What Does it REALLY Cost to Furnish a Room?

This original blog post was created in 2015, but so much of what I wrote applies today. The only changes I made in 2021 were adding a few recent photos and changing the dollar amounts to reflect current prices.

I wanted to give some straight talk today about pricing.  One of the common questions I'm asked during my consultations is how much does it REALLY cost to furnish a room?  The answer to this can best be compared to what it costs to buy a car.  Do you want a used Toyota that can reliably get you around for the next couple of years?  Or do you want a brand new Lexus with all the bells and whistles?  The costs associated with furniture mainly has to do with the quality of the piece and the old saying "you get what you pay for" totally applies to furniture. Here are some photos to represent what I'm talking about.  The first room will cost you about $5,000 and the second one would be about $25,000.

Can you tell which one was professionally designed and which one was purchased from a big box store?  The IKEA room (top photo) is pretty and functional, but the quality of the furniture isn't the best and it's rather simple.  Not a lot of color or texture.  Ho hum to say the least! The second one features a custom sectional with recliners, a game table with chairs, two custom ottomans, a storage armoire, custom window treatments and artwork.

I tell my clients that a starting point with me is $45.00 per square foot.  This includes good quality upholstery pieces, a few designer pillows, framed prints for the wall, unique accessories and custom window treatments.  My average room is about $53.00 per square foot. Another thing to consider is this budget does not include interior design fees.  These are totally separate from the furnishings budget and vary depending on the project. In 2020, we began implementing a minimum furnishings investment for our full-service projects. We ask clients be prepared to spend at least $20,000.

So, where do you start if you want to tackle a project on your own?  Spend more on pieces that will get the most use - sofas, dining tables and mattresses.  Spend the least on items that you can easily change - throw pillows and accessories.  Make a list of each item you need for the room and assign a budget to that piece, even if it's a range.  I tell clients to visit a popular retail site like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs. Pick out everything you need for your room and put it in a shopping cart. Whatever that total cost is, that’s a good number for your budget. Once you have a number you are comfortable with, then commit to the project and start shopping!

If you need help, then call your favorite designer.  Most of us are really good at finding those perfect pieces.  Can you imagine leaving your house for the day and coming home to a completely decorated room?  It can happen, just like it did for these clients of mine. Check out this reveal video below:

Thanks for Reading!
Jennifer