Most people setting up a first place hit the same wall. New furniture costs more than they expected, and the cheapest pieces often fall apart. Knowing where to buy cheap apartment furniture fixes most of that problem. The right place depends on the item. A bed frame, a dresser, and a lamp each have a different best source.
This guide covers low price stores, used markets, and free sources. It also shows which items you should buy new and which ones are safe to buy used.
The Short Answer
If you only want the quick list of where to buy cheap apartment furniture, start here:
- IKEA for shelves, dressers, bed frames, and storage.
- Wayfair for sofas, rugs, and styles IKEA does not carry.
- Facebook Marketplace for solid wood pieces at a fraction of the original price.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore for tables, chairs, and dressers.
- Walmart and Target for small pieces like side tables and lamps.
- Buy Nothing groups for free items from neighbors.
One rule saves the most money. Buy anything you sleep on new. Buy solid wood storage pieces used.
Low Price Stores for New Furniture
New furniture is the easy route. It ships to your door, it comes with a return policy, and you know it is clean. Here is where to buy cheap apartment furniture new, and what each store does best.
IKEA: IKEA is still the price leader for storage. As of October 2026, a KALLAX 2 x 2 shelf unit costs $49.99 and a RAST 6 drawer dresser costs $129.99. Returns are generous. You get 365 days for unopened items and 180 days for opened items with proof of purchase. The trade off is assembly. Plan a few hours for each large piece.
Wayfair: Wayfair sells almost everything from hundreds of brands. Prices and quality swing a lot, so read reviews that include customer photos. Wayfair holds a big sale called Way Day. In 2026 it ran April 25 to 27. Our Wayfair vs IKEA price breakdown shows which store wins for each room.
Amazon: Amazon works well for small pieces like nightstands, bar stools, and folding desks. For large pieces, quality is hit or miss. Stick to items with many reviews and clear return terms.
Walmart and Target: Both stores carry budget lines that work for side tables, lamps, and accent chairs. Target house brands usually look a bit nicer. Walmart usually costs a bit less. Target Circle members also get regular deals on home items.
Costco: If you already pay for a membership, which starts at $65 a year, Costco is worth a look for sofas, mattresses, and office chairs. Its selection is small, but prices are fair and its return policy is easy.
Outlet, Open Box, and Clearance Deals
Many people skip this step, but outlets and open box sections are one of the smartest answers to where to buy cheap apartment furniture. You get new or nearly new pieces at a big discount.
- IKEA As is section: Most IKEA stores have an area for returns, floor models, and pieces bought back from customers. Prices are lower, and many items are already put together.
- Amazon Resale: This is the new name for Amazon Warehouse. It sells returned and open box items, including furniture, for less than the new price.
- Pottery Barn and West Elm outlets: These outlets sell returns and leftover stock from higher end brands. Even at outlet prices, they cost more than IKEA, but quality is often better.
- Scratch and dent: Local furniture stores often discount pieces with small marks. A scratch on the back of a dresser does not matter once it sits against a wall.
Ask staff when new stock arrives. Showing up that day gives you the best pick.
Used Markets Where Prices Drop the Most
Used furniture is often the cheapest answer to where to buy cheap apartment furniture. A solid wood dresser that cost $800 new can sell for $100 or less. People move all the time, and most do not want to pay to haul heavy pieces.
Facebook Marketplace: This is the largest local market for used furniture in most cities. Good pieces sell within hours, so check it often. Filter by price and distance. Send the seller a clear pickup time. Many sellers accept a lower offer if you can pick up the same day.
OfferUp: OfferUp is a mobile app for local buying and selling. It has seller ratings, so pick sellers with good reviews and verified profiles.
Craigslist and Nextdoor: Craigslist has fewer listings than it used to, but prices can be lower. Nextdoor is useful for free or very cheap items from people on your street.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: There are more than 900 ReStore locations across the US. They sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, and home goods below retail prices. Stock changes daily, so visit more than once. You can find a store near you on the Habitat for Humanity ReStore page.
Thrift stores and estate sales: Goodwill and local thrift shops carry chairs, side tables, and lamps. Estate sales often cut prices in half on the last day.
Free Furniture Sources
Some of the best options cost nothing. When you plan where to buy cheap apartment furniture, check these free sources first:
- Buy Nothing groups: These local groups give items away to neighbors. Search Facebook for your town name and “Buy Nothing.”
- Move out season: College towns fill up with free furniture in May and August. Large apartment buildings see the same thing at the end of each month.
- Friends and family: Tell people you are setting up a new place. Many have a spare chair, lamp, or table sitting in storage.
- Office closeouts: Businesses that move or close often sell desks and chairs for very little.
What to Buy New and What to Buy Used
Where to buy cheap apartment furniture depends on the item. Some pieces are smart to buy used. Others are not worth the risk.
| Item | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | New | Hygiene and bed bug risk |
| Sofa | New, or used with a careful check | Fabric can hide pests, stains, and smells |
| Dresser | Used | Solid wood lasts for decades and sells cheap |
| Dining table and chairs | Used | Easy to inspect and easy to clean |
| Bookshelf | Either | IKEA is cheap new, and used solid wood is sturdier |
| Bed frame | Either | Metal frames are easy to check and clean |
| Lamps | Either | Test the switch and cord before you pay |
If you need a sofa that doubles as a guest bed, our list of budget sleeper sofas for small living rooms covers good new options.
How to Check Used Furniture Before You Pay
Knowing where to buy cheap apartment furniture is only half the job. You also need to check each piece before money changes hands. Bring a flashlight and a tape measure.
- Look at seams, corners, and joints for bed bugs, tiny dark spots, or shed skins.
- Push on the piece. It should not wobble or creak.
- Open every drawer. Drawers should slide well and not sag.
- Smell the fabric. Smoke and pet odors are very hard to remove.
- Measure the piece. Then measure your door, hallway, and stairs at home.
For pickups, meet in a public place or bring a friend. Pay in person only after you check the item. Skip any seller who asks for a deposit before you see it.
A Smart Order for Furnishing Your Apartment
Do not buy everything in one weekend. Use this order to decide where to buy cheap apartment furniture first, and fill in the rest as deals show up:
- Mattress and bed frame
- Dresser or closet storage
- A place to sit
- A small table for eating or working
- Lighting, rugs, and decor
Spreading purchases over a few months keeps you from paying full price in a rush. Our realistic first apartment budget shows what each room tends to cost. If you live in a studio, see our guide to the cost to furnish a studio apartment. Before you shop, also read about the things renters waste money on so you can skip them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the questions people ask most about where to buy cheap apartment furniture.
What is the cheapest place to buy apartment furniture?
Free sources like Buy Nothing groups are the cheapest, followed by Facebook Marketplace and ReStore. If you want to know where to buy cheap apartment furniture new, IKEA usually has the lowest prices for storage, and Walmart is close behind for small pieces.
Is it safe to buy used furniture?
Yes, for most hard pieces like dressers, tables, and metal bed frames. Check every piece for pests and damage before you pay. When people ask where to buy cheap apartment furniture used, we suggest skipping used mattresses and checking used sofas very closely.
Should I rent furniture instead of buying it?
Renting can make sense for a short stay of a few months. For a one year lease or longer, rental fees usually add up to more than the cost of buying. For most renters, knowing where to buy cheap apartment furniture saves more money than renting it.
Final Thoughts
The best answer to where to buy cheap apartment furniture is a mix of sources. Buy your mattress new. Get storage from IKEA or find a used solid wood dresser. Check Facebook Marketplace and ReStore for tables and chairs. Grab free pieces when people move out. With some patience, you can furnish a whole apartment for far less than one store would charge you.
