A furnished apartment is more than just a space with furniture.
It bridges the gap between temporary housing and permanent residence for many people, especially professionals, students, expatriates, or people relocating for work.
It allows you to walk in with nothing but a suitcase and start living immediately.
There’s no need to worry about buying a bed, a fridge, or a curtain.
In most cases, everything you need for basic daily life has already been installed and arranged.
Now, the idea of what counts as furnished can vary from place to place.
Some furnished apartments only cover things like a bed, a couch, a dining set, and a wardrobe.
Others are more fully equipped, including kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, washing machines, air conditioning, televisions, and sometimes even bedding and towels.
It depends on the price point, the location, and the target market.
High-end serviced apartments, for instance, go beyond furniture and provide utilities, internet, cleaning services, and sometimes even concierge support.
But here’s where it gets interesting, furnished apartments are not always the same as serviced apartments.
While both are move-in ready, serviced apartments often include hospitality-style services like room cleaning, laundry, or even breakfast.
A furnished apartment, on the other hand, may or may not come with such extras.
The distinction matters when you’re budgeting or comparing options.
The appeal of furnished apartments has grown over the years, especially with the rise of remote work and digital nomad lifestyles.
More people want the flexibility to live in different cities or countries without being tied down by material possessions.
And for landlords or property managers, offering furnished apartments opens up opportunities to attract short-term renters, charge premium rents.
But it comes with trade-offs too furniture maintenance, wear and tear, and more frequent tenant turnover can become a challenge.
Furnished apartment – how to furnish on a budget
In urban cities like Lagos, Abuja, Nairobi, or even New York and London, furnished apartments are becoming standard in the short-let and executive housing market.
Airbnb has pushed this further by making travelers expect a full setup wherever they stay.
In Nigeria, the demand for a furnished apartment has exploded not just among foreigners but also among wealthy locals who want a second home or a temporary residence while building their dream house.
Cost
A furnished apartment tends to be more expensive than an unfurnished one.
You’re not just paying for the space, you’re paying for the convenience and the items inside it.
So if you’re planning a long-term stay, you might want to calculate whether buying your furniture and renting an unfurnished space would be more economical in the long run.
On the flip side, if your stay is temporary, say six months or less, furnished is usually the smarter option.
When you live in a furnished apartment, there’s also a different sense of responsibility.
You’re expected to treat the items as your own, even though you don’t own them.
Any damage could cost you a deduction from your security deposit or an outright charge.
It’s also a good idea to check if the apartment comes with an inventory list and whether you’re allowed to make modifications.
Some landlords are strict about not removing or replacing furniture, while others are more flexible as long as the items are returned in good condition.
In some cases, especially with short lets and Airbnbs, furnished apartments may even include utilities and services rolled into the rent.
This means you don’t have to worry about paying NEPA bills, refilling gas, or dealing with water supply issues separately.
For people moving from abroad or traveling within a country, this can be a big relief. It’s essentially plug-and-play housing.
In Nigeria today, the average young adult spends anywhere between ₦350,000 and ₦800,000 trying to furnish a one-bedroom apartment.
That includes everything from bed frames and mattresses to kitchen items and lighting.
But what makes this even more concerning is that a huge portion of that budget often goes into unnecessary purchases driven by impulse or lack of planning.
People buy furniture before measuring the room, or they rush into trendy items that don’t last three months.
Furnishing an apartment on a budget isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about maximizing value for every single naira you spend.
You need to begin with a mindset
Furnishing an apartment on a budget isn’t just about shopping cheap; it’s about shopping smart.
If you want to spend less and still have a well-furnished home, you need to develop a system of priorities.
Ask yourself: what do I need now, what can wait, and what can I improvise?
In a time when the cost of living is climbing, the naira is under pressure, and importation costs are rising due to forex volatility, the ability to make calculated furnishing decisions is not a luxury; it’s a survival skill.
The first thing many people do wrong is assume that everything has to be brand new.
Yes, it feels good to rip open a new mattress or unbox a fresh TV set, but if you’re working with a budget, that approach can sink your plans very quickly.
In cities like Lagos and Abuja, the secondhand market is thriving, and it’s not because people love old things.
It’s because the value you can get from refurbished or gently used items is unbeatable.
