Furnishing a house...

[annwfyn]

This is a general call for advice, which may or may not be needed.

If you were to find yourself in possession of an entirely unfurnished flat, consisting of two double bedrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen and a bathroom, what would you need to buy/acquire? What furniture counts as absolutely essential? What doesn't?

I'm trying to work out how much it would cost to furnish somewhere from scratch, and my brain keeps stalling after I've priced two beds and a sofa.

Comments

[tooth-fairy.livejournal.com]

bedroom;
wardrobes
drawers
beds

kitchen;
depends on what is in there

living room
sofa
coffee table

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

Coffee table is probably not essential

[tooth-fairy.livejournal.com]

nearyl essential?

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

I've never had a coffee table in my life anbd have never felt the need for one. So not essential for me, your (and sally's) mileage may vary.

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

If no coffee table, then end tables at least! Don't you need a place to set your glass of wine/can of beer/soda/magazine ect.? A lamp or decorative candle maybe?

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

End tables are reasonable... and don't keep barking my shins. We ave quite a small loungeroom, and large couches, an end table holds our lamp, wine glasses and wireless router just fine.

*grrrrruff8*

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

*giggle* barking your shins? Now, THERE'S a new one for me.

For me as well, I've always either had two end tables or a coffee table. But typically, the price of two end tables compaired to one coffee table.. they're probably quite similar.

Now that I think about, I don't usually bother barking... I just bite :)

[lexx-uk.livejournal.com]

Tables are the thing you mis the most if they are not there as its a pain in the backside finding a surface to scribble on.

[crocodilewings.livejournal.com]

Provide enough seating and table space for the theoretical maximum number of inhabitants in both a dining and casual context. Space for [x] plates, [x] cups and [x] arses. Also surfaces for [x] sets of keys, [x] lots of loose change, [x]*2 pairs of shoes and [x]*8 pieces of useless tat that just gets left around.

Apply the rule of [x] to every aspect of communal living.

[purpleheather.livejournal.com]

If you're in need of furniture to tide you over, consider the freecycle network - http://www.freecycle.org/.

There'll be one in London, and if you watch it you can pick up most things. Some networks also allow you to post wanted requests, with certain conditions attached. The stuff you'll get won't be spiffy and new, but if you need a sofa to do you for a month or two until you can spare the cash for a new one then it's a good place.

[purpleheather.livejournal.com]

As to the furniture thing, we're pretty sparse in most regards in our house, and we cope with:

Bed & mattress for each person who wants it (Housemate Adam has a naff mattress, but prefers to sleep on the sofa)
Something to put your clothes in or on
A sofa
A table that can do double duty as desk & dining table if need be (or a set of trays ;D)

In the kitchen you can cope with a microwave OR hob, but I'd choose a hob & oven over just microwave. I've done both, and just microwave cooking was not pleasant.
Also, fridge. Fridge/freezer is useful, and allows you to cook more economically.
Washing machine is non-essential as long as you have a bathtub or large sink and airers, but is a useful 'luxury'.

Other things on my list of things to buy first would be cupboards or shelves, and a desk for the computer.

[lilitufire.livejournal.com]

You could make me any reasonable offer for the contents of mine? It would save me putting stuff into storage...

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

Oooh...that might be interesting. The only problem I can think with that is that I know that J and I between us already have quite a few bits and pieces of furniture (ie - two double beds) and I don't know if it would be worth your while for me to just pick out bits?

However, if there is any way that I could save you having to store everything without being unnecessarily inconvenient then I'd be interested.

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

What furniture do you have already?

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

Two beds.
Computer
Computer desk
Bookcase - I think three, but it could be more
Laundry basket
Two chests (large boxes, essentially, but one is antique and one was made by my grandfather and has sentimental value)

There's a massive assortment of furniture in my Dad's house as well which he says he would rather like his children to claim in the near future if they want it, as he is threatening to downsize and move to a smaller house in somewhere more decorative than Lambourn. I think that includes more bookshelves, armchairs etc. I've also got a massive chest of drawers/bureau which I think may be too big for the flat that may or may not be in my mind.

