Furnishing a house is a significant cost that first-time buyers and those moving to a larger property often underestimate when budgeting for the total cost of a move. The amount spent depends on how many rooms need furnishing, the quality level chosen, and whether any furniture is being brought from a previous property.

Room-by-Room Costs

Living room

A sofa and armchair from mid-range retailers costs six hundred to two thousand pounds. A coffee table, sideboard, and shelving add a further five hundred to one thousand five hundred pounds. A television and stand or wall mount add three hundred to one thousand pounds. Total living room furnishing at mid-range is typically one thousand five hundred to four thousand five hundred pounds.

Master bedroom

A mid-range double or king-size bed frame and mattress costs six hundred to two thousand pounds. Wardrobes or a fitted wardrobe system costs five hundred to three thousand pounds. Bedside tables and lighting add a further two hundred to five hundred pounds. Total master bedroom furnishing at mid-range is typically one thousand three hundred to five thousand five hundred pounds.

Additional bedrooms

Secondary bedrooms are often furnished more simply, particularly if used as guest rooms or children's rooms. A budget approach for a secondary bedroom with a bed, basic storage, and a desk costs five hundred to one thousand five hundred pounds per room.

Kitchen

If the property is unfurnished, kitchen appliances including fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, and microwave typically cost one thousand to three thousand pounds for mid-range appliances.

Dining room or kitchen-diner

A mid-range dining table and chairs cost four hundred to one thousand five hundred pounds.

Total Cost Estimates

For a typical three-bedroom house starting from scratch at mid-range quality, total furnishing costs of five thousand to fifteen thousand pounds are realistic. A budget approach buying from value retailers and auction houses could furnish the same house for three thousand to six thousand pounds. A premium approach with quality furniture from higher-end retailers and bespoke fitted wardrobes can easily exceed twenty-five thousand to forty thousand pounds for the same space.

Buying Strategies

Furniture can be bought new from high street or online retailers, second-hand from auction houses, Facebook Marketplace, and estate sales, or custom-made for specific spaces. Second-hand quality furniture often represents exceptional value, particularly for solid wood pieces that hold their quality well. Online marketplaces have made it easier than ever to find good-quality second-hand furniture locally. Mixing quality second-hand pieces with new items for soft furnishings and accessories is a cost-effective approach that often produces better results than buying everything new at a budget price point.

Summary

Furnishing a three-bedroom house costs three thousand to six thousand pounds at budget level, five thousand to fifteen thousand pounds at mid-range, and twenty-five thousand pounds or more at a premium level. Prioritising the most-used rooms and phasing the rest is a practical approach. Mixing quality second-hand furniture with new items is a cost-effective strategy that produces good results without the full cost of buying everything new.