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The 13 Best Places to Buy Budget Furniture of 2024

Affordable options that don't sacrifice style or quality

Amazon Brand Rivet Luna Upholstered Crescent Mid-Century Accent Chair

Spruce / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Buying budget furniture is a delicate balancing act. You want to save where you can, but also you want quality pieces for your home that will last. Naturally, there's also concern over finding pieces of furniture that fit your taste, and a lower budget can make it seem like your options are limited.

However, we're here to put all of these misconceptions to bed. It's possible to find affordable, well-made furniture—plenty of retailers on the market also offer a variety of affordable furniture styles so you'll be sure to find something you like.

"The key to shopping affordably is to be selective and look for items that are made with better materials so that they last longer," says interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel. This means avoiding pieces made from thin particleboard and sticking with solid wood (when available) and metal-reinforced frames.

We researched dozens of retailers that offer budget furniture for all rooms of the house, have quality materials, and include easy delivery options at checkout. Whether you're hoping to design the traditional room of your dreams or go minimalist with clean lines and natural hues, the best places to buy furniture on a budget are within reach.

Amazon Rivet

Amazon Rivet collection sofa

Amazon

Amazon's furniture selection runs the gamut from top-rated customer faves on brands you may have heard of to products with longer shipping times and questionable quality. However, Amazon's private brand, Rivet, can't be beaten for a budget-friendly, mid-century modern look. The selection includes reversible sectional sofas, tufted loveseats, and more. One of the best-sellers includes the Revolve Modern Upholstered Loveseat Sofa, a vintage-inspired two-seater with tapered legs and a sturdy wooden frame.

To save even more, look for products that have a gently used version, which knocks off a few dollars. Also, the Featured Deals section has sale items that can be up to 30 percent off. Many smaller items like ottomans, tables, and even couches have fast delivery via Prime, but some product's state delivery may take longer due to size or weight.

Best For: Mid-century modern seating | Return policy: Within 30 days of purchase | Delivery options: Home delivery, assembly for an additional fee

Wayfair

Wayfair dining furniture

Wayfair

It's hard to find an item of furniture that Wayfair doesn't sell. The accent chairs and vanity sets often have some of the most statement-making styles, like the bold yet versatile Mercury Row Rowell Vanity. When you have a corner in a room that needs a stylish yet functional chair, you'll find sleek armless styles like the 17 Stories Tufted Upholstered Accent or wider designs that even swivel or come with a matching ottoman.

An honorable mention has to go to the makeup vanity sets, many crafted from solid wood, that work for a range of bedroom or bathroom decor schemes and provide the perfect amount of storage for any makeup or beauty products.

Wayfair often has sales going on, but for extra savings, some pieces have "Open Box" pricing, for items returned by a customer, that are inspected and sold for a discount. Unfortunately, sometimes the furniture sets are difficult to assemble, which Wayfair doesn't have quality control over because it is a multi-seller platform. Nonetheless, this is a great option for young, new homeowners or young adults moving into their first apartment.

Best For: Farmhouse and modern furniture | Return policy: Within 30 days for most items | Delivery options: Home delivery, assembly for an additional fee

Etsy

Vintage chair from Etsy

Etsy

If you've ever shopped on Etsy, you know it can be an incredible black hole. The general furniture category alone has almost half a million items, but it is a great place to shop for vintage furniture full of character—all while supporting small business owners.

On Etsy's site, you can find modern styles, more minimalist pieces, mid-century modern, and more. There's also a great selection for DIY additions like knobs and hairpin table legs if you want to upgrade any of your current pieces. To truly narrow down your selection, use the handy filters to refine for price, shipping time, style, and seller location.

Etsy is similar to Wayfair in its shipping and quality control. While Etsy is full of wonderful small businesses, it's always best to research and avoid fake product listings or storefronts. Shipping times will also vary based on each shop's size and capacity.