You can get a well-polished wooden wardrobe or a cushioned sofa set that looks as good as new for half the price of a fresh one from a showroom.
The trick is knowing where to look and how to inspect before buying.
Research shows that more than 40% of new renters in Nigeria use platforms like Jiji or Facebook Marketplace to source furniture.
And it’s not just because of the price, it’s about the flexibility.
You can negotiate, you can arrange for delivery, and sometimes, you can even trade in items if you’re upgrading later.
But even beyond these platforms, there’s a hidden gem in local carpenters.
Most people ignore this route, but commissioning furniture from local artisans can cut your cost by 30% or more. You’ll not only get good prices, but you can also customize pieces to fit your exact space.
Start with multifunctional items
When you have limited space or a small budget, you don’t need ten different pieces of furniture to serve ten different purposes.
What you need is one piece of furniture that can solve multiple problems.
A bed that comes with under-storage drawers helps you save money on a separate wardrobe.
A foldable dining table can double as a work desk. A simple bench can work as a coffee table, a shoe rack, and extra seating during guests’ visits.
This isn’t about being cheap, it’s about being resourceful.
One area where most people get ripped off is electronics.
People spend ridiculous amounts trying to buy the latest TV, sound system, air conditioner, or inverter before they even get a proper chair to sit on. Furnishing should not begin with electronics.
These items can drain your budget fast, and often, they’re not urgently needed during the first few months of settling in.
It’s smarter to invest first in comfort things like a good mattress, a stable kitchen setup, and adequate lighting.
You can always upgrade electronics in phases.
In fact, over 62% of Nigerians who move into new apartments buy their flat-screen TVs after six months of living in the home. That’s how realistic budgeting works.
Let’s talk about the kitchen for a moment, because this is an area that most people underestimate.
A functional kitchen doesn’t have to be modern or Pinterest-worthy, but it has to serve your cooking needs safely and efficiently.
You don’t need a fancy gas cooker with five burners.
A single or double burner with a solid cylinder and a regulator will do just fine, especially if you’re just starting.
You can find fairly used refrigerators that still run perfectly well in the ₦70,000 to ₦250,000 range.
And when it comes to kitchen utensils, avoid shopping in one store. Go to open markets. Visit places like Mile 12 in Lagos or Garki market in Abuja. Buy in bits and negotiate.
You’ll be surprised how far ₦200,000 can go if you plan well and avoid impulse buying.
Now let’s talk aesthetics
Everyone wants a beautiful, furnished apartment that makes them feel proud when they walk in.
But beauty doesn’t always require money, it requires creativity.
Instead of buying expensive wall paintings, create your own.
Curtains are another area where people overspend unnecessarily.
You don’t need imported silk drapes. Local fabrics sewn to measurement by your neighborhood tailor will serve the same purpose and still elevate your space.
Flooring is another thing people worry about when furnishing.
Maybe you moved into a space with rough tiles or aging cement.
Rugs and carpets can cover imperfections, insulate the room, and add personality to your home.
A medium-sized rug in Nigeria ranges from ₦12,000 to ₦25,000, depending on quality.
Shop from direct importers, not boutiques. Visit the outskirts, like Lagos Island, where you can find wholesale sellers who give discounts if you buy more than one item.
One of the smartest ways to furnish on a budget is to phase your purchases.
You don’t have to do everything at once.
You can move in with a mattress on the floor, a portable gas cooker, and basic lighting.
With time, you upgrade.
This also helps you observe how you use your space.
Sometimes, you realize you don’t need a center table. Or maybe that big dining set you were eyeing will make your living room look cramped.
Friends and family can also be resources.
Nigerians are generous people by nature.
If you let your loved ones know you’re moving into a new place, some of them might offer items they no longer use.
Someone might have an extra fan or a gas cylinder they’re not using.
Furnishing your first home is not a competition; it’s a process.
Another overlooked hack is doing DIY(do-it-yourself) projects.
You’d be amazed how many things you can build or fix yourself with a little bit of YouTube knowledge.
Want shelves on your wall?
All you need is plywood, nails, paint, and a few hours.
Want a simple shoe rack or a TV stand? You don’t have to buy, you can create.
DIY doesn’t just save money; it gives your home a personal touch.
