Click the image to view the full infographic.
But what happens if you combine the two? You have a mix of old and new, with sleek furniture and neutral colors representing modern decor, and rustic lights and wood pallet art representing vintage decor.
Click on the infographic above to learn how to pair items and create the perfect combination of modern and vintage in your apartment.
Add a bold rug to personalize your furnished Richmond apartment.
Moving to a new place is stressful, and the entire process can be a hassle. Searching for the perfect apartment, hiring movers and then furnishing and decorating your space can be tedious. But fortunately for you, ApartmentGuide.com is there to make the process easier.
If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Richmond, consider narrowing your search by selecting furnished apartments. Searching for furnished apartments removes one step from the moving process: finding an apartment that will fit your furniture or finding furniture that will fit your apartment. Furnished apartments allow you to focus more on checking items off your moving checklist. They’re also great for potential residents looking for short-term leases in Richmond. But if you think having an apartment that comes furnished means not being able to make it your own, think again. Read on for our suggestions on making it your own, as well as additional items you may need.
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What Comes in a Furnished Apartment
What exactly comes with a furnished apartment? Each Richmond apartment community may offer different options, but ask the property managers for more details about what is included. These items typically come standard:
What You’ll Need to Bring
It is a furnished apartment, but you’ll still need to bring some essentials. These items include:
Making It Your Own
Though the furniture that comes standard is like everyone else’s, you can make it your own. Feel free to rearrange the furniture. Arrange the furniture in the living room around a focal point, and set up the bedroom furniture to optimize your space. Purchase a slipcover for the couch, and add accent pillows to match your décor style. Use a bold-colored rug under the coffee table to add a pop of color to the space. Add lamps to the end tables that will not only add extra light but can become a part of your décor.
For the dining room, add a table runner and/or place settings to add character to a rather boring table. Complete the look of your space by adding window treatments, if given the OK by your landlord. Add wall décor throughout your apartment. And finally, don’t neglect your bathroom; purchase a fun shower curtain to add appeal to the space.
With a few simple steps, your new Richmond apartment will feel like home.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/Pincasso
If you’re in the market for new furniture in Tacoma, you’re in luck. Check out our suggestions to find nice, cheap furniture.
From vintage to modern, and from neutral to bold colors, Tacoma’s furniture stores offer a wide selection of furniture, rugs and accessories, as well as some of the most knowledgeable salespeople around. Whether you’re getting settled in your new Tacoma apartment, looking for more grown-up furniture or just adding to the collection, Tacoma has a large selection of furniture stores within reach. Read on for our picks on where you find nice, cheap furniture in this charming Pacific Northwest city.
Harkness Furniture
One of the first things you’ll notice about Harkness Furniture is its giant retro neon sign out front. It’s become a fixture on South Tacoma Way. The next thing you’ll notice is its large furniture selection. The items are offered at great sales prices, and the quality of the selection is second to none. They don’t carry low-end items here, and the staff allows you to roam the two levels at your leisure and will answer questions as needed. Keep an eye out for storewide sales.
Where: 6612 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
Modality Furniture
This downtown furniture boutique offers a great selection of furniture, whether you’re in the market for a new couch, chair or table. Their floor models give you an idea to help you decide what you want to furnish your space. Check out the selection and customize your choices to have the perfect addition to your living room, dining room or kitchen. And if you need an accent rug, they have those, too.
Where: 821 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402
Hope Furnishings
This is the retail department store of the NW Furniture Bank, an organization which helps restore hope, dignity and stability in the community by recycling donated furniture to people in need. Hope Furnishings is located in the Tacoma Dome district, and it offers gently used furnishings, name brand floor samples and vintage furnishings at a great value. The revenues generated from Hope Furnishings are then used to purchase high demand items for the furniture bank clients.
Where: 117 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, WA 98421
The Old Cannery
This family-owned store has been serving the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years. The Old Cannery offers high quality durable furniture, from beds to dressers, and from desks to bookcases. The employees are knowledgeable about their inventory, and they are willing to work with you to make sure the customer goes home with only the best. And while you’re shopping, grab some coffee or fudge at their in-house cafe.
