Furniture Suggestions

[ahlatsiawa]

I move to the US in less than 10 days. Since my apartment is going to be unfurnished, I am currently looking for some basic furniture items (bed, drawers, desk, dining table) on the internet. For everything else I am okay going with Craigslist but I want the bed and mattress to be new (had a really bad bed-bug problem a few weeks back). I found a nice wooden (meranti wood) twin bed at Target for $145 with free shipping. Is this good value for my money? It has good reviews with a 4.5/5 customer rating. Although I have never bought furniture online before but I want the bed and mattress to be already there when I arrive so am looking to make a purchase today or tomorrow. Would appreciate your help.

[Monochrome Spring]

If there is an IKEA nearby, you can get a lot of the basics for cheap. Not always the best quality, but they do the job.

 

Shipping cost can be high if there isn't one nearby, so check that out first.

[Maleficent999]

I agree with Monochrome. If there's an Ikea near where you're moving I would check there first. You can pick up a new mattress and bed frame pretty cheap. Otherwise, that Target price isn't too terrible but you could probably get a better deal at Walmart (I hate saying that because seriously, f*ck Walmart but you can't beat their prices sometimes).

[Lifesaver]

I purchased a lot of stuff from Overstock.com a couple years back. I got about a year-two years use out of what I bought since it was all assemble-yourself furniture and pretty cheap. I think the only thing I still have (meaning, it's still in one piece) is a ladder shelf. So, if you're looking for throw-away furniture, Overstock.com may be a good option. The quality is going to be the same as Walmart, Target, and probably Ikea. If you have a few more dollars to spend and would prefer a little better quality of a product, check out Big Lots or their website.

[rising_star]

Honestly, I haven't had the typical bed setup since I started grad school and I don't really miss it. I have a mattress and boxspring that are on a basic frame (purchased for like $25) with no headboard or footboard. This works well for me because it's a lot easier to move and definitely was cheaper to purchase. Oh, and I tried out mattresses. It typically only takes a few days to have one delivered if you go to a mattress store. The reason for trying them out is that sleep is an important part of your life as a grad student and it matters whether you're comfortable or not. You don't want to get a mattress that leaves you with neck/back pain (trust me, I slept on one during my fieldwork and it made for many restless nights, pain-filled days, and aches all over). If you order online and have it there when you get there, you don't get that opportunity. Instead, consider ordering an air mattress that will be there when you get there and sleeping on that until you can purchase a quality mattress.

 

As for what furniture to buy, I started with a chest of drawers, nightstand, shoe rack, and the aforementioned bed when I first got my place. Oh, and I think I had a few pots and pans. I gradually added other items via Craiglist (if you're worried about bed bugs, be very careful about sofas, loveseats, and chairs) or by buying them from grad students who had finished and were moving.

[kyjin]

Like rising_star, I have a basic frame, nothing fancy. However, I spent a lot of money on my mattress. Considering how much time you spend sleeping and how important decent rest is, this is the one piece of furniture I would not skimp on. Instead of ordering a mattress or bed online, I'd get an air mattress for your first few days. Go to a mattress store (or Ikea or Macy's, etc) and try out some beds. You'll get it in a few days, and I'm sure you'll appreciate it more than just going by online reviews.

[TakeruK]

I have to third rising_star's and kyjin's advice and we did exactly the same thing. Our thought was that we spend 1/3 of our life in bed so it's worth the investment. So, we also spent a lot of money on our mattress ($1200 or so for a queen size mattress but that included frame, bed, sheets, delivery, taxes). It has lasted over 4 years now and I expect it to go for at least 10 in total, which comes out to only 30 cents per night. I'd gladly pay a quarter per night to flop down onto a really comfortable bed instead of one that is just okay (or even uncomfortable if you haven't had the chance to try it).

[ahlatsiawa]

Monochrome Spring - The nearest Ikea is ~200mi away and they charge $99 for shipping. So have to cross that off the list.

Maleficent999 - I found a whole bedroom set (platform bed+nightstand+drawers) for $199 at Walmart. Wow! Would I be a terrible person if I were thinking of buying some other stuff from there too? I have looked at all the local furniture stores in my area (those who have an internet presence) but I couldn't find anything which I can afford, honestly.

Lifesaver - I *am* looking for throwaway furniture, yes. I have not yet decided on what I want to do after my Master's. If my research takes off (literally, I have a UAV project), I might continue for a PhD. But things are not clear at this moment so I don't want to spend any more than I absolutely have to. I will take a look at the websites you suggested, thanks!

rising_star, kyjin, TakeruK - I slept on a 3" foam mattress all four years of my undergrad. We weren't allowed to bring absolutely any of our own stuff with us so had to stick with the dorm furniture. I think I am now so used to having such lousy sleeping arrangements that I have become almost immune to all those aches and pains. But I really like your suggestions and think that's what I am going to do. Although there is a Macy's nearby but I think I will go to some local places first. Found a few reasonably priced options on the internet.

