Deciphering the Costs of Furnishing a Bedroom: A Guide
In the inbox of interior design enquiries, one question echoes louder than most: "How much does it cost to furnish a bedroom?" Join me as we unravel the intricacies of bedroom design budgets.
Understanding the Landscape:
Before we dive into specifics, it's essential to understand that pricing in the world of design is more art than science. While I'll provide you with a roadmap, it's crucial to view these figures as guideposts rather than gospel truth. The total expenditure can vary widely depending on factors like furniture selection, room size, and personal taste. While some may seek a quick fix at budget chains, others are willing to invest in quality craftsmanship. At Valhalla Home Co, we occupy the middle ground, prioritising value without compromising on quality and aesthetics, by mixing different qualities of furnishings.
Crafting the Estimate:
Let's kick things off by examining the master bedroom. This space often serves as the crown jewel of a home, prompting clients to invest more heavily here compared to say a guest or child's room.
The pricing estimates provided in this guide are derived from my experience, and considering my preference, prioritising lasting quality over budget options. While I don't exclusively select high-end products, neither do I opt for the cheapest options available. Instead, I aim for a balanced approach, curating selections that invest in quality where it matters most while seeking cost-effective solutions for other items.
But let's get to it. To furnish an entire bedroom typically amounts to around $15,000. While this figure may initially raise eyebrows, let's explore together how this total is reached and why it represents a worthwhile investment in creating a space for you to enjoy.
The Essentials:
Let's break down the essentials required to furnish a master bedroom:
- King bed and mattress
- 2 Bedsides for convenience and storage
- Lighting, for tasks and ambiance
- Wall art and/or mirrors to infuse personality and character into the room
- Storage solutions such as a chest of drawers to maintain organisation
- Seating and accent pieces for added comfort and visual interest, such as a rug
While this list serves as a foundation, the specific needs of each client will dictate the final selection of furnishings. The above is assuming it is currently an empty space with nothing to contribute to the design to save costs.
A Closer Look:
Let's examine a selection of furnishings sourced from a reputable retailer like Provincial Home Living to illustrate the cost breakdown:
- Frankie 4-post king-size bed: $3,299
- King-size mattress from Koala: $1,390
- Fitzroy bedside tables (x2): $1,358
- Martha table lamps (x2): $379.90
- Ranger Print: $229.95
- Kabri Rug: $999
- Montrose chest of drawers: $2,399
- Tallulah upholstered armchair: $2,499
- Brooklyn floor lamp: $299.95
- Marble top side table: $249.95
Total Estimated Expenditure: $13,103.75
However, it's essential to recognise that this figure represents the base cost and does not account for custom pieces, bedding, or decorative and styling accents, and you really want those to bring the space together.
Additionally, this estimate does not include alternative lighting options such as pendant lights, which would require the services of an electrician for installation. Nor does it cover other expenses often included in a bedroom redesign such as repainting, replacing flooring, or installing wallpaper/decorate trims or curtains, should these things be required. It is purely FURNITURE.
Furthermore, the estimate does not factor in design fees. When working with a designer, it's typical to source items from various suppliers, resulting in multiple delivery fees, the estimate also does not include these fees.
When sourcing from various suppliers, I often employ a strategic blend of cost-effective and premium pieces to achieve a harmonious aesthetic without compromising quality.
It's important to recognise that pricing varies depending on the retailer and the quality of materials. For instance, while IKEA offers budget-friendly options and would be cheaper than Provincial Home Living, brands like Globewest may command higher prices for their premium craftsmanship and as such will be higher price than Provincial (which I consider to be mid-tier which is why I selected it for this experiment).
Navigating the Budgetary Terrain:
Working with an interior designer offers distinct advantages beyond creative vision and project management. Designers have access to exclusive stock and pricing not available to the general public, which can significantly impact the overall cost of furnishing a space. Not all designers pass along their discounted access, I however do.
Additionally, part of a designer's role is to align your vision with your budget. By understanding your financial parameters, designers can curate a selection of furnishings and decor that meet your needs while staying within budgetary constraints.
Your personal design preferences also play a significant role in determining the overall cost of furnishing your bedroom. For instance, minimalist styles may require fewer items, resulting in lower expenses. If like me, you prefer a layered aesthetic, expect a higher investment to achieve that desired look and feel.
Generally, a bedroom in a small apartment will have lower expenses compared to outfitting a master suite in a suburban home. The square meterage of the room plays a pivotal role in determining the overall expenditure also, especially when you start needing more furniture for the space.
Keep in mind, even smaller rooms can reach these figures. In such cases, while the number of items may be limited, the selection may consist of furnishings crafted from premium materials or bespoke pieces sourced from top-tier suppliers.
Final Considerations:
As I mentioned earlier, determining the cost of furnishing a master bedroom is not an exact science. Nevertheless, I trust that this guide, coupled with a commitment to transparency, has provided valuable insights into the potential costs to expect.
It is worth noting that achieving a stunning bedroom design IS possible across a spectrum of price points. In terms of budgetary guidance, I would recommend aiming for an expenditure in the vicinity of $15,000.
As we finish up, let us remember that the true value of a well-designed bedroom lies not in its price tag, but in the feeling it brings to our lives.