A few weeks back a good friend who’s moving into a new apartment asked for my help sourcing some inexpensive furniture. She has a style similar to mine so there were already several pieces I had in mind while others I had to do some searching around for. I decided to put my living room choices (I’m still working on the bedroom ones!) together in a post to share with you and also to get your input about whether you have inexpensive pieces you love and think should be added to the list of possibilities. Here’s what I’ve got so far (post includes some affiliate links – see my full disclosure statement {here})
and here’s the more detailed scoop:
Best Inexpensive Sofas
Sofa #1 is the IKEA EKTORP which is what we have in our living room – it’s truly the best bang for the buck around! We’ve had ours for over three years now and it’s held up beautifully:
We went with the white slipcovers which surprises some people considering that we have kids and a dog but whenever there’s a spill or stain or they just get dingy, I simply take off the slipcovers and throw them in the wash. The only negative thing I have to say about the EKTORP is that the slipcovers shrunk a bit after their first washing (even though I took them out of the dryer when they were damp dry) but IKEA switched to new slipcovers since we bought ours so it’s possible that the new ones are different.
Sofa #2 (available {here}) on my list is one that I’ve seen in person – I like the fabric choices and thought it was really comfy so it’s another great choice. In addition to the ecru color it also comes in a pretty graphite color:
Sofa #3 (available {here}) is one that I’ve never seen in person but I love the look of it and the online reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Best Inexpensive Media Consoles
For media consoles, when you’re looking for something inexpensive I think it’s best to stick with a very simple design. Console #4 (available {here}) and console #6 (available {here}) are amazingly priced IKEA finds – #4 is only $50 so it’s the best budget buy of the bunch. Console #5 (available {here}) is a favorite because of its great price, thousands of positive reviews, and seven different finish options including this pretty driftwood finish:
Console #7 (available {here}) is the most expensive of the bunch but a good option if you have a little more to spend and want a more unique design.
Best Inexpensive Coffee Tables
Just like with media consoles, if you’re going cheap I think it’s best to stick with simple. Brass or black metal with glass (console #8 (available {here}) and console #9 (available {here}) is always a winner. Console #10 (available {here}) is the budget buy of the group and console #11 (pictured below) – (Update – this one is no longer available) is a classic bricklayer’s coffee table from a reputable manufacturer. Another coffee table to consider if you like the bricklayer’s look but prefer a more industrial vibe is {this one} from Target.
That’s what I’ve got for living room furniture – I’m tackling bedroom furniture next! I would LOVE to hear from you about inexpensive furniture pieces that you own and love – please dish it!
I hope that you guys enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
XO,
JL says
PERFECT timing on this post! THANK YOU!!
Kris Jarrett says
So glad you found it to be helpful!
Lisa says
Kris, I LOVE these kinds of posts! They are so practical and helpful…I am doing an ‘on the side’ interior design biz, and this type of info is priceless to me! Keep them coming, please?
Kris Jarrett says
I’m glad it was so helpful to you! Look for one on bedroom furniture soon!
Garden, Home and Party says
Wow, it just shows that good style can be found at all price points. I love the items you’ve shown us.
We’re having rain and very cool (for Southern California) temperatures and I love it. Like you, it forces me to clean closets and such.
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
I kinda love being forced to stay home sometimes – definitely helps to get stuff done that you’ve been procrastinating about!
Deb says
I had the Ektorp sofa, too. It lasted almost 10 years! I had the white cover and then tan. Such a good deal. A year ago I bought a pottery barn sofa and the back pillows have lost their shape. So sad. I love the look of it and the color – navy, but the oh man, the pillows you would rest your back on crumpled. ???? In your pics, I love that 2nd, grey sofa.
Joanna says
I heard that about the Pottery Barn sofa. Pity, as they are not cheap.
Kris Jarrett says
Deb, I’ve heard that about Pottery Barn’s upholstered pieces. I was thinking about getting a PB sectional for our family room but changed my mind after reading a bunch of negative reviews. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Jo says
Can I give a shoutout to wayfair I bought my first piece of furniture. I didn’t want to soend $$ on a console table for master. Love it. It’s not an heirloom but it looks good is exactly what we needed for that spot.
If you order online measure measure measure, know what your ordering I compared the size of the sofa table to a chest I was replacing in that spot so I had a good idea of what I was getting. Tape it out on the floor w/ painters tape if you’re like me & have trouble picturing the size & height.
