How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Flat?

Furnishing a flat from scratch is one of those tasks that feels manageable until you start adding things up. The short answer: expect to spend between £3,000 and £10,000 depending on the size of your flat and how you approach it. Here’s a clear breakdown by room and budget level, with no fluff.

Furnishing costs: an overview

The total cost depends on three main factors: the size of your flat, your budget level, and how much you’re willing to buy secondhand.

Budget level	Typical cost (one-bed flat)	Where to shop
Budget	£3,000 to £4,000	IKEA, Argos, Facebook Marketplace, eBay
Mid-range	£5,000 to £7,000	Dunelm, Next Home, Made.com
Premium	£10,000+	John Lewis, bespoke or designer furniture

These figures are for a one-bedroom flat. A two-bed will naturally cost more, particularly if you’re furnishing a second bedroom from scratch.

Room-by-room breakdown

Living room

The living room is where most people spend the most time, and it’s usually where the biggest spend goes. Essentials include a sofa, coffee table, TV unit, rug, and curtains or blinds.

Budget level	Estimated cost
Budget	£500 to £1,000
Mid-range	£1,000 to £2,500
Premium	£2,500 and above

For example:

A budget sofa from IKEA might cost £350. The same size sofa from John Lewis could be £1,200 or more. Both do the job. The difference is largely in materials, longevity, and aesthetics. Start with what you need, and upgrade later when your budget allows.

If you’re planning to hang anything on the walls, it’s important to understand how to avoid damage when hanging heavy items, particularly if you’re renting.

Bedroom

The bedroom essentials are a bed frame, mattress, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and bedside tables. The mattress is worth spending a bit more on if you can.

Budget level	Estimated cost
Budget	£500 to £1,200
Mid-range	£1,200 to £3,000
Premium	£3,000 and above

Facebook Marketplace and charity shops are particularly good for bedroom furniture. Wardrobes, chests of drawers, and bedside tables are easy to find in good condition secondhand and often just need a quick clean.

Kitchen

Kitchen costs depend on what’s already provided by the landlord or included in the property. If you’re moving into a tenant furnished property, white goods like a fridge freezer or washing machine may already be there. If not, they’ll be your biggest kitchen expense.

Budget level	Estimated cost
Budget	£400 to £800
Mid-range	£800 to £2,000
Premium	£2,000 and above

For cookware, start with the basics: a couple of good pans, a chopping board, and a decent knife set. You can build from there. Avoid buying secondhand electricals due to safety concerns.

Bathroom

Bathrooms don’t usually need much furniture. Focus on towels, a bath mat, storage for toiletries, and a mirror.

Budget level	Estimated cost
Budget	£50 to £150
Mid-range	£150 to £400
Premium	£400 and above

This is one area where mid-range really isn’t necessary unless you want it to be. A decent set of towels from Dunelm and a simple mirror will do the job perfectly well.

General essentials and decor

Lighting, rugs, curtains, and cleaning supplies are easy to overlook when budgeting, but they add up quickly.

Budget level	Estimated cost
Budget	£200 to £500
Mid-range	£500 to £1,500
Premium	Variable

Curtains and blinds in particular can be surprisingly expensive if you’re buying for multiple rooms. Measure your windows before you shop, and consider ready-made options before going bespoke.

What to buy secondhand

Buying secondhand is one of the most effective ways to furnish a flat without overspending. Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, eBay, and local charity shops are all worth browsing for:

• Sofas and armchairs. Check the condition carefully before committing, and factor in the cost of getting it to your flat.
• Dining tables and chairs. These are often easy to sand, paint, or refinish to match your style.
• Storage: bookshelves, wardrobes, and chests of drawers.

One firm rule: avoid secondhand electricals. The safety risk isn’t worth the saving.

Tips for keeping costs down

• Prioritise the essentials first. Bed, sofa, and kitchen basics. Everything else can wait.
• Don’t furnish every room at once. It’s tempting to get it all done in one go, but spreading purchases over a few months reduces the financial hit.
• Check what’s included in your tenancy. Some properties come with white goods or fitted storage. Always check the inventory before buying something you don’t need.
• Look out for sales. IKEA, Dunelm, and Next Home all run regular promotions. Timing a purchase around a sale can save a meaningful amount.
• Consider making a rental feel like home on a budget. There are plenty of ways to personalise a space without spending a fortune.

Why contents insurance matters

Once you’ve invested in furnishing your flat, it’s worth protecting what you’ve bought. Contents insurance covers your belongings against theft, fire, and accidental damage. That includes your sofa, appliances, electronics, and anything else you own inside the property.

Your landlord’s building insurance covers the structure of the flat, not what’s inside it. That’s entirely down to you. Lemonade’s contents insurance is built for renters, straightforward to set up, and can be tailored to reflect what you actually own. If you have any higher-value items, like a designer bag, a watch, or expensive tech, it’s worth checking whether they need to be declared separately.

It’s also a good idea to document your belongings once you’ve furnished the flat, so you have a clear record if you ever need to make a claim.

Bottom line

Furnishing a flat is a significant upfront cost, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the essentials, be strategic about where you spend and where you save, and don’t underestimate what secondhand can offer. Once you’re set up, make sure your contents insurance reflects the value of what you’ve bought.

Furnishing a flat FAQs