How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House

Furnishing a house in the UK can be a rewarding but costly part of setting up home. Whether you're moving into your first property, upgrading from rental furniture or starting again after a renovation, the total cost to fully furnish a house can vary dramatically depending on your style preferences, the size of the property and whether you are buying new, second-hand or bespoke items.

The cost of furnishing a house typically ranges between £5,000 and £25,000, although it can be more or less depending on how much you already own and what level of finish you are aiming for. This guide breaks down the key costs, what to expect room by room and how to make smart choices to suit your budget.

Why costs vary so widely

There is no fixed cost for furnishing a house because everyone’s situation is different. A one-bedroom flat for a first-time buyer will have different requirements to a four-bedroom detached family home. Style preferences also play a major role. High-street furnishings and flat-pack solutions will be significantly cheaper than designer brands or solid wood, made-to-measure pieces.

Your location also matters. Delivery charges and availability vary depending on whether you live in a city or a rural area. You may also need to factor in removal services, fitting costs or installation for things like curtains, appliances or built-in wardrobes.

Room-by-room cost overview

The living room is usually the most expensive room to furnish after the kitchen. A good quality sofa can cost between £600 and £2,000, while a coffee table, TV unit, side tables, lighting and soft furnishings might add another £800 to £1,500. If you want luxury finishes or large-scale furniture, the cost can rise quickly.

For the bedroom, a standard double bed and mattress can range from £300 to £1,500, with wardrobes, chest of drawers and bedside tables adding £500 to £2,000 more. You will also need to budget for bedding, curtains and lighting.

Dining rooms vary depending on space. A small table and four chairs might cost £300 to £800, while a larger dining set with six or more chairs could easily reach £1,200 or more. Add sideboards, mirrors and decorative accessories and the price increases further.

Kitchens often come fitted, but you will need to furnish them with white goods such as a fridge, washing machine, oven, and small appliances like a kettle, toaster and microwave. Budgeting between £2,000 and £4,000 for appliances and kitchenware is realistic if you need everything new.

Bathrooms require less furniture, but you will still need towels, storage, mirrors and accessories. A realistic budget for furnishing one bathroom is around £200 to £500.

Home offices, if required, add another layer of cost. A basic desk and chair may only be £150, but ergonomic furniture, shelving, storage and tech equipment like monitors and printers can push the total above £1,000.

Furnishing an entire home: typical totals

For a small one-bedroom flat with basic but good quality furniture, you might expect to spend around £5,000 to £7,000. A modest two or three-bedroom house, fully furnished with mid-range items, is more likely to cost £10,000 to £15,000. For a larger four-bedroom home with quality finishes, bespoke furniture and accessories, £20,000 to £25,000 or more is quite typical.

If you are furnishing from scratch, it is advisable to plan a room-by-room budget and prioritise essential items first. It’s also common to furnish in stages, focusing on practical needs before decorative elements.

Saving money without sacrificing style

Second-hand furniture markets, charity shops and online marketplaces offer major savings and can help reduce waste. Many items, especially dining tables, bookshelves and storage units, can be bought used for a fraction of the cost and restored with some creativity.

Rental furniture services are also gaining popularity for short-term needs or temporary setups. While these options may not be ideal for everyone, they allow flexibility without a large upfront spend.

For new items, shopping during seasonal sales and looking for clearance deals can reduce costs significantly. Many retailers offer bundle deals for kitchen appliances or bedroom furniture sets, which can offer better value than buying individual pieces.

Should you hire an interior designer?

If you are working with a larger budget and want a cohesive design scheme, hiring an interior designer may help avoid costly mistakes. Some designers offer one-off consultations, while others manage full furnishing and installation. Fees vary, but expect to pay between £500 and £5,000 depending on the scope of the project and level of involvement.

For high-end homes or rental investments, a designer may also help increase the property’s value or rental yield by creating a professional, appealing space.

Conclusion

Furnishing a house in the UK can cost anywhere from a few thousand to over twenty thousand pounds depending on your needs, tastes and how much you already own. By budgeting carefully, shopping smart and tackling the process room by room, you can furnish your home in a way that reflects your lifestyle without overspending. Whether you opt for designer finishes or practical basics, thoughtful furnishing turns a house into a home.