Edited July 19, 2014 by ahlatsiawa

[WriteAndKnit]

See if there's a mattress store with a clearance center in your area. They'll sell floor models and very-gently-used mattresses (after cleaning and sanitizing) for a LOT less than you'd pay normally. I got a (twin sized) pillowtop mattress, box spring, and very basic frame for $200 -- when pillowtop mattresses alone tend to be at least $250. And it's mega comfy.

[GeoDUDE!]

If you like firm mattresses (better for your back), you can get a quality one cheaper: I bought one for 100 bucks (serta or some sort). It also makes it better when you eventually move again: you wont feel guilty about donating it when its so cheap. 

[geographyrocks]

While I hate walmart with an unhealthy passion, their memory foam mattresses are wonderful and cheap. I had a full size (bed plus frame for around $200) for years. I liked it so much that when I moved, I bought the king size. I wish I could remember the name. The mattress is comfortable beyond belief and the frame is incredibly sturdy.

Edit: the brand is Spa Sensations

Edited July 20, 2014 by geographyrocks

[perpetuavix]

I have an IKEA mattress (which was cheap, and I wouldn't really recommend) and a fold-up bed frame (which is probably the best piece of furniture I ever bought). The frame is cheap and eliminates the need for a box spring, while still giving you space underneath the bed. It also folds up and fits in a box. I brought my shitty mattress with me even though I'm definitely going to replace it soon, but the bed frame will probably stay with me for a long time. My sister has used the same type of bed frame for probably close to 7 years (so they do last well). It sounds like the Target bed is a pretty good deal, but this works with a twin or a full mattress, if you ever decide you want to get a bigger bed. 

 

http://www.kmart.com/night-therapy-deluxe-platform-metal-bed-frame-foundation-twin/p-021V007484684000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

[ahlatsiawa]

WriteAndKnit - That is actually a really good idea. I will keep that in mind when I am out shopping.

GeoDUDE! - I am eyeing a $140 memory foam mattress at one of the local stores. I will see if it works for me by trying it out.

geographyrocks - Saw a listing for an 8" Spa Sensations for $150 at Walmart. WIll be sure to check it out.

perpetuavix - The bed I am going for does not require a box-spring or frame as it already comes with wood rails. But it does look good and would pair well with a nice headboard. Thanks for your input!

[S_Colorado]

I have an inexpensive IKEA bed and it has lasted me great for 10 years and through 3 moves. I just makes sure I only buy solid wood pieces at IKEA because the particle board tends to wear with age and use. 

 

They don't have my exact one there any more but is it very similar to this one http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80185066/

 

I've had a few ikea mattresses as well and they are very reasonably priced. I have been able to transport them all home in my corolla but I've also only gotten the foam mattresses and they come rolled up tight in plastic. 

[spectastic]

these are nice

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DGM4IU/ref=oh_details_o02_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[rising_star]

As I said before, I wouldn't worry about getting a bed per se. If you're wanting to get a bed for underbed storage, it's really not necessary. My basic $25 frame is high enough up (without any blocks or anything underneath) to put two underbed storage containers underneath it side by side. I bought the containers at Target and they just roll underneath the bed (they have wheels and a lid). That may be an inexpensive solution for your storage needs.

[spectastic]

for bed, I just bought a memory foam mattress for 240, and just yesterday sold for 120. the box underneath was going to be just a wooden box - no springs r anything, soo i just laid a few pieces of cardboard under it. 

 

if i ever move again, I'll proly just get a good quality air attress for a while

[Quantum Buckyball]

I move to the US in less than 10 days. Since my apartment is going to be unfurnished, I am currently looking for some basic furniture items (bed, drawers, desk, dining table) on the internet. For everything else I am okay going with Craigslist but I want the bed and mattress to be new (had a really bad bed-bug problem a few weeks back). I found a nice wooden (meranti wood) twin bed at Target for $145 with free shipping. Is this good value for my money? It has good reviews with a 4.5/5 customer rating. Although I have never bought furniture online before but I want the bed and mattress to be already there when I arrive so am looking to make a purchase today or tomorrow. Would appreciate your help.

