by Melanie Cossey

Created on: August 18, 2008

Whether you are just starting out on your own or recovering financially after property loss, divorce, etc., how to furnish your living room on a budget can be of primary concern. The living room is an important space to focus on, as this is where you will bring your guests for their comfort and enjoyment, and it also serves as your show piece, a place you can take pride in, so it is reasonable to want to put your energy here and invest smartly in this room. There are several key elements to living room design and decor and we will explore ways to address these while keeping within budget.

MAIN SEATING

This is where the majority of your budget will go. Couches, futons, arm chairs, occasional chairs, loungers, etc. are the single most expensive piece of living room furniture. Although this is true, you can very easily find pieces in the lower price range of under $500. Love seats, for instance, although smaller are generally priced under $500. This is a good place to start. There is no rule to suggest one has to have a sofa and a love seat. One can have a very elegant grouping using two love seats and an arm chair or one love seat as a focal point with two or more armchairs grouped together.

Futons tend to be another option for seating that is very affordable. Futons have been given a bad wrap because when they first came out; they were heavy, clunky and often sagged and grew lumpy over time. Just like most things though, the futon has also experienced an overhaul to its design and is now funky and fun making it a great choice for the budget living space.

Arm chairs and occasional chairs also offer great diversity in price if you opt for a sleeker design. Choosing chairs that offer less upholstery and more frame is a way to keep the price down.

Not only can you be creative with groupings and design you can also be innovative with where you purchase your furniture. Discount furnishing can be found in many places from wholesale liquidators, buy-in clubs, warehouse stores, right down to charity stores, yard sales and free exchanges such as freecycle.org and craigslist. There are good quality items out there, so hold out for the one that suits your needs best, no need to settle for a tattered couch because you are on a budget.

You can also cut costs by buying through a "you assemble" store such as Ikea or one where you buy untreated pieces and stain the furniture yourself.

SURFACES

The next most expensive area in living room furnishing are your surfaces, such as coffee

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