One of the questions I get asked all the time—especially from new clients—is “how much does it actually cost to furnish a bedroom?” And I understand why people ask, it’s because they don’t engage an interior designer often or purchase furniture for a whole room all at once.
So, my answer is, it depends on your room size, your style, and what you already have to work with.
But for the sake of giving you something solid to work from, I’ve put together a real-world example using the kind of furniture I regularly specify for my clients.
I’m not talking luxury custom pieces or budget basics—just good-quality, well-made furniture that looks holds up to everyday life.
Let’s say we’re starting from scratch in a master bedroom and want the space to feel thoughtfully finished. Here's roughly what you'd be looking at:
Bed frame and mattress: $4,000
Bedside tables: $1,600 (pair)
Table lamps x2: $470
Artwork: $360
Mirror: $500
Chest of drawers: $2,499
Occasional chair: $1,200
Floor lamp: $360
Side table: $450
Estimated total: $11,439 depending on what’s included.
What’s Not Included in the Above Bedroom Costs
Whilst the above estimate includes core furniture and key decoration pieces, it doesn’t cover trades, window furnishings, or bedding (which can definitely add up once you start layering in linen, pillows, and throws).
If you already have some pieces we can work with, great — that will absolutely bring costs down. But if we’re starting fresh, it’s good to plan for a realistic budget that reflects the quality and finish you’re after.
Other Factors
Your personal style and the size of the room can influence the cost of your project too. If you're more of a minimalist, you may need fewer items. But if you're someone who loves texture, layers, and extra comfort — like me! — then you'll likely want to invest in those details too.
The other thing it doesn’t include is design fees or delivery costs from the retailer. If you’re working with a designer, it’s commonplace for us to specify from a variety of suppliers, so there can often be multiple delivery fees.
That said, in using different suppliers I’ll often mix some high end pieces, some more affordable ones.
What about Trade Pricing?
The way that I work is if a supplier offers me trade pricing, I share that with you. It’s one of the little behind-the-scenes perks of working with a designer. You might get access to pieces that would usually be out of budget if buying them retail. Trade pricing can help stretch your design dollar a little further.
That being said, a big part of my role is understanding your budget and sourcing pieces that fit comfortably within it. If I know your budget from the start, I can make smart choices and get the best value for you.
So How Much Should You Set Aside for a Bedroom?
As I mentioned earlier, figuring out the cost to furnish a master bedroom isn’t black and white—but hopefully this breakdown has helped make things a little clearer.
Yes, there are ways to stretch a budget, and yes, we can always work around existing pieces if you have them. But if you’re starting fresh and aiming for that layered, designer feel (without going over the top), I suggest allowing around $10,000 - $12,000. That’s typically the sweet spot for a mid-range bedroom that looks cohesive, feels personal, and functions beautifully.
Of course, you can go up or down depending on your style, the size of the room, and where we source from—but having that ballpark figure in mind gives us a great foundation to start designing with intention. I’ll walk you through it all, so you know what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.
Wrapping Up (Let’s Make It Simple)
Hopefully this has given you a clearer sense of what’s involved when it comes to furnishing a space properly—and why it often costs more than people expect at first. But don’t worry, you don’t need to figure it all out on your own.
My goal isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to help you feel informed and confident heading into your project. We’ll have open conversations about budget early on, so you know what’s achievable, and I’ll handle the details from there.
Whether you’re working with a tight space or dreaming up your forever home, I’ll help you make smart choices that feel personal, polished, and practical.