Furnishing a college apartment on a budget can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With creativity and resourcefulness, you can make your apartment feel like home without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll provide tips and tricks on how to furnish your college apartment on a budget and where to find cheap apartment furniture for college students.
One of the first things to do when furnishing your college apartment is to list the essentials. This includes a bed, mattress, dresser, desk, and chair. Once you have a list of what you need, you can look for deals and discounts. There are many places to find affordable furniture, including thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces.
Another option is to consider DIY furniture projects. You can find tutorials online, from building a bed frame to creating your coffee table. Not only can DIY projects save you money, but they can also add a personal touch to your apartment. With a little bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can create furniture that is unique and functional.
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Cheap Apartment Furniture for College Students
Many affordable options are available when furnishing a college apartment on a budget. Here are some of the best cheap apartment furniture pieces for college students.
1. Round Knit Pouf
A round-knit pouf lends a cozy and comfortable vibe to any college apartment. It can be used as an extra seating option or as a footrest. The best part is that it is relatively cheap and can be found in various colors and styles. This knit one is super cute and neutral enough to match any room.
2. Bed Frame
This Twin platform bed frame made of durable steel with a white finish is perfect for college students. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and offers under-the-bed storage space.
3. Accent Chair
An accent chair is a great way to add personality to your college apartment. Whether you’re searching for a comfortable chair for your cozy indoor space or looking to elevate the style of a deck or patio, this chair is the perfect choice to get the job done. It’s sleek, simple, and easy to clean.
4. Coffee Table
This stylish and minimalist white coffee table with 2-tiers is perfect for small spaces. It’s made of eco-friendly wood and is easy to assemble and clean. Plus, it comes with a money-back guarantee and a quality warranty. It’s also so cute and will go with any decor.
5. 4-Drawer Dresser
This Modern 4-Drawer Dresser from Room Essentials is perfect for college students. It has a clean, contemporary design and plenty of storage space for bedroom essentials. The laminated finish makes it easy to clean and maintain.
6. Nightstand
This diamond nightstand has a simple modern design and spacious storage space. It’s versatile and can be used as a side or end table. It’s made of high-quality materials and easy to assemble. And seriously, how cute is it?
7. Mattress Topper
This mattress topper is made of premium materials and offers ultra-thick and comfortable support. It has a deep pocket and box sewing pattern to distribute the filling evenly. It’s also machine washable and comes with excellent customer service.
8. Headboard
This Art3d headboard panel is affordable and easy to install with a hook and loop system. It’s adjustable, reusable, and provides sound insulation. Each box includes 12 panels of various sizes to fit different headboard sizes.
9. Desk Chair
This mid-back white leather soft desk chair is stylish and comfortable. It conforms to ANSI/BIFMA standard X5.1-17 and has built-in lumbar support. It’s perfect for modern workspaces and has an adjustable height and tilt lock mechanism.
10. Study Table
This office computer desk is made of high-quality materials and has a sturdy bottom storage shelf. It’s spacious and perfect for small apartments or dorms. The multi-function open shelves make it easy to store books and paperwork. It’s also easy to assemble with the instructions provided.
11. Bookshelf
This modern tree bookshelf is a space-saving corner shelf with nine spacious shelves. It’s versatile and perfect for small spaces. It’s easy to assemble with a detailed manual and sturdy enough to hold books and magazines. Also, it’s a stylish addition to any room.
12. Floor Lamp
This elegant tall floor lamp has a safe, stable base and a practical pedal switch. It comes with free LED bulbs and is easy to assemble without tools. (So important for college.) It’s perfect for different decorative styles and creates a comfortable atmosphere. It’s also a great addition to any room.
13. TV Stand
This modern TV stand has built-in LED lights, ample storage, and is made of high-quality materials. It’s suitable for TVs up to 65″ and can hold up to 150 pounds of items. It also has a same-style fireplace TV stand available. What better way to create a pretty ambiance in your apartment?
14. Cream Furry Area Rug
A cream furry area rug adds a cozy and comfortable vibe to any college apartment. This super soft, fluffy rug has a non-slip backing and is easy to clean. It’s a beautiful decoration for bedrooms or dorm rooms, when you want something super soft and fluffy under foot.
15. Dining Set
A dining set is a must-have for any college apartment. This elegant and simple bar table and stool set is perfect for small apartments. It has a spacious tabletop and steel storage shelf for essentials. It’s safe and stable, with a load capacity of up to 330 lbs. It’s also easy to assemble with included tools and clear instructions.
16. Buffet
This versatile sideboard can be used as a kitchen pantry or entry cabinet. It’s stable and durable, with a maximum load capacity of 110 lbs. It has a classic and elegant style that blends with any home decor. It’s also easy to assemble and clean.
17. Dishes
This elegant 18-piece dinnerware set is made of lightweight yet durable AB-grade porcelain. It’s dishwasher-safe and safe in the microwave, oven, and freezer. It includes 6 dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls and has a maximum temperature of 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect for college students who just need the basics!
18. Pantry
I don’t know about you but my college apartment did NOT come with a pantry. So, it’s important to improvise if you’re in the same boat.
This heavy-duty baker’s rack is made of durable chrome-plated steel wire and includes adjustable shelves and a hanging bar. It has a removable wood countertop and can hold up to 880 pounds. It’s easy to assemble without tools and is ideal for kitchen equipment, cookware, and pantry goods.
19. Bar Stools
Bar stools are a great way to add seating to your college apartment. This 360° swivel stool is made of 100% faux leather and has a maximum weight capacity of 240 lbs. It’s easy to adjust the height with a lifted handle and is suitable for any kitchen island height.
