Top 10 Best Places to Buy Furniture on a Budget

Wondering where to find affordable furniture? Then keep reading, because I'm sharing all the best places to buy furniture on a budget!

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If you're a homebody, there's probably isn't much you love more than day dreaming about a beautifully decorated home!

I love imagining my perfectly decorated apartment, each corner filled with the most fabulous and unique finds. The reality though is that my husband and I move a lot, and we have a tight budget. So I need to be careful about what I purchase.

Sometimes when dreams meet real life (aka your budget), decorating can be a little depressing. It doesn't have to be though!

Whether you're moving into your first place, your living room needs updating, or like me, you don't want to spend a lot on furniture that might not fit your next apartment, it's possible to find good quality furniture on a budget.

You just need to know where to shop, and I'm sharing all my secret (and not so secret) places below!

Best Places to Buy Furniture on a Budget

Everyone's budget is different. So what's affordable to one person, might be expensive to you.

I'm sharing 10 different cheap places to buy furniture below. And there's something for every budget here, whether you've searching for freebies, got pennies to burn, or even have a couple thousand to spend.

1. Furniture Clearance Centers

A furniture clearance center is exactly what it sounds like: a store that sells furniture at a big discount. Depending on the store, the furniture you find there might be new (usually closeouts on certain styles) or even gently used.

For example, a lot of the furniture pictured in this article is from my local CORT Clearance Center. All of the furniture was well-made, and they carried a huge range of style, from contemporary to mid-century modern to traditional.

Most cities have furniture clearance centers. Look for stores that carry good-quality furniture. And make sure to shop around so you have a general idea of what things cost ... sometimes the discounts aren't that great.

Another option is to shop discount stores, like HomeGoods, as well as lower-priced furniture stores, like Bob's Discount Furniture. And don't forget about, online at destinations like Joss and Main and One Kings Lane, which both sell beautiful furniture and accessories at a discount. Prices really vary at these stores, from steals to budget-busters ... don't get your heart set too quickly!

2. Big Box Stores

Big box stores are one of the best places to buy furniture on a budget! You know the ones ... Target, Home Depot, IKEA, World Market, etc. These are the places that carry all your household essentials and maybe even groceries.

You'll find budget-friendly styles that range from classic to trendy at these stores. And if you're starting from scratch, you'll probably find everything you need to furnish your home ... from plates to rugs to couches (and more).

When you buy furniture from big box stores, you need to be realistic about quality. Often (though not always) cheap prices equate to poor craftsmanship.

The pieces you purchase from a big box store may not last a lifetime, so consider that carefully before you make a purchase. And if you're shopping online, make sure to measure carefully before clicking purchase.

Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for discounts or enquire about rewards programs! World Market, for example, is currently offering 20% off for first responders, healthcare professionals, and teachers (through 3/1/21).

3. Department Stores

Department stores, like Macy's, tend to carry higher quality furniture brands, but they aren't exactly known for their deals and steals. Hear me out though!

If you want to find affordable furniture at a department store, then you need to wait for a big sale. Shop around and find the furniture you like, then be patient.

Many department stores also offer coupons. To get the best price at these stores, you'll want to use coupons on top of the sale prices.

Sales are frequent these days! So sign up for email updates, then wait for the sale notifications and special coupons to roll in.

4. Thrift + Vintage Stores

If you love bargain hunting, thrift stores can be a great place to buy affordable furniture!

Of course, you're unlikely to visit a thrift store and find exactly what you're looking for on your first visit. The selection is always changing, and some of thrift shops don't carry furniture, so you'll need to do some hunting.

My best thrifting tip is to make a list of everything you're looking for. Then, visit your fave stores frequently ... once a week, at the very least. Eventually, that dream item will show up!

Vintage stores are another option. These stores tend to be more carefully curated, and therefore more expensive than thrift stores. That doesn't mean you won't find occasional deals though.

Once you spot something you like, examine it very carefully. Keep an eye out for damage that can't be easily repaired.

5. Amazon 

What can't you find on Amazon these days? Not much! And Amazon is an excellent source of affordable home decor, too.

They carry everything from lamps to beds to couches ... and so much more! Like big box stores, you could truly furnish your home from top to bottom there.

When shopping on Amazon, always read the reviews very carefully. You will find well-known decor brands, like Safavieh, being sold alongside shoddily made knockoffs. And it can be hard to tell them apart sometimes ... learn from other's mistakes (ha)!

