Cheapest Dorm Room or Studio Apartment Furniture Under $200

Need a bed or couch for under $200? A futon under $100? Furniture that is cheaper than Ikea but still looks modern? If price and selection matter most to you, don't forget to check out several well-known online stores first.

When searching for cheap furniture, you usually think of stores near you like Ikea, Big Lots, Target, or local discount furniture stores. But don't forget about looking online, where you are likely to find the best prices and widest selection for any dorm or apartment furnishings.

Most people are hesitant to order furniture online because they can't see it in person, and they think shipping costs will be expensive.

Consider, however, that you will be able to read reviews written by many other customers regarding the look and feel of the furniture, including whether the photos online accurately represent the furniture they received.

Also, many online stores offer free shipping on their bestselling items, even large items like sofas, beds, and dining table sets. Even when you account for the cost of shipping, ordering furniture online often costs much less than driving and picking up furniture from Ikea or other discount furniture stores.

I purchased quite a few items off of Amazon.com during my recent move to a tiny apartment because of the wide selection of furniture that often ships for FREE or at a reasonable cost. If you are looking to save space in your dorm room or studio apartment, consider buying an inexpensive futon, sleeper sofa, or sleeper loveseat starting at $150, which gives you the option of converting your couch into a bed whenever you want.

If you want to clear up space in the room by getting your bed out of the way, there's the possibility of using a loft bed starting at $200. Many loft beds come with a desk or futon built in underneath them, which is perfect if you want a couch in the room but don't think you have space.

If every bit of space counts, don't forget about convertible chairs starting at $150, which often serve as wide cushy chairs or loveseats that convert into twin beds or chaise lounges.

To give your room or apartment the illusion of space, it's also important to have good lighting that reaches every corner of the room so you aren't left with dark spaces. Take a look at some contemporary, affordable floor lamps that look more expensive than they really are.

Walmart.com

If price is your main concern, I don't think you can beat Walmart.com. Most of the furniture on the website is not sold in stores, so you can't see it before you buy it, but it would be extremely difficult to find cheaper furniture elsewhere.

The quality is not fantastic but it is decent, and they also offer fast and free shipping on many of their dorm room furnishings. If you are a student on a tight budget who needs contemporary furniture that will last for a few years, it's hard to pass up the amazing prices on this site.

Always remember to read reviews before you buy, and keep in mind that there are always risks with ordering products online that you can't see in person first. If you are comfortable with making purchases online, you can save a lot of money.