might not be eligible for return.

McGinness adds that you don’t have to spend the same amount on every room. “Spend less money on rooms that won’t be used all the time,” she advises. After all, the guest room can easily be more budget-friendly than the primary bedroom. Another way to think of this is “cost per use.” If you’re going to use an item each and every day, like a bed or a couch, then determine value less by today’s sticker price but by the cost of each use. This means decorative items, like mirrors and seasonal items, should be priced appropriately for their actual value.

Related: What to Buy from Your Favorite Home Stores, According to Design Experts

More Considerations When Furnishing a Home

The total cost of furnishings may be higher if you have limited available time to find items and place them in your home. If time—not budget—is your biggest concern, it may benefit you to work with an interior designer. "Interior designers know which manufacturers have quick ship programs and when it makes sense to customize something directly with a trade-only source or to buy something off the floor at a local retailer," McGinness says.

Last, Cohen recommends considering whether it makes more sense to rent or buy your furnishings. Companies like Cort and Feather can help you hit the ground running if you relocate on a tight timeline. These services can offer full rooms or a la carte items. Also, rentals can be used as a stop-gap to furnish your home until your favorite exclusives arrive, or they can be items you hold onto for as long as you stay in place. Keep in mind that if you hang onto rental furniture for too long, you may end up spending much more than if you’d just bought them outright.

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