(as a summary - jez and I may be buying somewhere for us to move to in the autumn. This is still up in the air pending mortgages and the like, and so is very much not definite. I'm working in theoreticals atm)

[lilitufire.livejournal.com]

Well, there's basically what you can see in the schedule (including the brass bed and a full set of newish kitchen everything).

It would be helpful if you came and took what you wanted (and ideally Freecycled what you didn't want) in a oner (not the washing machine or the freezer, they are included in the flat price) but everything else is up for grabs. It would be nice to get some money for it (all the IKEA stuff is basically new) but it doesn't have to be a lot. You would have to get it from Edinburgh to London, of course.

Have a think.

[lilitufire.livejournal.com]

http://www.espc.com/EspcPublic/UniversalPages/PropertyDetails.aspx?rid=208459

Schedule there.

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

Oh...it's a lovely flat! It really is. I wish I was back in Edinburgh!

I'll have a poke through and have a chat with jez and work out if there's some way we could do something like that. Obviously, we'd give you money for anything we took esp as it all looks to be in such good condition. The only issue I can think of is that we're in London and Edinburgh is a fair way and it might wind up just being far too complicated which is a massive shame.

I'll get back to you by tomorrow.

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

1 couch (essential), futon sofa beds are cheap, and give you a guest bedroom as well (£200).

1 or 2 beds. One king size for bthe master bedroom (essential), king size beds are good, doubles are bad. For the second bedroom consider a sofa bed, if you are not intending on having housemates, thenbn you might want to make it into a study.

A chest of drawers.
A wardrobe.

Kitchen: Fridge, Oven, hob (essential).
Microwave, washing machine (optional).

Television (optional)

A dining room table, with 4 chairs. This is pretty importaant but not absolutely essential, but living without one is not terribly fun.

A desk, you guys use the interweb a lot, a good desk and a good chair is pretty essential, and it's nice to keep it off your dining room table... maybe in the spare room (also good to be able to study away from other people when doing conbservation courses).

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

The other option of course is:

you need a futon
You need a computer

and you're done.

I miss my carefree, low furniture days sometimes.

calculating

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

So calculating:
You already have 1 bed.
Drawers and wardrobe from Argos: £89
Futon couch (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6353830.htm) £199
Same for spare room: £199
Desk (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6179179.htm) £29
Desk chair £14
TV: £129
Table + chairs £79
Fridge: £229
Oven approx £200

So, £738 without white goods, £1167 with white goods.
That's with going with cheapish stuff from Argos.

Re: calculating

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I've got up to £2000 so far, but I think I'm being a bit more decadent than you and am looking thoughtfully at pricier stuff.

I've got a budget of £5000 atm for everything (moving + decorating + furnishing) after the basic expenses of buying a house. Currently I'm still well within that which makes me happy.

Re: calculating

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

I'm a lot more decadent than that list suggests, that was my base price list for the cheapest of everything :)

[xambrius.livejournal.com]

This question more than any other I've encountered recently has revealed to me how different I am from most of the people I know (let alone the general "bell curve" populace).

--
Tim Harris
The Seeker
Time Lord

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I don't think so. Not necessarily. You're just in a different place in your life right now. There are times in my life when I'd have found it crazy that I was asking this question.

[alasdair.livejournal.com]

Shelves. Lots of shelves. Table and chairs. White goods. Desks.

[vireton.livejournal.com]

there is a charity furnature shop round the corner from me that sells decent furnature if you want things likes desks and tables and wardrobes and drawers and stuff and there real cheap and got decent stuff... but it's in leytonstone zone 3/4 east london central line

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

Keeping YOUR needs in mind.