Best For: Vintage, collectible pieces | Return policy: Varies based on seller | Delivery options: Varies based on seller

Kaiyo

Kaiyo Furniture

Courtesy of Kaiyo

Kaiyo is one of our favorite places to find secondhand furniture online, offering up to 70 percent off brand-name pieces. It's great while searching for a specific brand or style, as you can filter by each. We're especially partial to the table offerings, which range from mid-century to vintage to sculptured gold nightstands.

How it works: Individual sellers sell their goods to Kaiyo and, after receiving and inspecting the items, Kaiyo reps list them on the site. While pieces are by no means cheap—some cost upwards of a few thousand dollars—you can still find prices significantly lower than buying new. The more statement-making finds are great when you've had your eye on a high-end piece but don't want to pay the full price.

Kaiyo cleans all incoming furniture with industrial-grade equipment and, depending on your area (NY, NJ, CT), the company offers white glove service in as little as two days. Other areas rely on third-party delivery, which takes at least two weeks.

Best For: Pre-owned tables and chairs | Return policy: All sales final | Delivery options: Warehouse pickup, home delivery

Walmart

TV stand from Walmart displayed in a living room setting

Walmart

Similar to a retailer like Amazon, Walmart also sells a range of products—and, of course, that extends to furniture. But unlike Amazon, you can head to the closest Walmart location and check out the furniture in person.

One particular category we recommend perusing is the TV stands, available from various brands. The stands can accommodate televisions in the 80-inch range or smaller ones for more compact spaces. Several options have storage for entertainment accessories, like the modern Whalen Payton 3-in-1 Flat Panel TV Stand.

With many items having a 90-day return, you'll have ample time to try an item before deciding it's for you. Just note that products that have been delivered or picked up from a store have to be returned to the store. And for products that aren't sold directly from Walmart, the return policies can be different, so it's always great to read the fine print.

Best For: Easy-to-move entertainment centers | Return policy: Within 90 days of purchase for most items | Delivery options: In-store pickup, home delivery

Ikea

Billy/Oxberg Bookcase

IKEA

IKEA has been selling good-looking, nicely-priced products since the 1940s. Whether you shop online or in one of the massive warehouse stores, you'll be guaranteed to find a huge selection of items like furniture, lighting fixtures, and textiles.

In addition to being a great furniture option for those just starting (think: college students or first-time apartment dwellers), the retailer also has some solid options that can work for a range of styles, especially if you want to create a custom closet wardrobe system. The Billy Bookcase and Pax Wardrobe System are popular options that can be configured in countless ways.

IKEA passes the savings onto you in a few ways: nearly everything comes flat-packed and must be assembled unless you opt for their $69 assembly service. If you're shopping in person, we recommend checking the stock online before you go. You can find out how many units are available, which warehouse aisle to visit, and even use the "Click and Collect" option to order ahead.

Best For: Minimalist bookcases and closet systems | Return policy: 180 days for used products | Delivery options: In-store pickup or home delivery

HomeGoods

HomeGoods accent furniture

HomeGoods

This brick-and-mortar company has over 800 locations nationally and claims to offer brand-name items for up to 60 percent less than its competitors. Once upon a time, the only online presence was a simple page listing store locations, but now you can shop online. On the retailer's site, you'll find pieces like statement-making chairs, patio furniture, and unique decor accents.

While shopping in person, you'll find more one-of-a-kind selections. Snatch items up quickly, as the inventory changes frequently. And if you see an item with minimal damage you can live with, don't be shy about seeking out a manager and asking for an extra reduction (shoppers have been known to save 5 to 10 percent for things like small dings).

Best For: Patio furniture, throw pillows, and small items | Return policy: Within 40 days of purchase | Delivery options: Home delivery

TJMaxx

TJMaxx online furniture ottoman

TJMaxx


Like HomeGoods, TJMaxx used to have a thrill-of-the-hunt factor that required you to go into the stores to find bargain deals. You're still more likely to find those deals in brick-and-mortar locations, but the e-commerce site also has a steady supply of online bargains—especially on ottomans or storage solutions. You can find ottomans and poufs for less than $50 and in fun colors and prints. Many are handcrafted and have beautiful woven details that add texture to a room.

