I'm getting my own place in the next few weeks so I need to go and buy furniture. The two things that I'm looking for to get started are a queen-sized bed (well not a bed, just mattress and frame) and a nice soft light-colored leather couch. I don't want to be a sucker that pays retail for it, I want to save as much money as possible. I don't want to spend more than $500 for the bed and $1000 for a couch and loveseat.

Where do you think that I'll find the best deals? One of those places where the guy is screaming at you on TV? Used on craigslist? Local newspaper? Online someplace? Although I'm kind of picky about the couch I want, I'm not sure I'd want to buy it without sitting on it.

 

As for the sofa/loveseat, I can tell you that in the range you are looking, it will definitely be an import from China and you will have to study each piece to make sure the sides and back are not vinyl. You can find decent products out there, but 9 our of 10 are crap so be extra careful and don't let any high pressure sales folks talk you into anything.

When I was searching for my set, I went to over 20 stores and found 2 sets that we decided between.

 

Costco I bought most of the furniture for my new place

 

What do you guys think about this:

http://modernlinefurniture.com/fumocobeleli.html

Is it going to be a cheap Chinese piece?

 

Does that price include the mattress? I would not skimp too much on a mattress, getting something of decent can make a huge difference in your sleep quality.

 

anything else just do craigslist. current recession has got a lot of good stuff there, look for the name brand. i hate shopping.

alternative to leather is get something microfiber.

 

Craigslist. You shouldn't pay more than about 25-30% of original retail, and if you look for stuff in nice neighborhoods, you can find some great deals.

 

I'd go with $1000 for the bed and $500 for the couch. You need a good bed.

 

If you don't go with leather, then get fabric, that microfiber is a BEAST to clean and get stains out of. Everyone says it is so easy, but in real life, its not.

 

Is the Ikea in Michigan near you? Their stuff is really cheap. My family is in the furniture business and I still send my friends to Ikea to get their furniture.