Furnishing a home isn’t just a task; it’s an art. And, when done well, it can transform your space in form and function. Of course, creating a well-designed and comfortable home requires careful planning and consideration. Selecting the rightfurniture, decor and accessories can be the difference between a “house” and a personalized and inviting space.
When you’re furnishing your home, there are many considerations to keep in mind, from style to budget to functionality. Fortunately, we’ve got your comprehensive guide help you get started.
Source: The Spruce
A clear budget is crucial to any home improvement process, and furnishing your home is no exception. Before you start perusing upholstery samples, determine how much you are willing to spend and allocate funds for each room. This will help you prioritize your purchases and make informed decisions while staying within your financial limits.
The old adage advises to “measure twice, cut once.” For our purposes, it’s best to measure twice and purchase once. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure your furniture fits perfectly within your space – no matter how grand a sofa may be, it will look wrong in a space it doesn’t quite fit.
Measure the dimensions of each room, including windows, doorways and any architectural features that might obstruct your furniture layout. This information will guide you in selecting appropriately sized furniture – and help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes.
You don’t have to be a professional designer to select furniture for your home, but a basic understanding of design principles can greatly enhance the overall aesthetics of your home. Brush up on concepts like color coordination, balance, scale and focal points. This knowledge will empower you to make informed choices when selecting furniture and accessories. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many websites and blogs that can help you along. We recommend The Spruce, HGTV and, of course our KOUBOO blog, which covers many essential design principles.
The name says it all; your living room is the heart of your home – where you entertain guests and relax with family. Essential living room items include a comfortable sofa or sectional, coffee table, side tables, entertainment center or TV stand and lighting fixtures. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can add accent chairs, rugs, artwork, plants and other decorative accessories. The cost of furnishing a living room can range from $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the quality and quantity of items chosen. Of course, larger spaces will generally cost more to furnish than smaller rooms (assuming consistent quality of items), as you’ll need more or larger items.
The dining room is a space dedicated to sharing meals and special moments, and depending on your home, it’s a room that may be used several times a day. When furnishing a dining room, you’ll want to include the room’s most obvious furniture items: a dining table and chairs.
Depending on the size and layout of your space, you also may want to include a buffet or sideboard, a bar cart, lighting fixtures and wall decor. The cost of furnishing a dining room typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 or more.
Bedrooms serve as individual respites in the home – it’s your space for privacy and as such can feel like a respite from the world – or even just the rest of your home. Additionally, creating a serene and comfortable bedroom is essential for a good night's sleep, which in turn is important to your health.
When furnishing your bedroom, key items should include a bed frame, mattress, nightstands and a dresser or chest of drawers. Depending on your preferences, budget and design aesthetic, you may consider including a wardrobe, vanity, a seating area and lighting fixtures. While the size and scale of bedrooms vary significantly (as do bedroom furnishing budgets), you should budget for at least $1,500 and up to $10,000 or more to furnish a bedroom.
While kitchen “furnishings” are primarily built into the room itself (think cabinets, islands and appliances), you’ll still need to consider additional items to make the space functional – particularly if your home features an “eat-in” kitchen. Depending on your space, you may need a dining table and chairs, bar stools for an island or peninsula, light fixtures and kitchen accessories. The cost of furnishing a kitchen can vary significantly depending on the size and scope of the project, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
With the ubiquity of remote work, home offices have become a necessity for many homeowners – and even if you don’t work from home, a functional and inspiring home office is a valuable addition to any home. Key furnishings include a desk, ergonomic chair, storage solutions and task lighting. Depending on your space and your desired function for the room, you might also want to consider bookshelves, artwork, plants and a sofa or other seating.
The cost of furnishing a home office can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specific requirements and your desired level of comfort.
While the bathroom is primarily focused on fixtures and functional elements, like your vanity, tub or shower and toilet, there are still opportunities to incorporate style and personal touches. For example, you may want to incorporate storage solutions like cabinets or shelves. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may also want to include a bench or stool, planters for greenery or additional linen bars or hooks. The cost of furnishing a bathroom can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the design and the quality of materials chosen.
Source: House Beautiful
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the design process, hiring an interior designer can be a worthwhile investment. While it adds to the overall budget, a professional designer can provide expertise, guidance and access to exclusive resources, ultimately saving you time, money, and potential design mistakes.
When budgeting for home furnishing, it's important to consider the costs of delivery and installation. Furniture items, especially larger pieces, may require professional delivery services, which can vary depending on your location and the complexity of the delivery. Be sure to factor these costs into your budget to avoid any surprises.
As you work through the furnishing process, you may inevitably find additional room for small home improvement projects. For example, you may fall in love with a headboard in a bright colored hue but realize you need to paint the bedroom to make it work in the space. With that in mind, it’s important to allocate some budget for necessary home improvements. This may include painting, flooring or minor renovations to enhance the overall look and feel of your space.
Don't forget to account for ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs. Furniture may require occasional repairs or reupholstering, and accessories may need to be replaced or updated over time. It's important to set aside funds for these future expenses to ensure the longevity and sustainability of your home furnishing investment.
Source: Articulate
Calculating the grand total for home furnishing costs can be challenging, as it varies greatly depending on individual preferences, the size of the space and the quality of items chosen. However, as a rough estimate, budgeting between $10,000 to $50,000 or more for the entire home furnishing project is a reasonable starting point. Keep in mind that this is a general range, and costs can significantly increase or decrease based on various factors. Some experts prefer to budget furnishing as a percentage of the home purchase price. In this case, you can expect to spend around 10% of the purchase price to furnish the home.
Home furnishing is a vital process in creating a comfortable and visually appealing living space. By considering key factors like your budget, space measurements and design principles, you can make informed decisions throughout the furnishing journey. Whether you're furnishing a living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen, home office or bathroom, understanding the costs involved and factoring in additional considerations will help you achieve your dream home within your desired budget. Happy furnishing!
Explore our expert insights on decorating with mirrors and how to get the most of them in your interiors. Get tips on their shapes, sizes, uses and more!
