Tips to furnish your new home with a limited budget

• “[From this average figure], clients will normally spend about 50% to 70% on furnishing. In fact, for those on a budget, a bigger portion goes to loose furniture rather than customised fittings.”

Many think that furnishing a home requires a big budget, but the truth is, with careful planning, a little creativity, and smart decision-making, you can furnish your new home without breaking the bank. 

Here are some tips to get you started.

Set a budget – for present and future

Before starting on a shopping spree for any furniture or decor, establish a budget that aligns with your financial capabilities. Be honest with yourself about what you can comfortably allocate for the furnishing process without needing to potentially tie your stomach or borrow from Ah Longs. The budget also keeps you focused on priorities instead of picking up everything that catches your eye as you browse the stores. 

“We usually advise clients to allocate RM40 to RM50 psf averagely for both renovation and furnishing – and this is a package to cover the basics. Out of this, clients will normally spend about 50% to 70% on furnishing. In fact, for those on a budget, a bigger portion goes to loose furniture rather than customised fittings,” Livspace Malaysia country manager, Sonia Ngow, says. 

Keep in mind furnishing a house is not necessarily a one-off project that you must complete within a set time. Instead, treat it as an ongoing process, so you can gradually furnish the other areas as you replenish your resources for them. It is also a good idea to relegate some items under “KIV – keep-in-view” and set budgets for them under future funds, which can act as motivators for saving up too.  

Prioritise key areas and essential items  

You are encouraged to differentiate between needs and good-to-have items, Ngow says. But with so many attractive products vying for your attention (and wallet), how do you decide what your priorities are? As a guide, start with the space where you spend the most time in, such as the living room and bedrooms – where comfort and functionality are paramount. Or if the kitchen is where you expect to spend most time in, then let a good-quality fridge take precedence over a leather sofa set. 

Create a list of essential furniture, fittings, fixtures and household items that you need. A typical basic list includes beds, a dining set, sofa set, wardrobe, fridge and stove. Focus on functionality rather than luxury. 

“Furnish with the essentials, and when there is extra budget, you can always add more furniture and decorative items. It takes time to build a home and Rome wasn’t built in a day!” Ngow quips. 

Research, shop around and compare prices

Armed with the budget and the list, you can start shopping – both physically and virtually – and search for the best deals. Take the time to research and compare prices from different shops. Take advantage of sales, home fairs, promotions and clearance items. Many furniture shops offer discounts, so do not hesitate to negotiate prices, allowing you to stretch your budget further. 

Teresa Chan, 38, who recently moved into her new house in Eco Semenyih said, “My husband and I visited at least five home fairs to scout for some of the best deals to purchase household appliances such as the kitchen hood, refrigerator and kitchen sink. We also compared prices available in e-commerce platforms but we found some online sellers do not offer free delivery and they charged quite a sum for the shipping service. So, choose what works best for you. 

“For us, it is about price and convenience. We got a really good deal when we purchased a newly launched kitchen hood and it came with an air fryer as a gift.”

Another great saver – both for your pockets and the Earth – is to contribute to the circular economy. Visit thrift stores, secondhand furniture shops, flea markets or online marketplaces where you can get thrifty finds on pre-loved furniture, household items and decorative pieces that still have plenty of life left in them. Just inspect the items carefully before purchasing to ensure they are in good condition. With a little luck, you might find hidden gems that fit perfectly into your new home. 

Consider multi-functional furniture

Opt for multi-functional furniture pieces that serve multi purposes. For example, choose a sofa that can also be used as a guest bed, a coffee table with built-in drawers or a dining table that doubles up as a storage. These types of furniture items maximise your space while providing practicality and versatility.

For Shobana Krishnan, who owns a 750 sq ft apartment in Kajang, a multi-functional dining table has been one of her best purchases ever.

“As I have limited space in my apartment, it is impossible to fit in a big dining table. But I frequently host get-togethers with friends and family, so, I was quite happy when I found a dining table that can be folded away when I don’t need it and it can be used to store cutleries and dining wares,” she says. 

Try your hand at DIY items

If you are handy and enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, consider upcycling or repurposing unwanted materials to give them a new lease of life. You can paint and refurbish old pieces of wood, plank, barrels, rods, plastic or fabric gathered from friends or marketplaces to create items such as shelves, stools, desks or towel racks. 

And if your budget does not allow that fancy figurine for decoration, DIY is a great way to create one-of-a-kind works of art that can very well become conversation pieces. 

You will find loads of ideas online, which may even inspire you with a few innovations of your own. Not only does this save money, but it also gives your home a unique mark of personality. 

Why not minimalism?

Consider embracing the concept of minimalism. Instead of cluttering your new home with unnecessary items, focus on a few well-chosen pieces that truly reflect your style. For example, instead of a sofa set, you may opt for bean bags. Minimalism not only helps you save money but also creates a clean and organised living space.

Also, feel free to mix and match different pieces of furniture to create a personalised look. Do not feel obligated to buy an entire matching furniture set. This allows you to incorporate unique finds and save money by purchasing items individually.

Hire a professional that works within your budget

For professional advice in putting together an aesthetically pleasing home that has a designer touch but at affordable cost, check out Livspace, a professional one-stop shop offering home interior solutions. The company offers curated home styling and furnishing services according to your budget. You can engage its services even if it is just for furnishing a single space in your house! 

For added benefits, sign up on EdgeProp START when you buy any home – both from the primary and secondary markets, and enjoy rewards worth up to RM3,888 (including on Livspace renovation package). You will also stand a chance to win a set of JBL Bar 1300 speakers worth RM7,999. Take the chance now before the campaign ends on Dec 31.

Looking to buy a home? Discover exclusive rewards and vouchers for your dream home when you sign in to EdgeProp START.