How to Furnish Your First Home on a Budget

Furnishing your very first home without blowing your budget can be a challenge. From bedroom sets to seating and entertainment, there’s likely a slew of different items on your shopping list. But how can you do it all without taking an even further hit to your wallet?

Whether you’ve just signed the lease on your first apartment or bought your first house, making the space feel like your own without overspending is possible with the right strategy. Here’s how to furnish your first home on a budget, while making your style and your wallet a priority.

1. Start with a Furnishing Checklist

When furnishing and decorating your first home, it’s easy to feel the pressure to fill every corner right away. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home doesn’t need to be fully furnished from the start. Before making any purchases when furnishing your new home, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you actually need. A checklist is the perfect place to start. So, begin by jotting down your non-negotiables—the pieces you need to make your home livable. For example, your bedroom should be your top priority, while a coffee table or extra side chairs can wait.

Your ‘furnishing a new home’ checklist should include must-have furniture pieces like:

• Bedroom: A bed frame, a good mattress, and basic bedding are non-negotiables. Sleep is crucial, and investing in a comfortable mattress should be priority.
• Kitchen: A table, a few chairs, and basic cooking supplies—pots, pans, cutlery, cups, and plates—are necessary for preparing meals at home. A dining set doesn’t need to be elaborate—just enough to provide a comfortable eating space. You can upgrade later.
• Bathroom: Shower curtains, towels, and a bath mat should top your list. Bathrooms are frequently used spaces, so these basics are a must from day one.
• Living Room: A sofa or couch, a coffee table, and adequate lighting are essential. The living room is often the heart of your home, where you’ll relax and entertain guests, so these items should be featured on your list.

Focus on your essentials first. Then, make a separate list for things you’d like to have but can wait for later, such as decorative rugs, artwork, side tables, or extra chairs. Doing so can prevent impulse buys on non-urgent products and help you prioritize items that will make your home functional.

2. Have a Clear Vision

Think about how you want each room to look and feel. Sticking to a clear design aesthetic will save you from unnecessary spending and making mismatched purchases. Whether your style is modern minimalist or cozy and eclectic, a focused vision will help you stay on theme and avoid the trap of buying items just because they’re on sale.

3. Create a Realistic Budget

It’s easy to overspend when excitement takes over, so having a number in mind will keep you on track. Once you know what you need, it’s time to figure out how much you can spend. Research the average prices of the items on your checklist. Then, calculate how much you’re willing to spend on each room and item. This will help you establish a realistic budget and prioritize your purchases.

4. Prioritize One Room at a Time

It’s tempting to want to furnish your entire house, apartment, or college living quarters all at once, but this can quickly lead to overspending. Instead, focus on one room at a time. Start with spaces you’ll use the most, such as the bedroom or living room. By prioritizing, you’ll have a comfortable and functional room to enjoy right away while giving yourself time to budget for other areas of the house.

Furnishing and decorating your first home should be enjoyable, not stressful, so pacing yourself will help you save money and stay within your financial means.

5. Focus on Multi-Functional Furniture

When space and budget are tight, it pays to invest in furniture that serves more than one purpose. A sofa bed, for instance, offers both seating and sleeping options. Ottomans with storage can double as seating and hide away blankets or toys. Look for pieces that save space and offer practicality.

6. Consider Rent-to-Own or Flexible Payment Options

If you’re dreaming of a more expensive piece but can’t afford to pay for it upfront, rent-to-own options may be worth considering. Rent-A-Center allows you to get what you want now by making manageable rental payments, giving you room to manage other household expenses. Plus, if you find a piece no longer suits your space, or you’re ready for an upgrade, RAC Exchange offers the flexibility to exchange items within the first six months of your agreement*.

7. Thrift and Buy Secondhand

One of the best tips for furnishing your first home and staying within budget is to explore secondhand or thrifted options. Thrift stores, online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, consignment shops, and local garage sales are goldmines for affordable, high-quality furniture. You might even find pieces that, with a little DIY love, can be transformed into statement pieces for your home. Just be sure to inspect secondhand furniture for any structural damage, but don’t be afraid of items that need a little TLC. A fresh coat of paint or new upholstery can work wonders on older pieces, transforming them into standout items in your home.

8. Keep Decor Simple and Personal

Finally, don’t feel pressured to fill your home with expensive decor right away. You can personalize your space with affordable or DIY artwork, photos, or handmade items. Plants, books, and other simple accents can also add warmth and character to your home without breaking the bank.

9. Shop Quality Rent-to-Own Products at Rent-A-Center

Furnishing a new home on a budget requires careful planning. Whether you’re furnishing an entire home or just a few rooms, Rent-A-Center has everything you need—from cozy living room furniture and stylish dining sets to must-have appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. And if an item doesn’t align with your initial vision of your space, RAC Exchange allows you to swap them out within six months of purchase*.

Don’t stress about furnishing your first home from scratch—take it one step at a time. Shop online or visit your nearest Rent-A-Center today!

*“RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.