How Much Does it Cost to Furnish a House in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Furnishing a house costs between $3,500 and $100,000, with most homeowners spending an average of $16,000. The size of your home, the rooms that require furnishing, and the quality of furniture you select have the largest impact on total costs. Hiring an experienced interior designer adds to your expenses but helps you make the most of your space, avoid costly mistakes, and create a cohesive look that fits your style and budget.

Cost to Furnish a Home by Room

Furnishing costs vary significantly depending on the size of your room and your desired layout. Bedrooms are often the most cost-effective to furnish, while dining and living rooms tend to be more expensive due to the higher quantity and type of furniture required.

Living Room

A standard living room setup costs between $4,000 and $6,000 and includes essentials such as a sofa, chairs, tables, and a media center.

Dining Room

Dining room furnishings cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more, covering a dining table, chairs, and storage or lighting solutions.

Bedroom

Furnishing a primary bedroom costs between $1,500 and $4,000, covering essentials such as a bed, dresser, nightstands, and decorative items.

Cost to Furnish a House By Size

The size of your home will determine costs. You can furnish a one-bedroom apartment for as low as $4,000 or a three-bedroom home for as low as $10,000. Whether you opt for standard, luxury, or custom items is up to your design preferences.

Furnishing a House Cost Factors

Several factors determine your total costs when furnishing a house, including the room sizes and layout, furniture quality, delivery and assembly fees, and labor rates.

Room Size and Layout

The size of your room and the number of rooms you have impact the cost. For example, a small two-seater sofa in a 500-square-foot living room is not practical for a family of four. You’d be better off with a fuller sofa or sectional to fill the space more effectively.

If you have tall, arched windows, you may require custom-made window treatments. For non-standard room shapes, furniture may need to be bespoke.

Furniture Quality

Furniture quality has a major impact on your overall budget. Luxury furniture made from high-end materials will drive your prices up, while more budget-friendly options will help reduce costs. Many homeowners opt for a mixture of cost-effective and luxury furniture to balance their budget. 

Buying most of your furnishings from a single supplier is often less expensive than sourcing from multiple outlets, as some smaller companies may offer bulk discounts or free delivery. However, buying from various retailers may offer more style options, but it can also increase delivery costs and complicate budgeting.

Deliveries

Build delivery fees into your budget to avoid unexpected costs. They can range from $50 to $500 depending on the store, your location, the number and type of items, and how quickly you want to receive them.

Shopping for large furniture items often means paying a delivery charge to the store or hiring a vehicle to bring them home. In many cases, furniture isn’t available for same-day pickup. You often have to order items like sofas, so hiring a van to get everything home at once may not be practical.

Assembly

If you’d rather skip the hassle, many retailers offer professional furniture-assembly services. Furniture assembly and installation services charge $40 to $190 per hour. Many providers have a one to two-hour minimum, with minimum fees ranging from $50 to $100 per visit. 

Total furniture assembly costs depend on where you live, the store from which you bought the furniture, and how much you have to assemble. Often, you can hire a local handyperson for this type of work.

Labor

If you have a large space and plan to fill it with high-quality furnishings, hiring a local interior designer may be a worthwhile investment. Interior designers charge between $50 and $200 per hour for their services. They’ll help you make the most of your space and can sometimes secure discounts through their network of suppliers.

Budgeting Tips for Furnishing a House

Furnishing a house on a budget requires strategic planning and smart shopping. Consider these cost-saving approaches:

• Shop secondhand at estate sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces for quality furniture at a fraction of retail prices.

• Prioritize essential pieces first, then gradually add accent furniture and decorative items as your budget allows.

• Take advantage of seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and floor model clearances for significant discounts on new items.

• Consider multipurpose furniture, such as storage ottomans or sleeper sofas, to maximize functionality without needing to buy multiple pieces.

• Refresh existing furniture with new hardware, paint, or upholstery for a cost-effective update to your living space.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.