So you’ve found your ideal NYC rental. Congrats! You’ve triumphed over one of this city’s most strenuous challenges. Now’s the time to sit back, relax, and oh, wait. Unfortunately, your work isn’t quite over yet; you need to figure out how to furnish your new space! And between moving fees, deposits, broker’s fees, and newfound rent costs, chances are your liquidity is, ahem, not too high. So what’s one to do with a limited budget and an empty new residence? Transform your house into a lovely city home with a little bit of help from these wallet-friendly resources.
This shop sells used and vintage.. well, everything. If, however, you can resist the temptation of thousands of shelves of $1 records and DVD’s, you’ll find insane quantities of furniture here, some of which has truly luxe origins. If unique pieces are your top priority, then Housing Works is your place. Shop around their thirteen NYC locations (including West Village, Brooklyn Heights, SoHo, Yorkville, Park Slope, and more) to find the truest steals, or take a poke around their website for a more convenient, albeit somewhat limited thrifting experience. Housing Works is also more than just a commercial chain; it’s a non-profit. All proceeds from their sales go towards helping those affected by HIV/AIDS, making you an ethical, as well as thrifty shopper.
Unlike some of the NYC mainstays on this list, AptDeco is more of an up and comer in New York’s furniture world. A tech-based service, AptDeco’s extensive inventory of second-hand goods is available to browse by on their interactive and stylish website. Here, you’ll find high-end, pre-verified steals from name-brand companies like West Elm, Design Within Reach, and more (browsing by brand available!). Looking to ditch your old decor as you move towards brighter horizons? For an added bonus, you can use AptDeco to sell any well-maintained, used furniture. Use code TripleMint25 at checkout for $25 off your first order.
Bob’s is probably familiar to many NYC renters, particularly those who own a television (Call Bob’s Discount Furniture NOW! Anyone..?). Bob’s has a strong presence both online and in their physical stores, so you’ll always have the option to touch, sit, or lie on your new furniture before committing to a purchase. Bob’s does have a Manhattan location on East 117th, but you’ll find a larger selection in their Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens stores. Using Bob’s, you might be sacrificing some of your new sofa’s uniqueness, but you’ll always get a consistent, sturdy product difficult qualities to guarantee in the vintage/second-hand market. If buying brand new furniture is your top priority, then Bob’s might be your best bet. Bob’s also offers financing and personalized delivery.
Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market
Annex Antiques holds some of the oldest and most extensive Flea Markets in NYC. Here, 135 vendors showcase an eclectic array of items for purchase, including a selection of handcrafted furniture. Roaming through the blocks and blocks of booths, their selection can feel overwhelming to even the most discerning shoppers. In fact, it would be near impossible to cover all of their inventory in a single excursion. This unique weekend marketplace has two locations; West 25th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue in Chelsea, and West 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Hell’s Kitchen. Both markets are open every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, from 9am to 6pm in Chelsea and 9am to 4pm in Hell’s Kitchen. With an admission fee of just one dollar, you can’t really go wrong with Annex.
This chain of shops is a must for anyone seeking affordable furniture. Disclaimer: if you’re living somewhere in central Manhattan, it’s a bit of a trek. Still, we think it’s worth it. With two locations in Brooklyn, one in Queens, and one in the Bronx, these shops cater to diverse groups across all of New York City. Here you’ll find more than just your stand-alone lamppost or bed frame– Fulton carries furniture sets for your living space, dining room, bedroom, and office. The best part? Fulton’s understands your just-moved budgeting struggles. That’s why they offer financing for all of higher-ticket items. Check out their website for a useful piece-by-piece breakdown of what your monthly payments might look like.