Living Room.
-couch
-love seat or comfy chair
-table (either coffee table or dining table, if no coffee table then you may need an end table or two to place lamps, glasses of wine, magazine ect)
-TV
-LARGE bookshelf

Bedroom.
Bed
Dresser/Wardrobe
Night stands
Desk (for computer, writing.. ect)
Book Shelp

In the case of the Master Bedroom.
Dancers Pole

Bathroom.
Lovely shower curtain

Kitchen.
Microwave
Fridge
Stove
Dishwasher
Toaster

How did I do?

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

O.. and I've noticed that automan's double as a place to rest your feet OR additional seating! I see that Ginnie mentioned bean bag chairs.. they have those here? where would I find one? I LOVE bean bag chairs!

[ksirafai.livejournal.com]

For your info:

http://www.beanbagchairs.co.uk/

http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Blob-Bean-Bag-Chairs---UK-Beanbag-Furniture-Guide&id=129315

As quick picks from Google. :)

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

Mmmm...dancing pole....

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

Are you questioning my expertise? :p

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I trust in Christa implicitly!

[belleinblack.livejournal.com]

You know, if you build a trap door into the floor it doubles as a fire escape. *nods*

[ksirafai.livejournal.com]

You've probably already figured this. These are not for costs so much as working out what's needed; if you find things, stick a note for where you can get it from on a list or something.

White Goods
Plates/cups/cutlery/pots/pans

Sofa/Chairs/Beanbags
Table/dining chairs
Electronic entertainment equipment
Shelves
More shelves

Bed x2
Wardrobe x2
Desk/chair x2
Drawers x2
Shelves x2

Bathroom stuff (check there's bath/shower?)

Other:

Tiles
Paint
Wallpaper
Curtains
Bed linen
Mattresses
Net connection
Spare shelves (...if there are enough shelves, Jez will get his books from storage. Then I will have stuff to read. ;P)
Transport costs
Labour costs (inc. removals, painting/tiling/wallpapering/checking the electrics/gas/internet setup)

...I think that's all I can think of offhand that should be worked out. There's probably a lot of unnecessary gumph there, but I'd rather you had it in mind and worked out what you could do without rather than suddenly realising you needed windows. ;P

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

White Goods
Plates/cups/cutlery/pots/pans

The white goods I've now added to my list o' stuff. I think I've actually got more than enough plates/cup etc, and my stepmother keeps asking hopefully if I'd like more as there's an excess in Lambourn. I think the only two kitchen things that I'm lacking other than the proper white goods are microwave and toaster.

Sofa/Chairs/Beanbags

Added to list.

Table/dining chairs

Tricksy tricksy space taking things. Hmmm...a small table and a couple of chairs might be handy tho.

Electronic entertainment equipment

Already own - XboX, TV, DVD player, PS2, computer + 2 semi defunct laptops.

Shelves

Have some.

More shelves

Don't have. :p

Bed x2

Already own.

Wardrobe x2

Have added to list.

Desk/chair x2

Own x 1.

Drawers x2

Own x 1

Bathroom stuff (check there's bath/shower?)

I think there's both. There is definitely a bath. In the theoretical place I might be thinking of.

Other:

Tiles
Paint
Wallpaper

They are mostly not too pricey as I recollect. Hmmm...need to look and see how much is needed.

Curtains

Added to list.

Bed linen
Mattresses
Net connection

All sorted.

Spare shelves (...if there are enough shelves, Jez will get his books from storage. Then I will have stuff to read. ;P)

I'm beginning to notice a theme here...:p

Transport costs
Labour costs (inc. removals, painting/tiling/wallpapering/checking the electrics/gas/internet setup)

Transport will be the bitch in that. I need to work out how much one can get away with shifting via a Ford Transit Hire Van, or whether I'm going to need a proper removals lorry. *ponders*

[twicedead.livejournal.com]

Transport will be the bitch in that. I need to work out how much one can get away with shifting via a Ford Transit Hire Van, or whether I'm going to need a proper removals lorry. *ponders*

Go with the removals! It makes everything so much less stressful, it makes your move an instantaneous thing, if you pack well and label well, you should be able to unpack in an afternoon and be set up by the evening. And you won't be crippled!