Understandably, the quantities of these affordable goods can be quite limited, so you'll need to commit to your purchase quickly. For some larger items, the shipping returns have a surcharge, and items returned in stores have a return window of up to 40 days after purchase.

Best For: Floor pillows, ottomans, and poufs | Return policy: Within 30-40 days for most items | Delivery options: Home delivery

Bob's Discount Furniture

Bob's Discount Furniture Virgo Couch

Bob's Discount Furniture

This nationwide retailer, which sells online and in stores, offers ways to deliver furniture to your home, and the living room sets are great options. You can search for pieces based on material, the number of seats, and even arm styles. The coordinated sets often come in solid, classic hues like black, tan, or navy, but there are some occasional prints. Many of the couches and loveseats come with the Bob-O-Pedic memory foam which conforms to the body.

While shopping, you might notice the option to add on Goof Proof protection. This five-year warranty can range from $40 to $400, depending on the price of the actual furniture. It covers rips, scratches, stains, and more. Also, Bob's has a few delivery options from basic in-store pickup to white glove delivery with delivery, assembling, and trash removal.

Best For: Living room seating sets | Return policy: Limited returns | Delivery options: Home delivery, white glove service, assembly

Target

Astrid Dining Table displayed in a dining room setting

Target

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't know the national retailer Target—but because the retailer sells so much, it can feel overwhelming to shop for furniture. Though Target sells a range of furniture (sofas, tables, desks, shelves, and more) at affordable prices, it specializes in colorful statement pieces. It's easy to shop for pieces by prints like florals, geometric patterns, or animal prints and even by color combos that perfectly complement one another, like red and gold or gray and silver.

The luxe-for-less feel of many bar carts, side tables, and upholstered chairs makes any space feel more elevated. Also, Target's exclusive collections with brands like Jungalow and Hearth & Hand offer selections for those who want something more colorful or classic, respectively.

Best For: Colorful or farmhouse furniture | Return policy: Within 90 days for most items | Delivery options: In-store pickup and home delivery

The Home Depot

Flowerhouse Hanging Pumpkin Patio Swing Chair

The Home Depot

The Home Depot isn't just the place to pick up a few odds and ends to fix your home; the furniture selection is vast enough to outfit every room in your house. The retailer's home-office furniture includes thousands of desk options online. There are L-shaped desks for those larger office spaces, vintage-style writing desks, standing desks, and others with glam accents like gold hardware. The quality is top notch and many of the products have great customer reviews breaking down the pros and cons.

Shop even easier by selecting desks based on price and features like additional storage, an open back, USB ports, and more. After selecting the perfect desk, there's no shortage of desk chairs either. For extra savings, the Special Buys section offers greatly discounted prices.

Best For: Home office furniture | Return policy: Within 90 days for most items | Delivery options: In-store pickup, home delivery, and assembly for an additional fee

All Modern

All Modern table

All Modern

This Wayfair-owned online retailer focuses on, you guessed it, contemporary-looking furniture (as well as textiles, lighting, and more), and shopping here means you'll get perks like free shipping when you spend $35 or more and easy returns if you're within the 30-day window. And if you suddenly want to redo your living room, many items can arrive within two days. The site makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, even if you don't know what you need.

The "Room Ideas" section is especially useful: you choose an image that inspires you, and the site will generate a Pinterest-esque page with products from the photo, noting whether they're exact matches or "something similar." We recommend selecting a photo with a piece (like a couch) that resembles something you already own and love. The pieces have a modern edge, but with a classic style, and each furniture category has a sale section.

Best For: Contemporary and wooden furniture | Return policy: Refund or credit within 30 days on most items | Delivery options: Free shipping on items more than $35, fee for furniture assembly

Costco

Costco Dining

Costco

Costco might be known as the place to buy bulk grocery items, but check out the furniture, too. This is especially true if you're in the market for a large leather sectional. There are dozens of options for buttery soft brown, beige, and black leather couches. Some of them look quite similar, but the "compare product" feature makes it a bit easier to narrow down choices. There's also the option to search for couches based on left or right-facing sectionals.