 

I got all my furniture from IKEA, I was able to get everything for my bedroom (bed frame, night stands, mattress, drawers, computer table, computer chair) , living room (bookcase x 4, coffee table, TV stand, stools), dining room (a full dining set with 4 chairs), kitchen (all the necessities), and lots of decorative stuff. for about ~$1500 tax included. It was a good way to start fresh lol 

[dat_nerd]

I'm surprised nobody has recommended Amazon yet… I bought a memory-foam mattress as well as other small furniture items. Since the memory-foam was rolled-up, shipping wasn't too expensive, and there were plenty of reviews to read beforehand.

[victorydance]

Bed frames are incredibly easy to get second-hand. Why buy a new one?

[S_Colorado]

That's one of the beds I actually had in mind. Are you suppose to paint it? I kind of like it as is....

 

I'm trying to figure out if I can purchase items online to pick up in store, but the website isn't very helpful and I have yet to get a human on the phone. There is no IKEA in my new town, but one on the way. I'd like to be able to pick everything out ahead of time and have it waiting for me to pick up as I go through that town. Anyone done that?

 You can paint or stain it if you want. it is unfinished. I never did anything with mine.

 

You can't order it online but depending on the IKEA, if you have the item numbers, it isn't too hard to find. My local IKEA, pretty much everything is in backstock so after you purchase it, they just bring things out to you. You just have to get a slip first. If you only wanted a few things, it wouldn't take too long. The bed frame comes packed in a very long skinny box. Mine was say 6 feet by 1 foot by 1 foot. It was very easy to fit in my car.

[ahlatsiawa]

So I finally ordered all my stuff today. In the end, I decided to go with this bed since all others in my price range were quite low in height. I found a very good three-piece office set (desk+drawers+printer stand) and I think I am going to use that last piece as my night stand until I can find a good one on Craigslist. Thanks everyone for your help.

[ahlatsiawa]

rising_star - Lack of underbed storage was the least of my worries. I am going to have plenty of storage space in the apartment. I found out later that the bed I had chosen initially might not be able to handle my weight (~80kg) and also it did not have a headboard. Plus, low height as mentioned above. 

Quantum Buckyball - Wow! That sounds awesome. I wish there was in Ikea in Syracuse. Would have given me a broad range of choices.

dat_nerd - I am going to see if Amazon can help me with the rest of the stuff that I have yet to buy. Thanks for your suggestion!

victorydance - I had a very bad bedbug problem last month. That is why I did not want to go for a second-hand frame and mattress.

[geographyrocks]

So...whatever you decide to do, make sure you have free shipping. Walmart offers it and if you sign up for the Student Amazon prime, you can get free shipping for a year from Amazon. The membership is also free for a year. I would recommend that you get a sturdy frame which is why I go for metal over wood. Low cost wood frames generally aren't very well made.

[themmases]

I'm in the same predicament. I've found a bed I like on Target's website and another I like on IKEA's, but I've heard that assembly is a nightmare and lifespan is short (confession: I've never been to an IKEA or owned anything from there). Is it really that bad? I will only be at this program a few years and don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a nice bedroom set that I'll later have to worry about hauling somewhere else. The mattress thing is stressing me out too, I'd like to try it out in person but I also would like a bed to sleep on for my first week there. 

 

No, IKEA is not really that bad. Most of my IKEA furniture is not their cheapest stuff, but not solid wood either-- it's a mix of the bookshelf lines, the Malm bed frame, this set of drawers, and the Karlstad sofa they've had forever and ever. Except for the bookshelves, I've successfully taken every one of those things apart, moved them, and put them back together without any noticeable loss of quality. The sofa and one of the chests of drawers were actually bought used before I did this. Most of their stuff actually goes together in pretty much the same way, so if you build the easy stuff first you should be a pro by the time you get to weirder stuff like drawers. I've had my mid-range foam mattress from them for almost 5 years, usually with two people sleeping on it, and I think it has another year or two left in it. The bed slats will break, though. I would recommend accepting this and buying extras if you get an IKEA bed, or looking for a frame that will let you use other slats/a box spring.

 

In contrast, I bought a Target sofa for my current apartment and it was a nightmare. I was excited that they offered delivery because I would have had to rent a car otherwise. The delivery people were rude and left me (a petite woman) in the lobby with this thing when I live on the third floor and our elevators are the old fashioned kind where you have to hold the door and the gate open. I emailed to complain and Target never responded, ever (and I keep my spam folder cleaned out, so I would have known if they tried). The materials were bad, the screws were greasy and made a mess, all looked the same, and attached to obscure parts of the frame under the lining of the couch, the instructions were bad, and the couch when put together was bad. We ended up getting rid of it less than a year later in favor of the used IKEA couch and there is just no comparison. By the time we got rid of the Target couch, it had already developed an un-sittable spot where the filling was stuck under the spring, unfixable without cutting the upholstery, months before. I would honestly never buy another piece of furniture from them.