apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Not really. In fact, once you add in tax and delivery, even Ikea starts to butt up against that $500 ceiling. You could get something at one of the futon stores that advertises in the Voice, and Jennifer usually has one or two sofas in that range, but both of those options leave a lot to be desired. You can also do craigslist or flea markets, although with the current bedbug scare, that can be a gamble.

I know it's low-brow, but Rooms to Go has a range of options in the sub-$500 range. Many of them are of that puffy-type suburban sofa, but there are a couple of decent looking options
http://www.roomstogo.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=showItem&ipac_id=10232

pretty basic, but I like the tufted sides.

Try Overstock.com, too.

Macys. Basic furniture that always is on sale.

I've never had any problems with Craigslist furniture. In fact, here is a loveseat that I've been eyeing but have no room for in my apartment.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/225516650.html

Also, if you can pay little bit more, Room & Board has some smaller sofas that start around $850.

I doubt the quality is very good, but Kmart sells a small couch and a futon couch (part of the Martha Stewart Everyday collection) both for under $300. Target also has a selection of sub-$500 couches on their website. Another thought is Urban Outfitters which has two futon-style couches (both over 70" however) on their website for about $400 each. I don't think any of these options will be terrific, but they could tide you over until you're able to upgrade.

Not sure where you live, but I'm guessing from your budget that perhaps you live in Brooklyn? If so, there's a good furniture store with very reasonable prices on Court Street called Home Court. I got a nice, reasonably priced microsuede sofa from there a few years ago and it's held up very well, even though I have two cats, and it's easy to clean.

Nice Craigslist find, AB!

I would try Pier 1's new line. They tend to be a little more budget conscientious.

It's hard to recommend these guys based on their history of fraud, etc, but I got a small sleeper loveseat from Jennifer Convertibles for $399. And that was the special order fabric. The microfiber is $299. It was advertised recently.

I've had mine since April. Don't actually use it much, but my mom said the Simmons Sleeper matress was pretty comfy. I lay on it for 10 minutes (with a bad back) and it felt good.

Otherwise see Brooklyn Macy's basement. Clearance section at the left.

After an AT poster mentioned his, I checked out the Vanguard loveseat from Jacques (linked to my name).

The poster had originally encountered this line in his doctor's office (lots of traffic) and asked the doctor what brand it was. The frame is hardwood, springs are sinuous. It's an exact match to Surefit's "sand" Simply Suede line, which has pillows and possibly fabric cuts available. I'm very satisfied with it, and as I've posted before, microsuede is the most feline-resistant upholstery fabric.

JCP also has hardwood kitchen carts with choice of stainless steel, granite, or butcher block top, but I don't think I've got the space. There's also a cool filing cabinet in wood that I might consider. It wouldn't require disguising in a one-room apt.



IKEA has an identical seating group in leather.

If you can get out to Long Island, there's a whole bunch of major-retailer clearance stores clustered together - Macy's, Seamans, and 2 others that I can't remember. It's near the Carle Place diner (great meatloaf, by the way...).

Housingworks Auctions is the best place. It takes patience, and persistent site-checking will pay off.

If you're trying to troll Salvation Army or any other thrift store, it is vital that you determine when they get their furniture delivery for the week, and that you be there the instant it hits the store floor. The decorators and savvy shoppers already know this schedule, and the place will be picked bare within two hours, probably less.

I was lucky enough to have my mom drive me up to the Bloomingdale's furniture outlet
in Hawthorne, NY (near New Rochelle, I tried to find the number, you can attempt a search). It's about 30 minutes from the city.

I bought a quality fabric loveseat for $400. With tax and delivery, it came to $530. We went in the evening when the saleswoman just wanted to make the sale and go home (although she was very nice and helpful) and we talked her down from $600. They have a huge inventory that they have to get rid of. Like most outlets, there's no guarantee that they'll have exactly what you want so you need to be flexible or be willing to go back several times.

I'm really glad I didn't spend $1000 because that was the original ticket price when it was featured in the regular Bloomingdale's store.

Good luck!

overstock.com or try a search on bizrate. jcpenny.com is cheap too.