Shipping varies based on proximity to a warehouse, but there's also a quick ship option for select goods. While membership is necessary to shop in stores, anyone can shop for furniture via the Costco website, with a few pieces reserved solely for members.

Best For: Leather sectional sofas | Return policy: 100 percent satisfaction guarantee policy, return time frame varies | Delivery options: Home delivery can take up to six weeks

What to Look for When Buying Budget Furniture

Inventory Size

There’s nothing more inconvenient than shopping in-store or online at a retailer that only sells a particular type of furniture. When shopping around for budget furniture, a large, diverse inventory ensures you can easily narrow down what you like and don't like as well.

Our list includes retailers specializing in one decor style and others offering various furniture styles. Larger retailers like Walmart have pieces for the bedroom, living room, outdoor spaces, and more. This is great if you don’t want to visit multiple stores or incur shipping fees from different retailers.

However, if you want to design a room around a specific piece of furniture, we recommend researching retailers with unique offerings in that category. We love All Modern because it sells mid-century modern and contemporary furniture at reasonable prices.

Return Policy

Shopping for furniture, especially if you’re doing so online, can come with challenges. Making returns has to be one of the biggest hassles. That’s why it’s important to find a reputable retailer and read the return policy (especially look at the fine print). Some retailers make returns a breeze with free pickups from your home, but other experiences might be less convenient if you have to re-package and return a large item like a dining room table or sofa. Not only can this feel like a hassle, but it can be quite expensive, which makes that affordable piece of furniture quite costly.

Despite being known for challenging assembly instructions, Ikea offers the best return policy on our list with 180 days on used items. This means that you can return items that have already been painstakingly assembled if you decide they're not a fit for your home.

Delivery and Assembly

Many retailers advertise free shipping for most furniture, but that’s not always available. Before checking out online, calculate your shipping costs, which usually entails entering your delivery zip code. Some businesses will charge a flat fee, while others base the total delivery cost on weight or order amount.

Assembly is another issue to factor in. A store like Ikea is known for keeping prices low, but you assemble the furniture yourself. You can pay an extra fee for a third party to assemble furniture and some stores like Bob’s Discount offer white-glove service.  

FAQ
  • When’s the best time to buy furniture?

    Just like purchasing outerwear or a swimsuit, certain times of the year are just better than others when it comes to buying furniture. January and July can be great times to find great deals before new styles are released. And, of course, there are holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July where shoppers can save more than 20 percent on some furniture.

  • When on a budget, is it better to opt for new or used furniture?

    The choice to buy new or used furniture can come down to budget, but also personal style. Buying new pieces can provide a more immediate solution if you know exactly what you’re looking for and have a specific type of furniture in mind, like a modular sofa that perfectly complements your existing decor. That same amazing piece can be found used, but it might take a bit more time to find just what you’re looking for. However, if you’re not beholden to a specific timetable, you can absolutely find used furniture that ranges from a functional, classic piece to a decor stunner that makes any space pop.

  • How can you make furniture look more expensive?

    One of the easiest ways to make furniture look more expensive is to add in the high and low mix, whether that means actual pieces or even material choice. A few stylish pillows or a throw blanket in materials like velvet or super soft fleece can make a wallet-friendly couch look way more expensive than its actual price tag. Also, just having one higher-end piece like a bedroom dresser or oversized couch can be the focal point of a room and then makes it easier to add in more budget-friendly choices. "A well-thought-out, curated room can make even the least expensive items look more high-end," says M+A Architects interior designer Kim Frencho.

Why Trust The Spruce?


This roundup was updated by Patrice J. Williams, who has been writing gift guides for The Spruce since 2020. She researched notable brands for unique, quality, but wallet-friendly furniture items, and consulted with experts for tips on finding the best budget furniture and ways to make a space look expensive and luxe.

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