Where: 13608 Valley Ave. E., Sumner, WA 98390
Preuit Estate Furnishings
Located in beautiful Gig Harbor, this family-owned store offers quality home furnishings on consignment. Whether you’re looking for furniture, lighting, mirrors, rugs or accessories, Preuit Estate Furnishings has a large selection for you. The inventory turns over weekly, but their website keeps you up to date on what’s in store.
Where: 3308 Uddenberg Lane, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/spxChrome
Providence is chock full of great stores where you can find nice, cheap furniture.
Benefit Street Antiques
Whether you walk into the store knowing exactly what you’re looking for or are just in the mood for some browsing, Benefit Street Antiques provides a great customer experience. Housed in a unique, light-filled space, the owners thoughtfully organize each piece in this quintessential antiques shop, and everything is clearly marked with the price.
Where: 243 Wickenden St., Providence, RI 02903
BD’s Discount
This large discount furniture outlet might not be the prettiest around, but it offers the most bang for your buck if you’re looking for sturdy, quality furniture for rock bottom prices. This place is massive, so it helps to have some idea of what you’re looking for before you walk in. If you stick to a plan, you might just walk away with some great furniture for your apartment for cheap.
Where: 699 Hartford Ave., Providence, RI 02909
Rocket To Mars
Rocket To Mars is a quirky, retro-themed consignment shop in the trendy Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence. In addition to furniture, you’ll also find unique, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces to make your apartment feel more like a home. Things are a little bit more expensive compared to other antique or consignment shops in the city, but you’re paying for high quality, certifiably vintage and retro merchandise.
Where: 144 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903
Savers
This standard thrift store in East Providence is packed to the gills with nice, cheap furniture, as well as other goods like clothing, home décor items and accessories. If you’re a loyal customer, you can earn a rewards card, where every $5 purchase allows you to fill up your card and save up to 30 percent on your next purchase.
Where: 1925 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, RI 02906
Oop
If you prefer your furniture to be on the more artsy side, Oop is the store for you. This spirited boutique carries novelty gifts, jewelry, home décor, furniture and other pieces made in small quantities and designed by local artists and designers, but without the hefty price tags of other antique shops.
Where: 220 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903
Photo credit: iStockphoto/Spooky2006
Arrange seating away from windows and doors during the winter to stay warmer while avoiding turning the thermostat up.
Do the Electric Slide
No, we’re not talking about the world-famous dance move. We’re talking about the energy you can save by keeping the heat generated by electric appliances inside your home. Much of the heat that is produced by computers, televisions, stereos and lamps can be lost to the outside if these appliances are placed next to a window or an exterior wall. So make the best use of that extra heat by hanging your LCD TV on an interior wall away from a window and make sure to move your computer, stereo and lamps away from exterior walls to conserve energy.
Last Draft
You may think it’s a good idea to place chairs, sofas and loveseats next to windows and doors to take advantage of the view, but this plan can backfire during the winter, as guests sitting next to a window will likely feel a cold draft. This means that you may turn the thermostat up higher than necessary to overcompensate for those cold spots, when the rest of the apartment is heated to a comfortable temperature. So arrange seating away from windows and doors during the winter to stay warmer while avoiding turning the thermostat up.
Clear Up Ducts and Vents
Be mindful of where you place a couch, bed, chair or other large furniture and make sure it’s not over a heating vent. The furniture will absorb some of the heat while slowing the flow of heat to the room or blocking it completely, making the heater work harder to compensate for the lost heat, a mistake you’ll pay for on your power bill. Even a misplaced rug can cause the heater to run sluggishly. The same applies for return air ducts, which are often located high up on a wall. Make sure not to cover up the return air duct with a bookcase or a painting.
