How to Furnish a Living Room on a Budget in 6 Easy Steps

Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins

Furnishing your living room doesn’t have to mean overspending. Whether you’re moving into a new home or updating your current space, you can design a comfortable, functional, and stylish living room that fits your budget.

According to Mary Lee Smyth, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, “The key to furnishing affordably is setting a realistic plan and focusing on quality pieces that will last. It’s not about cutting corners, but about making smarter choices.”

In this guide, we’ll share six practical steps to help you furnish your living room on a budget, plus expert advice on how to give your space a fresh look without buying all-new furniture.

Key Takeaways:

• The average cost to furnish a living room in Canada ranges from $10,000 to $15,000.
• Start with a clear, realistic budget and plan your purchases over time.
• Take advantage of seasonal promotions to maximize savings.
• Choose multifunctional, timeless furniture that grows with your style.
• You can refresh your space without buying new furniture by rearranging, repainting, or reupholstering existing pieces.
  
  

In This Article...

1. Identify Your Budget and Stick to It
2. Create a Prioritized Shopping List
3. Shop During Sales and Promotions
4. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
5. Choose Timeless Styles and Colours
6. Don’t Skimp on Quality
7. How to Refresh a Living Room Without Buying New Furniture
8. Affordable Living Room Furniture at La-Z-Boy
9. FAQs

Step 1: Identify Your Budget and Stick to It

Before you start shopping, decide how much you can comfortably spend on your living room. A clear budget sets the foundation for every design decision.

Mary Lee recommends allocating most of your funds to foundational pieces like sofas and sectionals, since they anchor the room and receive the most use. “When you plan your spending ahead of time, you can avoid impulse buys and focus on what truly makes the space feel complete,” she explains.

It also helps to build a phased budget, where you prioritize big pieces first, then add accents later. This approach allows you to create a well-designed space gradually without feeling financial strain.

If you’re wondering about our Most Affordable Recliners at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Step 2: Create a Prioritized Shopping List

A shopping list helps you stay focused, organized, and within budget. Start with the essentials, such as:

• Sofa or sectional
• Accent chairs
• Coffee and side tables
• Lamps or floor lighting
• Area rug
• Wall art and window coverings

Once you have your list, rank each item based on importance. For instance, your sofa may be your top priority, followed by lighting or tables.

If you already have existing pieces, look for ways to repurpose or restyle them. For example, a coffee table can be refinished, or accent chairs can be reupholstered to match your new theme.

Mary Lee says, “Your list should reflect what adds both function and comfort. Start with the biggest pieces, then build around them with smaller accents.”

Step 3: Shop During Sales and Promotions

Timing can make a big difference when it comes to saving money on furniture.

Furniture retailers often hold major sales during holiday weekends, end-of-season clearances, and what Mary Lee calls the “Summer Slump”, which typically occurs in July. “It’s one of the best times to find high-quality furniture at a discount,” she explains. “Retailers need to make room for fall inventory, so you can often get excellent value.”

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, customers can take advantage of seasonal sales, special financing, and clearance pricing on showroom models. Signing up for store newsletters can also alert you to promotions before they’re advertised publicly.

Shopping strategically lets you save on top-quality furniture without compromising on style. To learn more about When is the Best Time to Buy Furniture, take a look at this article.

Step 4: Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

If you’re furnishing a small space or working with a limited budget, multifunctional furniture offers both practicality and value.

Consider options like:

• Lift-top coffee tables that provide hidden storage or double as a work surface.
• Storage ottomans that serve as seating, footrests, or makeshift tables.
• Sleeper sofas that provide seating by day and an extra bed for guests at night.

These pieces help you make the most of every square foot. They also reduce the need for multiple separate items, saving both money and space.

Mary Lee explains, “For clients in smaller Ottawa condos or family homes in Kingston, multifunctional furniture is often the best way to balance comfort and convenience.”

If you’re trying to furnish a small space, there are many things you can do to Maximize Your Space with Multi-Functional Furniture, which you can learn more with this article.\

Step[ 5: Choose Timeless Styles and Colours

Selecting timeless furniture means you won’t have to redecorate every few years.

Opt for neutral tones like beige, grey, cream, or soft brown for your main pieces, and add interest through accessories such as pillows, rugs, and wall art. This creates flexibility, allowing you to switch up accents as trends change without investing in entirely new furniture.

Mary Lee suggests focusing on classic silhouettes and clean lines. “Your living room furniture should work with you, not against you. When you choose a timeless style, it adapts to new decor easily,” she says.

Keeping your colour palette consistent also helps create a calm, cohesive atmosphere that feels intentional rather than cluttered.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy Furniture Styles, take a look at this article.

Step 6: Don't Skimp On Quality

While it’s tempting to chase the lowest price, cheap furniture often leads to replacement costs later on.

Mary Lee recommends focusing on craftsmanship and materials. “A quality sofa frame and good cushioning will always outperform something mass-produced and inexpensive,” she explains.

La-Z-Boy furniture, for instance, uses hardwood frames, ComfortCore® cushioning, and reinforced joints that ensure longevity. Investing in durability means fewer replacements and better comfort over time.

Ultimately, quality furniture can save money long-term by lasting longer and maintaining its comfort and structure.

To learn more about the Quality of Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

How to Refresh a Living Room Without Buying New Furniture

If your living room feels outdated but your budget is tight, there are plenty of ways to make it feel brand new without buying all-new furniture.

Rearrange Your Layout

Changing your furniture placement can dramatically improve flow and balance. Try floating furniture away from walls, or shift your sofa to face a new focal point like a window or fireplace. 

To learn more about Furniture Placement, take a look at this article.

Shop Your Home

Look around other rooms for pieces you can repurpose. A hallway console might double as a sofa table, or a bedroom chair could become an accent seat.

Reupholster or Replace Cushions

Reupholstery is a cost-effective way to transform older furniture. Choose a new fabric that complements your updated colour scheme. Even swapping throw pillows or blankets can freshen your room’s look. 

Add Fresh Decor

A coat of paint, a new rug, or fresh greenery can completely change your living room’s mood. Small changes can make the space feel intentional and revitalized without any major purchases.

Affordable Living Room Furniture at La-Z-Boy

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, we believe high-quality furniture should be accessible for every budget.

Here’s what you can expect to spend on key living room pieces:

Our living room furniture is built to last and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, making it a long-term investment in comfort and design.

We also offer financing options, customization choices, and free design consultations to help you create your dream space without financial stress.

Mary Lee adds, “La-Z-Boy furniture is designed to grow with you. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or upgrading a family home, there’s a collection that fits your lifestyle and budget.”

FAQs

How much does it cost to furnish a living room in Canada?

A full living room setup typically costs between $10,000 and $15,000 CAD, depending on size, quality, and customization.

What’s the best furniture to buy first for a living room?

Start with your sofa or sectional, as it’s the focal point that determines layout, colour palette, and additional pieces.

When is the best time to buy living room furniture?

The best deals often occur in July and December, when retailers make room for new inventory.

How can I make my living room feel new without spending money?

Rearrange furniture, change decor placement, and add plants or new lighting to instantly refresh your space.

What's Next?

Now that you’re equipped with these budget-friendly tips, it’s time to start furnishing your living room! Visit a La-Z-Boy showroom in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston, or schedule an appointment online to begin your journey toward a beautifully furnished living room that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re interested in any of these trendy ideas, there is no better place to start than by talking to an interior designer. La-Z-Boy has expert interior designers eager to lend a helping hand with your home design

For more inspiration and information on our furniture, take a look at our comprehensive La-Z-Boy Furniture Guide for more.

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