The best part is, these stools are made of durable waterproof PU leather, which means they’re insanely easy to clean and perfect for college living.
20. Canister
Canisters provide a stylish and practical way to store food, snacks, and other essentials. These versatile and stackable food containers are great for storing dry kitchen staples and come in a set of 4.
They have a durable silicone seal to keep food fresher for longer. They’re easy to clean and built to last with impact-resistant transparent body material.
21. Cutting Boards & Knives
Cutting boards and knives are essential items for any college apartment. This cutting board set includes three sizes made of eco-friendly wheat straw and BPA-free plastic. They have juice grooves, are reversible, and have non-slip edges.
The set is dishwasher-safe and durable. The knife set is made of high-quality stainless steel with a satin finish and a space-saving pine wood block. The handles are stylish and ergonomic, and the set is perfect as a gift.
23. Toilet Storage
This space-saving shelf unit is perfect for storing your belongings in the bathroom. It has four tiers that can hold baskets full of supplies and can be placed above the toilet or around an end table.
Its chrome-toned metal construction makes it sturdy and versatile for any room, plus it’s super easy for anyone to put together.
24. Mirror
This cute little mirror has a wire metal sunburst frame with an antique gold finish and a beveled glass mirror. It’s perfect as an accent mirror for any wall and can be used in the bathroom, living room, bedroom, office, or entryway. It’s easy to install with an attached keyhole mounting bracket.
25. Towel Holder
This six-tier bathroom organizer and towel holder is perfect for maximizing unused wall space. It’s easy to install and made of solid steel wire with a durable finish. It’s perfect for small spaces, apartments, condos, dorms, campers, and RVs.
26. Shower Curtain
This water-repellent shower curtain/liner is made of durable and washable polyester fabric. It has a weighted hem and rust-resistant metal grommets. It’s solid white for privacy and coordinates with existing decor. It’s machine washable and made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory.
27. Shower Liner
This beige shower curtain liner is made of premium PEVA material and has a super smooth surface design. It’s heavy-weight and has 12 rustproof metal grommet holes. The three big weighted clear stones keep the shower curtain in place, and it’s easy to clean. It’s available in 14 classic solid colors and fits any standard-size shower or tub.
28. Organizer
This makeup organizer is perfect for organizing all your beauty products and accessories. It’s sleek and stylish with a clear exterior. It’s functional and convenient, reducing clutter and saving time. It’s made of durable acrylic-like clear plastic and includes drawers and slot compartments.
Related post: Simplify Your Routine with These Makeup Organizer Ideas
How to Furnish a College Apartment on a Budget
Furnishing a college apartment on a budget can be challenging, but it’s possible. Creativity and resourcefulness allow you to create a comfortable and stylish living space without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you furnish your college apartment on a budget.
1. Set a Budget
Before you start shopping for furniture, setting a budget is important. Determine how much you can afford to spend on furniture and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you have enough money for other expenses.
2. Make a List
Make a list of the furniture and accessories you need for your apartment. This will help you stay organized and focused when you’re shopping. Prioritize the items on your list based on your needs and budget.
Also Read: The Best College Packing List for Girls
3. Buy Second-Hand
Buying second-hand furniture is a great way to save money. Check out thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You can find great deals on quality furniture if you want to do some digging.
4. Check For Freebies
Check online classifieds, community bulletin boards, and social media groups for free furniture. You can also ask friends and family if they have any furniture they no longer need. You never know what you might find for free.
5. DIY And Repurpose
DIY projects and repurposing furniture can be a fun and affordable way to furnish your apartment. Look for inspiration online and get creative. You can turn old furniture into something new and unique with just a little bit of effort.
6. Multifunctional Furniture
Invest in multifunctional furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a futon can be used as a bed and a couch, and a storage ottoman can be used as a seat and storage space. This will help you save money and maximize your space.
7. Borrow From Family/Friends
Borrow furniture from family and friends if possible. This will help you save money and give you access to quality furniture that you might not be able to afford otherwise.
8. Discount Stores And Sales
Shop at discount stores and look for sales to save money on furniture. Places like IKEA, Walmart, and Target offer affordable furniture options perfect for college students.
9. Negotiate Prices
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices when shopping for furniture. Many sellers are willing to negotiate to make a sale, especially if you’re buying multiple items.
10. Rent Furniture
Consider renting furniture if you’re on a tight budget. Renting furniture can be a great way to get quality pieces without spending much money upfront.
11. Focus On Essentials
Focus on buying essentials like beds, tables, and chairs. You can always add more furniture later when you have more money.
12. Share Costs With Roommates
If you have roommates, consider sharing the cost of furniture. This will help you save money and ensure everyone has what they need.
13. Free Floor Space
Keep some floor space free to prevent your apartment from feeling cluttered. This will also give you room to move around and make your apartment feel more spacious.
14. Avoid Impulse Buys
Avoid impulse buys and stick to your list. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you buy needed items.
15. Ask For Student Discounts
Many stores offer student discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask. You can save a lot of money by taking advantage of these discounts.
16. Plan ahead
Plan and start shopping for furniture early. This will give you more time to find the best deals and ensure you have everything you need before moving in.
17. Focus On Comfort And Functionality
Finally, focus on buying furniture that is comfortable and functional. You want your apartment to be a comfortable and inviting place to live, so invest in pieces that will make your space feel like home.
What Do You Think of Our Cheap Apartment Furniture for College Students List?
Thank you for checking out our list of cheap apartment furniture for college students! We hope you found some practical, stylish pieces that fit your budget and needs.
Let us know what you think of our list in the comments below. Don’t forget to share with your fellow college students looking for affordable, functional furniture for their apartments. Happy shopping!
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