Shut Up
While the health and well-being benefits of natural light and solar heat can’t be disputed, it’s actually better to keep blinds drawn and curtains shut on cold, dreary winter days. Doing so will help keep some of the heat inside your apartment, meaning you’ll have to run the heater less.
Double Duty Décor
You’d be surprised which household items have insulation value, however minimal. Hanging a large quilt or tapestry on your wall can help save energy, especially if it is on an exterior wall. Tall bookcases filled with books or magazines, if placed against an outside wall, can keep heat inside your home while preventing the cold from creeping in. Even large picture frames can slow the transmission of heat through exterior walls, so beef up your décor sense during the winter and you’ll see dramatic energy savings.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/phototropic
Purchase a few vintage glass bottles at an antique shop, or fill a vase with pine cones to give your apartment a new feel.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture, decorations and knickknacks for your apartment. Save money by finding old, used items and giving them a brand new life by repurposing them. Here’s how.
Use Your Imagination
Sometimes you have to get creative and think outside the box to get decorating ideas. A pair of old doors, for example, can be repurposed as a headboard for your bed. That antique sewing table in your grandmother’s attic can be used as a kitchen island. That old barn door can be turned into a lavish dining room table.
Paint It
You’d be surprised how a $5 can of paint can liven up a drab piece of furniture or object and turn it into something completely new. Or, you can even leave a piece in its original state for that rustic look.
Install New Hardware
Sometimes all a piece needs is a new set of knobs, hinges or cabinet pulls to become a cherished part of your new abode.
Strip It
Wood furniture is perhaps the easiest to repurpose because you can remove the existing finish and paint it, stain it, or leave it as is.
Bring the Outdoors In
Sometimes there’s no better way to liven up your apartment space than by bringing a bit of nature inside. Fill a vase with sticks found outside, or decorate with leaves, pine cones or fresh flowers to give your new living quarters the feel of the great outdoors.
Deck it Out in Glass
Comb through yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores for glass bottles. Dusted off, these cool little knickknacks can add a warm, homey feel to an apartment.
Make Your Own Wall Art
Do you like art but can’t afford to shop the fancy galleries? Make your own. You can repurpose art calendars by cutting out the pictures and putting them in a cheap plastic or wood grain frame. You can do the same with old maps. Antique tools also look great hanging on the wall.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/Jill Chen
Located 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis, Lafayette, Ind. offers residents all the charm of a smaller town while offering access to big city entertainment and amenities. Whether you have just moved to and are apartment searching in this city known to locals as the “Star City,” or are looking for a décor overhaul in your current apartment, there are a number of stores in Lafayette where you can find quality furniture at great prices.
De’Ja’vu
De’Ja’vu owners Rick Carter and Ben Rennick roam auctions across the United States in search of that perfect piece of furniture. Their store is packed full of quality, unique new and used furniture, as well as décor items and collectibles. The sales associates are knowledgeable and helpful, and the store is clean and brightly lit.
Where: 2880 Old U.S. 231 S., Lafayette, IN 47909
Star Furniture
Star Furniture sells quality furniture brands like Ashley Furniture and American Sleep for a fraction of the price. You can find anything from living room, bedroom, dining room and home office furniture to accent tables and décor pieces. They offer same-day pickup and delivery, with financing and payment options to suit any budget. And if you’re not sure how to decorate your place, an on-site interior design professional is available to answer any questions.
Where: 3812 Fortune Drive, Lafayette, IN 47905
Hot House Market
Hot House Market sells an eclectic mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture and décor inspired by the latest fashion trends, kitschy 1940s and ‘50s décor and colorful bohemian fabrics from the ‘60s and ‘70s, all available at reasonable prices. In addition to a home store in Lafayette, owners Doug and Carrie Rosen sell their quirky wares in Brooklyn and Chicago.
Where: 900 Kossuth St., Lafayette, IN 47905
Lehnen Furniture Inc.