I have 2 chairs from Pier one that are over 10 yrs old are still going strong, I replaced dinning room chairs with theirs last spring Easter it’s a great time to buy dining room furniture, We use the dinning room a few times a yr again spending lots of $$ not in my budget.
Joanna says
Pier One has 20% off their chairs. I was looking at their occasional chairs yesterday for my bedroom.
Hope you don’t mind me chiming in, Kris.
Kris Jarrett says
That’s great to hear – I LOVE that Wayfair has reviews on their site – hearing other people’s experiences makes it so much easier to make decisions about things that you can’t see in person first. And good to hear about Pier1 – they have a great chair selection!
Judy M. says
Great post! Loved it!! Would love to see more like this! Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Judy – so glad you found it to be helpful!
Karolyn says
My only worry with inexpensive sofas is how they stand up to wear and tear, how do you feel about the construction of the Imea pieces? I’ve never purchased from them so wanted your take. The picks all look good !
K
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Karolyn,
Wear over time is definitely something important to think about – if it’s super cheap but is only usable for two years it’s not cheap in the end, right?! I’ve had my IKEA EKTORP for three years now and it has worn super well even with multiple washings of the slipcovers. And the beauty of it is that if the slipcovers ever wear out, I can buy another set for a pretty minimal cost. I’m sure it’s not going to last as long as a super high quality sofa but so far, so good!
Judy says
I too have the Ektorp sofa and love seat and love them. Cat, dog, grand children and hours curled up in front of the fireplace have not harmed them at all. After looking and sitting on many different pieces of furniture in shops I found myself returning to Ikea and these.
So pleased with the purchases!
Jocelyn Wolf says
Hi!
I am the social media coordinator for a regional, family owned, chain of furniture stores. I love your blog and I love this post but I have to say I do wish that more bloggers looked local for home decor and furniture options. Often times local furniture sources/chains carry/can get the customer the exact same product or better product for a better price than a large online retailer like Wayfair, Joss & Main, Ikea, etc. The regional stores often times give back to the communities they reside it (I know this to be true for our’s) and I wish people would take the time to consider their local sources as an option before just typing their CC information online. Also, from a service perspective shopping locally can be beneficial. When there is a problem you’re not dealing with a complicated call center that is outsourced or email only interaction. If you shop local you can be serviced locally and technicians can visit the home to evaluate and repair. Just something to think about the next time you are in the market for furniture!
-Jocelyn Wolf
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Jocelyn! I definitely believe in shopping local and have bought several furniture pieces that way. Unfortunately with the broad reach of a blog, sourcing furniture pieces from local stores isn’t going to be useful for 99% of readers – it will only help that 1% that happens to live in the same area I do. That’s why I typically source from bigger stores that are available options to everyone reading.
Design Chic says
We have the Ektorp in the playroom in Beaufort with the white slipcover and love it! Great finds on so many products! Hope you’re having a great start to our week!
Kris Jarrett says
It’s great, right?! Do you have the new White color or the same one that I have from a year or more ago? Just wondering if the new one is a keeper!
Lisa | Shine Your Light says
This is a great guide Kris! Our nephew went furniture shopping for his apartment and we were texting back and forth. I kept telling him, it doesn’t have to be ugly to be affordable! So glad your Ikea couch has worked out so well for you!
Kris Jarrett says
Your nephew is super lucky to have you help out with his shopping!!
Jasmine Lopez says
Absolutely love everything you posted. This is so appreciated. Thank you so much. Can’t wait for you to do the bedroom one. To be honest I would love for you to do one for each room in a house. For purely selfish reason :). I’ve been living in my home for three years now and it’s looks exactly the same as when I bought it.
Kris Jarrett says
That’s great feedback – thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment Jasmine!
DC says
Can u tell me where to find #2 in the Grey color?
Kris Jarrett says
Hello! If you click the link for sofa #2 it will show you a few color choices, including the grey!
Sandy bruno says
Where can you purchase sofa # 2 and 3 and how much do they cost
Kris Jarrett says
Sandy, you just need to click where it says {available here} next to the description of each piece – those are links that will take you directly to the online site where they can be found.
Beckie says
Where did you get those curtains from around your bay window?
Kris Jarrett says
Unfortunately those were made with fabric that has since been discontinued.