If you’re living in an unfurnished house or apartment this year, finding all the furniture you need to fill it can be a significant expense. Below are some ways to maximize your budget and space.
Brands and what to look for
Brands and retailers that sell cheaper furniture include IKEA, Wayfair, HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, Target and Amazon. It is important to be aware of the types of materials and composition of what you are buying — not all affordable furniture is made equally.
However, it is sometimes okay to compromise on quality, as many of us will not keep the furniture we have in college for more than a few years.
Look for furniture held together by more than glue or staples, as well as pieces that use solid blocks of wood or metal, rather than veneer covers.
To balance price with quality, decide which pieces you are willing to compromise on, and which you may want to look nicer. For instance, you might choose to prioritize a nice mattress and couch — as you will be spending a lot of time on those things — but opt for a less durable desk, lamp or dresser.
Alternative options
Beyond buying new furniture, the best, but sometimes overlooked, method to get high quality, affordable furniture in a sustainable manner is to take advantage of local thrift stores. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and other buy, sell, trade platforms are helpful, too. IU even has its own, called “Buy/Sell/Trade” on the One.IU website. Plenty of people are always moving in and out of Bloomington, you can often find heavily marked down pieces through these channels.
Another method of finding used furniture is to peruse the streets during move-out week in May, as many people will put the furniture they plan to give or throw away on the sidewalk. My roommates and I found our coffee table the week we moved into our house — it was just sitting on the curb outside the house across the street from us.
Other tips
To make your money and space go further, opt for furniture with multiple uses. Choosing a nightstand with drawers, a bed frame with storage or a raised platform underneath are effective ways to maximize your space.
As a college student, you should also be sure to take advantage of any student discounts offered by retailers — Target, for instance, typically offers a 20% discount on purchases made in the late summer months, which can add up for bigger pieces.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's Housing and Living Guide print publication Feb. 21, 2025.