Formed in 1947 by John E. Lehnen, a former radar technician in the U.S. Navy who had ambitions to open up his own store selling radios, televisions and appliances, Lehnen Furniture has grown from a 24 by 60 foot appliance showroom to one of the largest discount furniture stores in the Lafayette area, stretching out over 30,000 square feet.
Where: 3210 Builder Drive, Lafayette, IN 47909
Kittle’s Furniture
Family owned and operated since its opening in 1932, Kittle’s Furniture has store locations across Indiana and Ohio, conveniently offering a wide variety of styles and a large selection of furniture for the living room, bedroom, dining room, den and home office, as well as mattresses.
Where: 2659 Maple Point Drive, Lafayette, IN 47905
Photo credit: iStockphoto/zeljkosantrac
If you’re in the market for nice, cheap furniture in San Diego, there are a number of stores that have what you need.
Whether you are moving to San Diego from across the country, are preparing to move into a new apartment or just want to change up the décor in your current place, it’s possible to furnish your home with great décor pieces without breaking your budget. As the eighth-largest city in the United States and the second-largest city in California, San Diego, nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” is full of great stores and boutiques where you can get your furniture fix for pennies. Read on to find our list of the best places to find nice, cheap furniture in San Diego.
Real Deal Furniture & Mattress
The name says it all. What sets Real Deal Furniture & Mattress apart from other discount furniture retailers in the San Diego area is its knowledgeable staff and commitment to quality customer service. The furniture selection can’t be beat, and if you’re not sure where to start, simply ask any sales professional. Unlike a lot of larger discount furniture stores, you won’t get pushy suggestions, but you will be offered informed opinions tailored to your preferences and needs.
Where: 8841 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92123
Chester’s Furniture
Tucked away in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, Chester’s Furniture has been beloved by all for over 90 years for its low prices, great furniture, unhurried atmosphere and friendly proprietor, Chester himself. Although this lovable store owner is retired with his son, Dave, running the operation, Chester still spends his time in this one-of-a-kind, family-run furniture emporium, assisting customers with their purchases. In addition to quality furniture, you’ll also find whimsical, original art and quirky décor knickknacks.
Where: 2911 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Mor Furniture for Less
With nine locations in Southern California to choose from, Mor Furniture for Less is one of the largest furniture and mattress retailers on the West Coast. Voted Best Furniture Store by the Union Tribune in 2010 and 2011 as well as Best Mattress Store in 2010, Mor Furniture offers same-day delivery, a top notch selection and great customer service. But it’s the perks that really set this shopping experience apart from any others. The store is set up with free popcorn, music videos, drinks, video games and movies to improve the shopping experience.
Where: 6965 Consolidated Way, San Diego, CA 92121
Stuff Furniture & Consignment Shop
If you’re looking for an upscale consignment shop where you can find new and gently used furniture as well as unique pieces, Stuff Furniture & Consignment Shop is the place for you. This award winning retail gallery opened its doors in 2010, and since then has made it a goal to offer the most unusual items and fantastic finds to its customers. In addition to indoor furniture in styles like modern, country French and antique, the store also has a great selection of patio and garden furniture.
Where: 3514 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Pat’s Corner
While Pat’s Corner might have some of the best deals in town, it is definitely not for the faint of heart. The store is a little disorganized and some of the pieces are a bit dusty, but if you get a thrill out of digging through several seemingly worthless pieces before finding that perfect one, Pat’s is the place. This quirky thrift store is particularly favored among the DIY set, which uses it as a jumping off point for many an Etsy project involving refinishing, refurbishing or revamping.
Where: 3409 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Photo credit: iStockphoto/rudisill
Whether you’re moving to or are currently living in the largest city in Maryland, Baltimore is home to gorgeous weather, breathtaking scenery and beautiful architecture. And if you’re lucky enough to call this place home, you’ll be glad to know that there are lots of stores around to find nice, cheap furniture for your space. If you’re moving out on your own for the first time or looking to update the look in your space, read on for our tips on finding great places to furniture shop on a budget.
