Making a Move This Year?
There has been no activity, no thought process, no exercise that has helped us better cope with this past year than imaging a move. No matter where you’ve lived during this pandemic, being inside for months on end has made you realize you need a change. In reality, your home/apartment could be perfectly fine, but it doesn’t matter, you need to move to regain a level of sanity. We get it. For freelancers, moving for work, or any reason really, is a fairly frequent reality. Freelancers understand better than most the hassle of furnishing one’s living space. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of where you can get furniture quickly, easily, and affordably. Whether the pandemic is forcing you to move for the first time in a while or you’re a long-time nomad, these online furniture stores probably haven’t crossed your path before. They’re worth checking out.
AFFORDABILITY
For many people, especially those on the move, affordability really is priority one, two, and three. Sites like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Overstock, and Wayfair you know well. You’ve probably got a few pieces from these stores in the room you’re in right now, but there are some other shops you may want to include in your next search. This way you avoid ending up with the same furniture as all your friends.
The flash sale site that’s actually worth the rabbit hole. Joss & Main carries hundreds of brands across every style from farmhouse to beach house. The sales run typically for two days and are categorized by items, like loveseats, rugs, nightstands, and this cool antique bookcase. Joss & Main is owned by the same company that owns Wayfair, and has two other brands worth looking at. All Modern & Birch Lane are priced consistently with Joss & Main and have just as many flash sales. This site lets you create your own idea boards and has a room planner so you can map everything out. Plus, they do custom upholstery, they carry pet furniture, and most items are eligible for free shipping.
On the hunt for more unique items? World Market offers furniture and home decor handmade from all over the world. Think rugs from India and baskets from Indonesia. There’s a lot to sift through, but there are definitely standout pieces waiting to be found like this dining table for that weird nook you have trouble decorating. Like most big box stores, you’ll find more options online than you will in the brick and mortar, and all orders $99 and up come with free shipping. Plus, with frequent sales and a rewards program, you can usually score a great deal. If not, you will get a full refund within 60 days.
Lexmod features primarily modern furniture for every setting from outdoor dining to desk lamps. Their site is super easy to navigate and Lexmod personnel are prepared to assist you in your digital shopping experience anytime through a live chat. Many of their pieces are available in multiple colors like this nightstand right out of the Jetsons. In fact, you’ve probably seen a lot of their pieces already as they’re one of the most popular brands used to furnish sets for movies and television. As an extra bonus, their shipping is free and their items have no sales tax.
CB2 is the younger cousin of Crate & Barrel. They offer a hip selection of modern, minimalist, and mid-century furniture that has made it a go-to for apartment dwellers and first-time home owners alike. Both could use this cool doormat. They’re known for incredibly chic collaborations with designers and artists like Lenny Kravitz and Kara Mann. CB2 offers free design consultations via video chat, and the company will also help you create mood boards and 3D room renderings. Despite being owned by the same company as Crate & Barrell, CB2 goes a bit easier on your wallet, and most items ship free.
LONGEVITY
Despite moving regularly, it’s not unreasonable to want a piece of furniture that stays with you; something that really feels like yours. A piece like that you may be willing to spend a bit more dough on, and you should. As long as you’re looking in the right places, a more expensive piece will last you a long time.
For those wanting to live that BoHo dream, Citizenry carries a unique and high-quality selection of artisanal seating, hammocks, tables, bedding, and more. Many of their pieces are handmade and sustainably sourced so they only carry so many of them. If you’re really looking for a piece that no one else will have, head to their “Final Few” section to get the last hand-stitched indigo blanket or wooden Japanese bathmat. If you’re unsure about the price, all US orders ship free so at least you’re saving somewhere.
Trying to track down a must-have vintage piece at a reasonable price? Chairish is your best bet. This should be your first stop for gently-used, high-design furnishings. Chairish isn’t actually the seller but the middle man. People put their vintage pieces on consignment with Chairish (of which Chairish only selects ones they feel are unique and in good condition) and that’s what you see on their site. You’re technically buying from another person, but there’s no need to interact with anyone as Chairish handles everything. Shipping costs and times differ based on item, but Chairish allows you two days after you’ve received the time to return it. They won’t charge you anything until those two days are up. Why not spend the next two staring at this boat.
If your taste is simplicity over sophistication, Apt2B is your store. Their high-end yet basic furniture is made to order in the U.S. and is available in more than 50 fabrics, so they’ll go with literally anything. Plus, you have up to 100 days to return your metal chairs that look like you stole them from a food truck. If you’re wavering on what to add to your cart, the site has tons of design tips and guides to help take the guesswork out of decorating. If you’re wavering due to price, Apt2B does have a discount section, and their shipping is free.
The company known primarily for its seating options is fairly new to the home market, but it's already a standout. One of the things we love most about Burrow is its infinitely customizable furniture. You can choose, for example, a couch or chair and then customize the fabric color, leg finish, arm style, and whether or not the pillows are tufted. With all these options, it’s easy to get exactly what you want. Even big pieces, like this couch with a table at the end, are super easy to assemble, and get delivered in boxes that are easy to fit through doorways. Did we mention Burrow offers free shipping and a full refund within 30 days?
SECOND LOOK
These are sites we’re all familiar with and may visit frequently, but perhaps don’t think of when it comes to furniture. We’re telling you now that you should take a second look; not just for affordability, but for interesting and unique finds.
You know Esty for those bespoke pot holders you got for your aunt last Christmas, but Etsy’s huge selection of one-of-a-kind handmade and vintage items are worth your time when it comes to furnishing. Ceramic tableware? Yep. Monogrammed towels and linens? Yep. The coolest piece to store your Blu-ray collection? Yessir. Plus, with every purchase, you’re supporting a small business owner.
For those living under rocks, H&M is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, fast fashion brand out there. You’ve probably spent a fair amount of time on their site looking to get a cheap pair of khakis for the fall. Well that’s not the only thing you can get for cheap at H&M. H&M Home’s website is filled with all sorts of affordable home decor from bedding to storage. Like their clothes, the furniture has a contemporary & trendy style. Knowing their audience very well, students get 15% of all purchases. If you’re getting a Master’s in psychology and need salt & pepper bowls, you’re in luck.
You may have just been on the Sothebys website looking for a new home. Don’t leave yet, they’ve got an awesome collection of vintage and antique treasures. What's cool about Sothebys Home is that they offer literally anything pre-owned. So not only do they have older more traditional pieces like this Mignon Typewriter, but you can find furniture from high-end contemporary brands like Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware that are in great condition. It's a great way to score excellent deals on good looking, quality decor. If price is more important to you, many of their items that don’t sell at auction are offered in their “Buy Now” section for a fraction of the price.
Home Depot is, for many of us, the top pick for home improvement projects. It should also be a top pick for furniture, bedding, lighting, throw pillows, and all other home decor. Their price points are reasonable and their website allows you to shop by style or by pre-assembled looks. There also might be no better store to buy affordable, stylish, and weatherproof outdoor furniture. They offer free in-store pickup (as fast as two hours on some items) and many items are eligible for free shipping. Plus, you can never overlook their horticulture options.
Hopefully you’ve already gotten lost in a catalogue before reaching the end of this article.
