So, let's chat about a big question in our inbox currently: How much does it cost to furnish a living room? I've been getting this one a lot lately, especially since I've been knee-deep in living room makeovers. And you know what? I'm all about keeping it real, even when it comes to money talk which can make people feel a little overwhelmed and cagey. I have previously touched on what to expect when furnishing your master bedroom, which you can read here.
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:
Here's the thing; you're probably going to be shocked when we get to the figures part. Why? Most people don't buy everything all at once when they're furnishing their living space. It's usually a gradual process over a year or more—maybe you start with a new sofa, then snag a rug, and eventually add in an armchair or some curtains. You never really stop to think about how much you've spent. Working with a designer means tackling everything in one fell swoop, and let's face it, seeing that grand total can be a bit overwhelming!
But here's the silver lining: working with a designer brings its perks too. Picture this: your entire space, from top to bottom, flawlessly designed and coordinated—all without the hassle of hopping from store to store or stressing over styling. It's being able to come home to your dream space every day, without lifting a finger. With a designer, you can sit back, relax, and bask in the beauty of your newly transformed space. So, while the figure may seem daunting, the end result is pure bliss.
Now, let's break down the numbers a bit. Say you've just moved to a new place, you've got nothing currently, you have been saving up to furnish your living space and you've got a budget of $7,000. Sounds like a decent chunk of change, right? Well, it is. It absolutely is. But here's the kicker: the average price of a mid-range couch in Australia is now $3,000. And you've got a family, so you need two to seat everyone comfortably. That is almost your entire budget gone, on these two couches. So, when you factor in all the other pieces you need, that budget starts to look a little tighter. Okay, A LOT tighter.
Here's a list of what you'd need to fully furnish a family sized living room:
- Sofas (say you've got space for 3-seater and 2-seater)
- Floor rug
- Coffee table
- Armchair
- Side tables
- Entertainment unit
- Floor lamp
- Art
- Cushions
- Decor (but i wont include these in my calculations for this example)
Now, if we're talking mid-range prices from a retailer like Provincial Home Living, here's what you're looking at price wise:
- Kandos Sofas $3,499 + $2,999
- Dev rug $1,599
- Alley Coffee Table $1,299
- Ludwig Armchair x 2 $2,398
- Mandalay Side Table x 2 $798
- 4 Drawer Elm Table $1,699
- Brookyn Floor lamp $299.95
- Print $229.95
- Cushions x 6 $600
- Decor (not included)
GRAND TOTAL - $15,420.90.
You're looking at dropping over $15,000 on just the basics. That's before you even think about delivery fees, or ANY decorative and styling accents, and trust me, these are a MUST to bring the space together.
Additionally, this estimate does not include alternative lighting options such as pendant lights or wall sconces, which would require the services of an electrician for installation. Nor does it cover other expenses often included in a redesign such as repainting, replacing flooring, or installing wallpaper or curtains, should these things be required. It is purely BASIC FURNITURE.
Furthermore, the estimate does not factor in design fees.
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).
So What Budget Would I Recommend For A Family Sized Living Room?
I would consider $24,000 a good budget for full furniture and decor selection, with window furnishings and lighting (not including any painting or flooring, delivery or design fees).
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 space. 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 living space in a small apartment will have lower expenses compared to outfitting a large living space 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:
Don't panic! I'm not here to scare you off. I just want to make sure you know what you're getting into. Designing a space isn't cheap, but it's worth it for the finish.
And yeah, I get it—talking money can feel awkward. But trust me, it's better to lay it all out on the table from the get-go. I don't want to blindside you out of nowhere, but rather give you a realistic picture of what to expect. I may have some tricks up my sleeve, but I'm not a magician when it comes to budgets - you don't need to have a HUGE budget, but you do need a realistic one.
As we finish up, let us remember that the true value of a well-designed living space lies not in its price tag, but in the feeling it brings to our lives (especially considering it may just be the most used room in your home!).