You finally did it. You bought the house. After months—maybe years—of saving, loans, and sacrifices, you now have a place to call your own.
But now, reality is hitting hard. The bank balance is looking thin, the bills keep coming, and that dream of a beautifully furnished home? It’s starting to feel impossible.
So, what do you do? Do you rush to the nearest furniture store and take everything on credit? Do you settle for cheap, low-quality pieces that you’ll replace in a year? Or do you take your time, plan smartly, and furnish your home without losing your mind and your money?
If you’re leaning toward the smart option, keep reading.
1. Start with What You NEED, Not What Looks Good on Instagram
A mistake many new homeowners make is trying to furnish their house in one go. You want a Pinterest-worthy living room, a five-star bedroom, a perfectly styled dining area—all at once.
But here’s the truth: You don’t need everything immediately.
Start with the basics:
✔ A good bed with a solid frame and comfortable mattress.
✔ A functional sofa—nothing fancy, just something durable.
✔ A dining table (if you actually use one).
Everything else? It can wait. Prioritize comfort and function over aesthetics for now.
2. Forget Fancy Showrooms—Go Direct to the Fundi
The second you step into a showroom, you’re paying for more than just the furniture. You’re covering rent for that store, the salespeople’s commissions, and a profit margin that could be double or even triple the real price of that item.
Meanwhile, the same furniture is probably being made by a local fundi in Kariobangi, Gikambura, or Kiambu.
Buying direct means:
✔ You save money—No middleman inflating the price.
✔ You get custom-made furniture—Made to fit your space perfectly.
✔ You control the quality—You choose the wood, the fabric, the finish.
At Eric Woodworks, we’ve seen homeowners spend KSh 150,000 on a sofa that cost KSh 50,000 to make. Don’t let that be you.
3. Avoid the “Cheap Now, Expensive Later” Trap
I get it. Money is tight. The idea of getting a KSh 25,000 MDF bed instead of a KSh 60,000 hardwood one sounds tempting.
But let’s do some math.
- That MDF bed will last 2–3 years at best before it starts falling apart.
- You’ll replace it, maybe even twice in 10 years.
- That’s KSh 50,000 spent replacing a KSh 25,000 bed.
Meanwhile, a solid mahogany or mvule bed lasts 10–15 years with zero stress. You buy it once and forget about it.
Cheap furniture feels like a bargain at first, but it’s a long-term waste of money.
4. Don’t Buy Everything New—Some Items Are Better Second-Hand
Not everything in your home has to come straight from the store. Some of the best deals come from buying second-hand.
Where to check:
✔ Facebook Marketplace & Jiji – People selling furniture at throwaway prices.
✔ Expat Sales – Many expats sell high-end furniture for cheap before leaving.
✔ Estate Yard Sales – Upper-class estates like Lavington, Karen, or Runda often have sales.
A well-maintained solid wood dining table, a bookshelf, or even a TV stand can be bought second-hand at half the price and still serve you for years.
5. The “Mix & Match” Trick to Make Your Home Look Expensive
Your house doesn’t have to look unfinished just because you’re buying things slowly.
Here’s a secret interior designers use to make budget homes look high-end: mix statement pieces with simple, affordable ones.
For example:
- Get a high-quality sofa but pair it with budget-friendly accent chairs.
- Invest in a solid wood dining table but use affordable chairs for now.
- Have a good-quality bed but buy simple bedside tables from a local carpenter.
The balance between high and low makes your home feel well-put-together, even if you’re furnishing bit by bit.
6. Be Wary of Hire Purchase—It’s a Trap
Those “easy monthly payments” look convenient, right? Wrong.
What they don’t tell you:
❌ The final price is often DOUBLE the original price.
❌ Miss a payment, and they repossess your items.
❌ You end up spending more than if you just saved and bought in cash.
Instead of going for hire purchase or loans, here’s a smarter approach:
- Save up and buy slowly. Even if it takes months, you’ll spend less.
- Buy essential furniture first, then upgrade later.
- Negotiate flexible payments directly with a local fundi. Many will allow you to pay in installments without ridiculous interest.
7. Avoid Trendy Furniture—It’s a Waste of Money
That velvet sofa in mustard yellow looks good now, but will you still love it in five years?
Trendy furniture ages badly—and replacing it just because you got bored is expensive. Instead, go for:
✔ Neutral colors – Greys, beiges, blacks, and browns don’t go out of style.
✔ Timeless designs – Simple, clean designs always look classy.
✔ Functional over flashy – If it looks good but isn’t comfortable, it’s useless.
8. Invest Where It Matters, Save Where It Doesn’t
If you have limited money, here’s where you should spend more and where you can cut costs:
💰 Spend on:
- A quality sofa (you’ll use it daily).
- A good mattress (you spend a third of your life sleeping).
- A solid dining table (especially if you have a family).
💰 Save on:
- Side tables, TV stands, bookshelves—you can upgrade later.
- Expensive decor items—start simple, add personality later.
- Excessive storage cabinets—declutter first before buying storage.
The Smartest Way to Furnish Your New Home? Take Your Time.
I know it’s tempting to want your house to be perfect immediately. But smart homeowners prioritize quality over speed.
Take your time.
Buy slowly.
Choose wisely.
And when you’re ready for custom-made, high-quality furniture without the showroom price, Eric Woodworks has got you covered.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254707856930
📍 We Deliver to Nairobi, Kiambu & Beyond
Your dream home isn’t built in a day—but with the right choices, it will last a lifetime.