[ksirafai.livejournal.com]

I do not comprehend those who say it takes longer than an hour to unpack.

Then again, I dislike owning more stuff than I can fit in the back of a medium sized car... :)

[wildrogue.livejournal.com]

Essentials:
Sofa, at least one bed, wardrobe and/or drawers, washing machine, cooker, fridge, computer table and chair

Desirable:
Dishwasher, dining table and chairs, another bed or sofa bed (depending on how you want to use the 2nd room), extra chairs for the living room, TV stand, coffee table, lots of shelving, more clothes storage (spare is always good), lamps, bedside table and leave £100 odd for assorted crockery and kitchen utensils.
There is probably more but I can't think of anything right now.

[cairmen.livejournal.com]

If you've possibly got the budget to, buy decent stuff rather than cheap stuff - you'll be living with it for a lot longer than you think.

A decent chair and desk (or possibly pair of said) are a very good idea.

Having recently aquired one, I also *highly* recommend a good sofa.

Bookshelves, too. Again, I'd hit IKEA rather than Argos, because you'll hate, hate, hate the Argos ones inside three years as they start sagging.

Blinds and curtains? I don't recall anyone mentioning them.

And all the stuff everyone else has mentioned, of course.

[fetket.livejournal.com]

Offhand about £300 a bedroom (double bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers), presuming your kitches has cooker and over another £300 there. add a set of chairs and a table £100.

From experience buy homebase, B&Q, or co-op metal framed furniture, it doesn't look good but it's solid then once you can live in the house contemplate the rest slowly. If you're buying second hand (which there is nothing wrong with) go for solid wood, unpainted only, you can get a wardrobe for £40 with ease from a charaty furnature shop, make sure it opens and shuts.

Essentials: 2 beds, 2 wardrobes, 2 chests of drawers or units. A table and chairs. Everything else you'll find your way around, until you have the time and the money to buy it. Fridge and Freezer.

[windzswept.livejournal.com]

[disclaimer: not read the other comments yet]

Bedrooms: Beds, drawers, Bedside cabinets, lights, wardrobes, shelving

Lounge: Sofa/Chairs, cupboards, TV stand, shelving(?)

Kitchen (am assuming it is a fitted one - least with cupboards): Table to eat off, oven, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, chairs, kettle, toaster, dishwasher. (I know the appliances aren't furniture, but they are expensive semi-necessities)

Bathroom: towels, cupboards, mirror.... other small things.

[leahdarbyshire.livejournal.com]

hey honey,
checking you out from S'pore! We're in exactly the same boat as likely just gonna move in to a 2 bed unfurnished apartment here albeit including white goods which are pretty easy to come by in Asia. All our furniture is currently in our flat in the UK or stored with parents. We're in a slightly different position bcse we're keeping it minimalist so we don't have too much to ship back. We've been making a list just like yours. So far we reckon we can manage in the first instance with:

(by the way we're shopping exclusively in the S'pore Ikea here!)

NEED TO HAVE:

Double bed/mattress/futon for first bedroom

One x 2 seater sofa for living room

Coffee table - Robs and I almost never eat off the dining table except when we have guests and we're not expecting those here for a few months yet. But I hate the skank you get when you put glasses/plates direct on the floor!

Desk for computer- currently on transit to S'pore - essential!
Chair for desk

Collapsible linen wardrobes/storage for bedroom

2 x Bedside cabinets - essential for night time bits and pieces!

NICE TO HAVE:

TV/DVD & TV Cabinet
4 x chairs plus fold-out dining table for guests
Guest 2 seater sofa - living room
Guest sofabed - second bedroom
Dishwasher
More storage/shelves though we don't have much stuff at present!

But that's just how we're playing it!