It's vital to check the return policy on everything you purchase, too. Some items cannot be returned.

6. Hand Me Downs

If you have friends or family with good taste, there's always the possibility that you might inherit their hand me downs. Especially if you drop a few hints.

Do you need a dining table or a couple end tables? Let your circle know that you're trying to furnish your home. You never know what they may offer you for cheap or even free.

Of course, someone else's dining table might not be exactly your style. A little paint or new upholstery can go a long way though! Plus, you can always replace these items down the road.

Hand me downs are also the best way to furnish a new apartment when you're just starting out. So don't be afraid to ask for a little help getting started.

Don't have any generous friends? Check out Freecycle! Someone in your community might have a gem that they're giving away for free. One of my friends scored a giant, beautiful rug on Freecycle ... you never know what you'll find!

7. Outlet Stores

Like clearance centers, outlets are another excellent options for scoring off-price furniture.

The difference is that while clearance center tend to carry products from various brands (or even no-name brands), outlets feel like cheaper versions of your favorite stores, like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, or Room & Board. 

The stock at these stores changes frequently, so make sure to visit often. And for the best deals, make sure to shop during sales.

8. Estate and Yard Sales

Estate and yard sales are some of the best places to find affordable furniture. Like thrifting, shopping these pop-up sales can be hit or miss, but they're one of the best—and most fun—ways to find unique pieces or even antiques.

Just like thrifting, the more frequent your visits, the better your chances of finding something you love. And get there early! If you sleep in, chances are the best finds are going to be gone.

If you enjoy visiting estate sales, make sure to sign up for alerts. You'll get notified of upcoming sales and may even be able to preview the offerings.

9. Mid-Price Furniture Stores

Love West Elm, Crate and Barrel, CB2, or someplace similar, but it's just a little too pricey? Yup, me too!

Sign up for their newsletters, then wait for sales and coupons. You can usually really save a lot of money if you just have a little patience.

Occasionally, these stores will also sell their floor samples ... often at a steep discount. Just make sure to inspect them carefully to make sure they're not too dinged up.

10. Online Classifieds

The last place I'd suggest searching for affordable furniture is online classifieds. These ads can range from national websites, like Craigslist, to local groups that you find via social media, like Facebook Marketplace.

Often, searching online classifieds is a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but with a little perseverance you can find some gems.

As with furniture from thrift stores, you'll want to inspect anything you find carefully. And don't be afraid to bargain a little!

Tips for Finding for Budget-Friendly Furniture

Ready to start shopping? Before you get too excited, keep these in mind:

• Have an open mind. Did you find something you like, but it's not quite perfect? Maybe all it needs is a little love, aka painting, reupholstering, polishing, etc. It's amazing what a difference some TLC can make!
• Don't be afraid of second hand. Does the thought of used furniture give you the heebee jeebees? You might be surprised by what you find ... give it a chance! 
• Ask about return policies. We all make mistakes. Make sure yours isn't permanent by asking about the store's policies before handing over your credit card.
• Keep a running list of what you need. The temptation with cheap furniture is to snap it up FAST ... whether you actually need it or not. To stay on track and avoid wasting money, keep a running list of the furniture you actually need.
• Know your measurements. There's nothing worse than finding that perfect piece, only to discover that it's too big (or too small) once you drag it home. To avoid disappointment, measure your living areas carefully and keep a list of sizes needed. In a pinch, ask the store if they can hold it for you for a day or two.
• Always inspect carefully. A few minor nicks and scratches are fine, but avoid anything that's stained unless you're sure you'll be able to get it out.
• Shop with quality in mind. It's tempting to purchase cheap throwaway furniture when your budget is super tight. It ends up being more expensive in the long run though, not to mention it's really bad for the environment. It's much better to buy a high-quality, yet affordable piece from a thrift store (or yard sale) than a piece of junk you'll throw away a year later.
• Hold out for a sale. Unless you're thrifting (although thrift stores have sales, too!) or yard shopping, it usually makes the most sense to hold out for a sale. Ask the sales associate when the next sale is and sign up for email updates.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! If you're looking for more home decor ideas, check out these posts next: How to Decorate a Small Patio on a Budget  |  Easy Bathroom Refresh  |  Tips for Organizing a Small Kitchen  |  5 Free (or Cheap) Home Decor Ideas.

And before you go, make sure to let me know your favorite place to find cheap furniture in the comments!