Overstock Outlet
Ever stayed in a hotel and thought, “That’s a really nice TV stand”? Or that the bed was so comfortable? Overstock Outlet in the Jones Falls area is the place to go to find that nice TV stand or comfortable bed. This store purchases furniture from hotels and offices that are remodeling, as well as overstock furniture from big brands. Other items that can be found here include lamps, mirrors and TVs.
Where: 2811 Sisson St., Baltimore, MD 21211
Su Casa
This Fells Point neighborhood furniture store is affordable and the staff is there to accommodate you. If your stairwell is an awkward shape or if your doorway is too narrow, Su Casa’s staff is there to help you get your furniture into its new home. This store has your traditional furniture pieces, but it also includes lots of quirky finds, from one-of-a-kind blankets to wall clocks. And if you can’t move the furniture yourself, there are several delivery options, which are reasonably priced.
Where: 901 S. Bond St., Baltimore, MD 21231
In Watermelon Sugar
Offering a little bit of what seems like everything, In Watermelon Sugar is a home and bath boutique. This small business is essentially a one-stop shop for furniture, accessories, bath and paper products, as well as hand-selected jewelry and bags. With a little inspiration from Chesapeake Bay, this store has unique items to help furnish and decorate your place.
Where: 3555 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211
David’s on the Avenue
Located in Hampden on the Avenue, David’s is a furniture consignment shop that has a reputation for offering high quality used furniture at fair prices. The inventory changes often, but you can always find something that fits in with your style, as well as your price range. The 2,000-square-foot showroom has a large quantity of furniture and decorative items, and if at first you can’t find that perfect couch, stop by on another day and you may get lucky!
Where: 914 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211
A People United
At first glance, this boutique may look like an ordinary clothing shop, but once you go downstairs, you’ll see the bright light pointing toward the furniture. The Tibetan furniture with intricate painted wood carvings is incredible and will have you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for end tables, coffee tables, cabinets or armoires, People United will provide you with unique pieces and décor items that will go great in your space.
Where: 516 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/ChuckSchugPhotography
Whether you live in an apartment with lots of space or in a 1930s house like mine with little space, you should never ignore your home office. We all know your home office’s function is to keep your life organized, as well as allow you to have a place to get your work done, but this can also serve as extra storage for your apartment. With a few simple steps, you’ll have your place organized in no time. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your space without sacrificing your work area, check out these storage solutions every renter needs to know.
1. Have dedicated shelving from the ceiling down. If you have it, use it. Sometimes your home doesn’t come with a lot of storage. Take advantage of all the vertical space that you can for storage. An easy way to do this is to add floating shelving from above the desk all the way to the ceiling. Find inexpensive shelving units, such as Elfa shelving from the Container Store, which has limited wall damage – a plus for renters! With the shelves, create an organization system so your things don’t look cluttered. Invest in matched boxes for a cohesive look, but remember that not everything has to be in a box.
2. Invest in storage furniture. Storage furniture is functional, as it serves two purposes. This is a must, especially for small spaces. When I pick out furniture for a space, I ask myself, “Is this piece working hard for the right to be here?” For your home office, pick furniture that packs a one-two punch, like coffee tables, ottomans or benches.
3. Oz-Style Storage. Create an illusion in your home office while keeping your items stored – behind a curtain just like the Wizard of Oz! Pick a wall in your office and hang a curtain rod from the ceiling, approximately a foot away from the wall. Choose any pattern or color that you want for the curtain. This creates an amazing space solution, as it becomes a “soft” or faux wall that hides an extra foot of space. The possibilities of what you can store behind this curtain are endless; you can store your bike, cleaning supplies and miscellaneous office supplies behind it, and no one will ever have to see it. Not only is this useful for storage, but it’s a great opportunity to get color in your white box of a space.
This article was written by TV host and design expert Kim Myles, who partnered with Apartment Guide for the 2012 “Your Picks. Your Place.” sweepstakes. Kim Myles won the HGTV reality series “Design Star 2” and hosts HGTV’s “Myles of Style.”