Transportation costs are also part of your furnishing budget
When buying items, especially secondhand ones, factor in how you’ll move them.
It makes no sense to buy a cheap table for ₦15,000 and pay ₦10,000 to transport it.
Always plan for logistics.
If possible, combine deliveries. Buy items in clusters and move them together to reduce cost.
Let’s not forget lighting and electricity.
A well-furnished apartment isn’t just about furniture, it’s also about ambiance.
Soft, warm lights can make even the most basic room feel cozy.
LED bulbs are affordable, energy-efficient, and available across Nigerian markets.
A pack of 3 bulbs goes for ₦2,500 on average.
Add a few rechargeable lamps and you’re good, especially if you live in an area where electricity supply is unpredictable.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when furnishing is chasing aesthetics before functionality.
A couch may look beautiful in the showroom, but if it’s not comfortable or easy to clean, it’s a bad investment.
A table might look sleek, but if it chips easily or can’t support weight, it will cost you more in repairs or replacement.
Always test before you buy.
Sit on the chairs. Open the drawers.
Also, remember that a good budget doesn’t mean a low budget.
It means a planned, intentional spending strategy. You could have ₦500,000 and still waste money on poor-quality items if you don’t have a plan.
And you could furnish a basic apartment with ₦200,000 if you apply discipline, creativity, and negotiation skills.
Lastly, don’t try to impress anyone.
Furnishing your apartment is for your comfort, not for social media. The house doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be livable, safe, and true to your lifestyle.
Over time, you’ll upgrade.
As your income improves, your taste will evolve.
But right now, what you need is a roof over your head, a chair to sit on, a bed to sleep in, and a kitchen to make your meals.
What to consider before furnishing
Many Nigerians moving into a two-bedroom apartment expect to spend between ₦600,000 to ₦1.2 million on furnishing.
That range often includes basic electronics, furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and minor décor.
But the final cost can easily go beyond those numbers, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where prices can double depending on the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, most people fall into the trap of spending blindly.
They rush to fill their space without considering priorities, forgetting that value is more important than volume.
A good way to start is by recognizing that not everything must be new.
This is especially important if you’re a first-time renter or moving out of a shared apartment.
The Nigerian secondhand furniture and appliance market is thriving, and it’s not filled with junk like many people assume.
In fact, a 2024 survey conducted across 3 major online classifieds revealed that 58% of listed home furnishings were items used for less than 12 months.
Many sellers are relocating, upgrading, or decluttering.
That means you can find quality, modern furniture and electronics for less than half the original price.
From wardrobes and center tables to gas cookers and even washing machines, there are deals hidden in plain sight.
It’s also essential to prioritize rooms based on your needs.
Not every room has to be fully set up at once.
Start with the space you’ll use daily, most likely the master bedroom and the living room.
These two serve as your sanctuary and your welcome space.
If your budget is tight, let the second room wait.
That way, you’re not forcing money where it’s not urgently needed.
Many Nigerian tenants make the mistake of buying everything at once and end up with low-quality or mismatched items that don’t last more than a year.
Let’s talk about furniture first, because this is where the bulk of your furnishing budget will go.
A two-bedroom apartment requires more seating, more storage, and more sleeping arrangements than a one-bedroom or self-contained space.
But you don’t need a full-blown showroom setup.
What you need are versatile, durable, space-smart pieces that do more than one job.
A simple L-shaped sofa with built-in storage can serve both sitting and storage purposes.
A coffee table with drawers or shelves underneath becomes more than just decoration.
Beds are non-negotiable
Whether you’re buying a standard bedframe or a divan, focus on durability and support.
A good night’s sleep affects your productivity, your health, and even your mood.
In Nigeria, the average cost of a high-density mattress for a double bed is around ₦45,000 to ₦70,000.
You’ll need two of these for a 2-bedroom setup.
Add basic frames and pillows, and you’re already inching close to ₦200,000 just for sleeping arrangements.
But instead of buying both beds immediately, it’s perfectly okay to furnish one room first and hold off on the other.
When it comes to wardrobes, fitted closets are rare in most Nigerian apartments, especially in older buildings.
That means you’ll need to source your own.
But you don’t need a large, expensive wardrobe that swallows half your room.
