Furnishing Your Property on a Budget

Written by

Cara Bradley

6 min read

Updated: 08 October 2024

Whether you’re moving into your first-ever property or upscaling to a bigger pad, there are very few things more exciting than turning a house into a home.
Putting your personal stamp on a place is one of the best parts of home-ownership, but sadly, this task doesn’t come cheap; the charity End Furniture Poverty report that over 6 million people in the UK are without essential appliances and furniture.

Furnishing your home doesn’t need to break the bank, however, and there are many options to consider to keep costs down while fashioning a space that showcases your personality and taste. From discount furniture to second hand furniture, we take a look at some of the best ways to furnish your home on a budget.

Before you start

Moving into your own home for the first time can be overwhelming. If you don’t currently own any furniture or appliances, make a note of everything you need. This will help you establish a budget - the sooner you do this, the more time you could have to spread the cost.
We’ve gathered a list of some of the basics to help you get started.

Kitchen/ dining area

• Dining table and chairs
• Fridge-freezer
• Washing machine
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Kettle (you’re going to need a nice cup of tea in-between unpacking all those boxes!)
• Drinking cups or mugs
• Pots and pans
• Plates (we reckon a chippy tea is a great shout on the first night in your new home!)
• Cutlery

Living room

• Sofa
• Cushions
• Television
• Television stand

Bedroom

• Bed frame
• Mattress
• Pillows
• Bedding
• Bedside table
• Wardrobe and drawers (some houses come with these ready-fitted).

Bathroom

• Towels
• Toiletries, including hand wash, soap, toothpaste, and any personal items you regularly use.

Extras

• Hoover
• Cleaning products
• First aid items, such as plasters and paracetamol
• Tools
• Lightshades and spare lightbulbs

If you’re ordering your furniture brand-new, remember that some larger items, such as sofas, may take a number of weeks to arrive. With this in mind, it may be an idea to order them in advance. Just make sure you have somewhere to store them, should they arrive early.

How to furnish your home on a budget

1. Upcycle

If you’re moving from one property to another, you’re likely to already have some furniture. While it can be tempting to buy everything fresh to compliment your new digs, you could save yourself money by recycling and upcycling furniture.

The possibilities of upcycling furniture are endless and can be as simple as repainting a wooden bedframe a funky colour or indulging in a more creative project, such as turning an old ladder into a quirky bookshelf. Upcycling requires imagination and patience, but you’ll be left with wonderfully bespoke pieces of furniture.

For inspiration, check out Good Housekeeping’s list of 65 upcycling ideas for all skill sets.

2. Word of mouth

In need of a chest of drawers? Your Aunty June has her old set gathering dust in the attic.
Seeking a couple of dining chairs? You’re in luck – George from HR has just cleared his mum’s flat and has some spare.
Hoping to upcycle your old coffee table by sanding it down and repainting it? Your best mate’s dad restores old furniture as a hobby and would be happy to help.

It’s surprising how many people are happy to help when you move house!
While gifted pieces may not necessarily be the design you’d have chosen yourself, they will certainly do the job until you’re ready to either upcycle or replace them with something a little more to your taste.

3. Facebook Marketplace

If you have a Facebook account, take the time to browse through Marketplace.
The platform will show listings in your local area, some of which may be free.
Marketplaces are live sites, and listings are subject to change, but during our time of research in August 2024, we found a sofa, a fridge and even a piano, all listed for free.
Usually, you’ll be required to collect the item yourself, although if you’re without a car, you may be able to arrange a drop-off directly with the seller. Please be aware that this will be at the seller’s discretion, and they may ask you to contribute some money.
Your local community social media pages may also advertise free or reasonably priced furniture.

4. Olio

Have you downloaded the free Olio app yet?
From food to furniture, Olio strives to reduce waste by connecting communities and businesses.
Once you’ve created an account, you can either sell or search for items in your hometown. Some items are free, while others will require payment, which can be negotiated directly with the seller. If you see an item you’d like, you can message the seller and finalise the details for collection.
Olio even has its own ‘borrow’ section, where you can loan certain items from people in your community. This could be invaluable when you’re about to hang a curtain rail and can’t find the drill amongst the chaos of cardboard boxes!

5. Second-hand sites

Like Facebook Marketplace, second-hand sites such as eBay could provide you with some food for thought when sourcing affordable furniture.
Vinted is another second-hand app to consider, although larger items such as tables are unlikely to be listed as there’s currently no option for home collection.
Pre-loved sites also allow sellers to list unused goods too, so if you’re not keen on the idea of used furniture, you can filter your search results to show brand-new items only.

6. Charity shops

When it comes to affordable furniture, don’t dismiss charity shops. From plant pots and cushions to ornaments and artwork, you never quite know what you’re going to find. Charity shop stock is ever revolving, so if you’re working on gradually building up your space, be sure to regularly check-in with your local stores.
Some charities, such as the British Heart Foundation and the Red Cross, also have larger, specialised clearance furniture shops.
Bagging a bargain while giving to charity - what’s not to love?

7. High street

Many high street stores, such as Home Bargains, The Range, Ikea, and Dunelm sell affordable furniture and homeware.
Don’t forget to check out the middle aisle of Aldi too, where epic offers regularly drop in the form of cheap furniture for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Need some extra help?

Everybody has the right to enjoy a comfortable home, and things like beds and fridges are necessities. If you’re on a low income and are struggling with the cost of essential items, you may be entitled to some extra support. This handy guide was put together by End Furniture Poverty and includes options that might be of use to you, such as Local Welfare Provision and grant schemes.

Please also remember that you can seek free, impartial money and debt management advice through charities and organisations such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice.

There's no place like home

Furnishing a property to your preference can take time. If you’re unable to afford everything in one go, prioritise the basics, and enjoy the process of creating your dream home.

The information contained in this article is meant as a general guide and does not constitute nor should be taken as advice.
October 2024.