How to Furnish a Portland Apartment on a Budget

Moving into a new Portland apartment? Whether you're setting up your first place in the Pearl District, downsizing in Sellwood, or refreshing a rental in Buckman, furnishing an apartment on a budget is absolutely doable — if you know where to look. Here's our guide to making your Portland apartment feel like home without breaking the bank.

Start with the Essentials

Don't try to furnish every room at once. Focus on the pieces you'll use every single day:

• A comfortable sofa: This is where you'll spend most of your time. An apartment-sized sofa (72"–82" wide) fits most Portland apartments without overwhelming the space.
• A dining table: Even a small dining table creates a sense of home. Look for extendable dining tables that can seat 2-4 normally and expand when you have guests.
• A bed and mattress: Don't skimp on sleep. A quality bed and mattress is the best investment you can make for your health and well-being.

Mix New and Consigned Furniture

The smartest way to furnish a Portland apartment on a budget is to mix new and consigned furniture. Buy new where quality matters most (sofa, mattress) and shop consignment for everything else — dining chairs, dressers, coffee tables, accent chairs, and decor.

At What's New Furniture, our consignment section is one of the largest in Portland. New pieces arrive every week, and prices are typically 50-70% below retail. You'll find vintage mid-century modern pieces, contemporary furniture that's barely been used, and unique statement pieces you won't find anywhere else.

Measure Everything — Twice

Portland apartments are famously quirky — narrow hallways, angled walls, radiators, and compact kitchens. Before you buy any furniture:

• Measure your doorways, stairways, and elevator (if applicable)
• Map out your room with painter's tape on the floor
• Leave at least 18" between a sofa and coffee table for comfortable walking space
• Allow 36" of clearance behind dining chairs so people can sit and stand easily

Not sure if something will fit? Our team at What's New Furniture will help you measure and plan your layout — bring your apartment's floor plan and we'll work through it together.

Consider a Sleeper Sofa

In a Portland apartment, every piece needs to earn its square footage. A sleeper sofa gives you a comfortable couch for daily use and a guest bed when friends visit. We carry Luonto sleeper sofas — they're a step above the typical sleeper in both comfort and design, with easy-open mechanisms and real mattresses.

Think Vertically

Portland apartments may be short on floor space, but you can use vertical space to your advantage. Wall-mounted shelves, tall bookcases, and media consoles with storage help you stay organized without cluttering your floor plan. If you're renting and can't drill into walls, look for leaning bookshelves and freestanding storage solutions.

Shop Local for Delivery You Can Count On

One advantage of shopping at a local Portland furniture store is that delivery is simple and fast. We deliver furniture throughout Portland and the metro area, starting at just $95. Our delivery team handles setup and placement — and they know how to navigate Portland's quirky apartment buildings, tight staircases, and narrow elevators.

Compare that to ordering online from a national retailer: your furniture ships from a warehouse across the country, arrives in boxes, and you're on your own for assembly and hauling.

Visit Our Portland Showroom

The best way to furnish your apartment is to see and sit on furniture in person. Visit What's New Furniture at 439 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214 — we're in the Central Eastside, just minutes from the Hawthorne District, Division Street, and Buckman. Browse two floors of new, custom, and consigned furniture and let our team help you find the perfect pieces for your space.

Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 11am–5pm.