A mid-sized, secondhand wooden wardrobe with a decent finish will serve you well, and you can always repaint it to match your room’s theme.
Most people don’t know this, but paint can completely transform old furniture for as little as ₦3,000.
It’s one of the cheapest ways to freshen your home on a budget.
The living room is the heartbeat of any apartment, and this is where people often splurge unnecessarily.
It’s tempting to go for big entertainment systems, fancy TV stands, and elaborate curtains.
But unless you’re hosting regular gatherings or shooting content in your home, simplicity will serve you better.
One thing every Nigerian living room needs is ventilation and airflow.
A good standing fan or wall fan costs between ₦20,000 and ₦35,000, depending on brand and strength.
Prioritize cooling systems before aesthetics. A beautiful room that’s hot and stuffy won’t feel beautiful for long.
TVs and electronics should come last
This might sound surprising, but electronics are usually the most expensive category, and they depreciate the fastest.
In fact, prices for smart TVs increased by nearly 25% between 2022 and 2024 due to currency fluctuations and import duties.
So instead of buying a brand-new 55-inch television upfront, consider starting with a used flat-screen or even a laptop connected to speakers.
You can upgrade later without draining your core furnishing budget.
The kitchen is where most people either overspend or underplan.
But you don’t need a chef’s setup to cook your daily meals.
A double burner gas cooker with a small cylinder, a working refrigerator, and basic utensils are enough for a start.
Visit places like Alaba International Market, Lagos Island, or Apo Market in Abuja, and you’ll find reliable kitchen appliances and utensils at affordable prices.
For ₦100,000 or less, you can get everything you need to make proper meals, plates, pots, spoons, knives, trays, and cleaning materials.
Always avoid buying all kitchen items from a supermarket.
Another major cost-saving strategy is the use of local artisans
Many Nigerians don’t realize just how much value they can get by working with local carpenters, welders, or tailors.
A tailor can sew your curtains, bedsheets, pillowcases, and even cushion covers at less than half the price of what you’ll find in interior stores.
A carpenter can build your TV stand, wardrobe, or bookshelf using locally sourced wood.
The beauty of this approach is customization. Your furniture fits your space perfectly, and you support the local economy while staying within budget.
Let’s talk about decor
Decoration doesn’t have to be expensive, and in fact, too much decor can clutter your space.
Instead of investing in imported vases, wall art, and sculptures, start small.
Use real or artificial plants to add life to the room.
Frame photos or printed artwork.
Use throw pillows with bold colors.
Accent walls can change the entire feel of your living room without requiring you to buy extra furniture.
A gallon of premium wall paint in Nigeria costs around ₦8,000 to ₦12,000 and covers an entire wall.
With just two cans and some tape, you can transform your space into a cozy sanctuary.
Light is often overlooked when furnishing, yet it changes everything
A room can go from dull to stunning with the right lighting.
Instead of relying solely on ceiling bulbs, add floor lamps or table lamps.
Rechargeable lamps also serve a dual purpose, style, and functionality during blackouts.
Nigerian households experience an average of 10 hours of power outage per day, depending on the region.
So, investing in portable light sources should be part of your budget, not an afterthought.
For your bathroom, the goal is function and freshness.
A basic shower curtain, a small cabinet for toiletries, a mirror, and a bath mat are enough to start.
Nigerians typically spend between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 setting up bathrooms, depending on taste and product quality.
These costs can drop significantly if you buy items in open markets or during discount periods. Stores like Shoprite often run clearance sales at the end of each quarter, where you can pick up essential items for much less.
You should also set aside part of your budget for repairs and unexpected expenses.
It’s rare to move into a Nigerian apartment and find everything working perfectly.
There’s usually a faulty tap, a burnt socket, a leaking pipe, or something else that needs fixing.
Don’t use all your money on furniture and leave nothing for adjustments.
A small reserve fund of ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 can save you a lot of stress during your first month.
Cleaning is the final piece of the furnishing puzzle
A clean apartment looks more beautiful than a cluttered, dusty one, no matter how fancy the furniture.
Invest in basic cleaning tools, brooms, mops, buckets, detergent, air fresheners, and gloves.
All of this will cost less than ₦10,000 but will give your apartment the comfort of a well-maintained space.
Cleanliness doesn’t cost much but adds the most value.