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Decorating a home from ceiling to floor is no easy (or cheap) task. It may seem like the best option is to head to a one-stop shop to get everything at once, but that rarely saves time or money in the long run. Inexpensive, mass-produced furniture often doesn't age well, which means it will have to be replaced sooner or it will get tossed away again during the next move (How frequently do you walk by furniture simply left out on the curb?). Additionally, buying everything from one store makes a home feel more like a soul-less showroom than a cozy space. Here, T&C's 15 essentials to completely outfit a home with chic, well-made furniture while on a budget.

1 Mid-Century Modern Dining Set

When it comes to wood furniture, particularly tables and chairs, it is best to buy vintage. Look for solid wood pieces that will last forever (versus laminate, which chips easily). If it is upholstered, check to see if the dealer rehabbed the piece so you don't have any nasty surprises in the cushions. Try searching Chairish and 1stdibs, and filter by era, location of the item, and price.

2 Auburn Chair

Upholstered furniture should be bought new as it can be impossible to tell what could be lurking underneath the fabric. Splurge on a cute chair to pair with the sofa, it helps frame the space and helps keep the conversation flowing during parties (no one wants to sit in an awkwardly straight line along the sofa).

3 Monroe Mid-Century Sofa

A sofa is a serious purchase as it will command a large portion of the living room. If you have the space, get a deep one that is at least 80 inches long and it will be roughly the dimensions of a twin-sized bed—perfect to accommodate an overnight guest.

4 Textured Wool Rug

An easy way to make any place feel like home is to put a cozy rug underfoot. A neutral rug with interesting texture will age well and work in a variety of rooms.

5 Brass & Glass Coffee Table

Play around with coffee and side tables, it's a great opportunity to mix up materials and less collectible periods like Hollywood Regency have fun brass pieces at lower price-points than Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern.

6 Tuft & Needle Queen Mattress

It is worth investing in a good mattress since it is where you will spend at least half your time at home. There are a variety of great foam mattress options, which can be delivered in a box to your door and are sustainably made and reasonably priced.

7 Dane Headboard

Choose a headboard that snaps onto a platform bed frame rather than investing in one entire piece. It is less expensive and much easier to move in the future.

8 Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame

A sturdy metal bed frame eliminates the need for a boxspring and provides room for under-bed storage. It isn't the best-looking, but it is neatly hidden under the mattress.

9 Linen Core Sheet Set

Whenever possible, go for a linen sheet. There's nothing chicer than a rumpled pile of linen sheets, which, let's be honest, is what the bed is going to look like 90 percent of the time. Brooklinen has put together practical sheet bundles to take care of all the bedding in one go. (We're also a big fan of their quilts!)

10 Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dresser

Highboy dressers are perfect for small bedrooms, and there are many fantastic vintage options on the market. Etsy is a great source; simply put in your current location and it will search the area, which often includes free curbside delivery and pick-up options.

11 Fiddle Leaf Fig

A touch of green brightens up a room considerably and plants help oxygenate a space. The Sill not only delivers potted plants to your door, but if you go into one of their boutiques, they plant the plant in its pot for you and offer instructions on how to care for it. No dirt and shovels needed.

12 Fouta Bath Collection

Turkish towels are more blanket-like than their traditionally fluffy counterparts, but just as absorbent. Plus, they are easier to wash, dry, and fold flat while adding a bit of European panache to the bathroom.

13 Tie top linen curtain panel, Various colours. Semi-sheer window or door curtain. Custom rod drapes with ties

Semi-sheer linen curtains let in light while offering privacy. Hang them in windows, but also use them to conceal open doors or hide storage.

14 Bent Heart Coat Hook

Install a few playful hooks by the front door to hold coats, bags, and umbrellas easily.

15 Brass Shelf Brackets

If you have a drill (or a friend with a drill), then the easiest way to add storage is by installing custom length shelves. Buy nice shelf brackets and have the wood or marble cut at a local supply store. When it's time to move again, simply uninstall, then putty and paint over the holes.

Olivia Hosken Style and Interiors Writer Olivia Hosken is the Style & Interiors writer for Town & Country, covering all things design, architecture, fashion, and jewelry.

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