The first home of almost every newcomer to Canada is usually a rented apartment. This can come as either furnished or unfurnished. If your case is the latter, you need to find ways of furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada. This can be challenging for a person who still adjusting to the new environment.
This article will share some essentials every house should have before you move in. We will also discuss the different places where you can find both luxury and affordable furniture depending on your needs.
Basic Essentials Landlords Must Provide Before Renting
In Canada, regardless of the type of house they own, landlords are required to provide a unit that meets basic safety, health, and living standards as per local laws. Understanding these essentials will help you prioritise your purchases and ensure the apartment is up to standard before you move in.
- Functioning Plumbing and Heating Systems: Access to hot and cold running water and a reliable heating system, especially in colder months.
- Electrical Systems and Lighting: Functional wiring and sufficient lighting fixtures.
- Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: These must be installed and in working condition.
- Lockable Doors and Windows: To ensure tenant safety and privacy.
- Basic Appliances: If the rental agreement specifies furnished or semi-furnished, the landlord should provide appliances like a stove, refrigerator, and sometimes a washer and dryer.
- Structural Integrity: Walls, floors, roofs, and ceilings should be in good condition, and free from leaks, mould, or pest infestations.
- Sanitation Facilities: A working toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower.
Places for Affordable Furniture Shopping in Canada
IKEA
IKEA is a global brand known for its budget-friendly, flat-pack furniture. The stores are massive and offer a wide variety of furniture, home décor, and accessories. Hence, they are a great option for furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada.
What to Expect:
- Stylish, modern designs.
- Affordable options for every room (bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.).
- Self-assembly furniture, which can save you additional costs but requires time and effort.
- In-store cafeterias offering affordable meals during your shopping trip.
Why Choose IKEA:
- Great for minimalist or space-saving furniture.
- They regularly offer promotions and seasonal sales.
- Ideal for people willing to assemble their own furniture.
The Brick (and The Brick Outlet)
The Brick is a Canadian retailer offering a range of furniture, mattresses, appliances, and home electronics. Their outlet stores are known for deeply discounted items.
What to Expect:
- Stylish options ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range.
- Frequent sales, including clearance events.
- Financing options for larger purchases.
- Outlet stores have items with slight cosmetic imperfections or older models, often at significant discounts.
Why Choose The Brick:
- Great if you’re looking for financing plans or bundle deals (e.g., furniture and appliances together).
- Outlet stores are ideal for snagging deals if you don’t mind minor imperfections.
Leon’s Furniture
Leon’s is a popular Canadian furniture and appliance retailer. They focus on affordability and often have items suited for young families or new homeowners.
What to Expect:
- Durable furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
- Competitive pricing with financing options available.
- A mix of contemporary and classic styles.
Why Choose Leon’s:
- Known for excellent customer service and delivery options.
- Frequent promotions, especially during holidays.
Costco
Costco is your best bet for bulk buying benefits when furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada. Also, its furniture section often has premium items at discounted prices.
What to Expect:
- Larger pieces like sofas, dining sets, and beds.
- High-quality items at competitive prices during sales.
Why Choose Costco:
- Ideal for durable, family-friendly furniture if you have a membership
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStores are nonprofit home improvement outlets run by Habitat for Humanity. They sell donated new and gently used furniture, appliances, and home décor at reduced prices.
What to Expect:
- Unique finds, including second-hand furniture and surplus items from manufacturers.
- Proceeds go toward funding Habitat for Humanity projects.
- Inventory changes frequently, so you might find high-end items at a fraction of the cost.
Why Choose ReStore:
- Ideal for eco-conscious buyers or those who want to support a charitable cause.
- Extremely budget-friendly for one-of-a-kind items.
Places to Find Luxury Furniture in Canada
If you arrived in Canada with a fat wallet and are looking to invest in luxury furniture, several high-end stores provide premium-quality pieces that combine exquisite craftsmanship, timeless design, and durability.
Elte
Based in Toronto, Elte is one of Canada’s most prestigious luxury furniture stores. They offer a curated collection of furniture, rugs, lighting, and home accessories from around the world.
What to Expect:
- Sophisticated, timeless designs with exceptional craftsmanship.
- Premium materials like solid wood, marble, and handwoven textiles.
- Exclusive designer collaborations and bespoke options.
Why Choose Elte:
- Known for impeccable customer service and personalised design consultations.
- Ideal for modern, classic, and transitional aesthetics.
Restoration Hardware (RH)
RH is a renowned upscale furniture and home décor retailer with locations across Canada. Their collections feature bold, elegant designs with a focus on timeless luxury, perfect for furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada.
What to Expect:
- High-end furniture with a neutral colour palette and a focus on textures and finishes.
- Collections that range from traditional to ultra-modern.
- Membership-based pricing that offers discounts for frequent buyers.
Why Choose RH:
- Ideal for creating a cohesive, luxurious aesthetic throughout your home.
- Known for durability and attention to detail.
EQ3 Luxe Collection
EQ3 is a Canadian brand with a focus on modern and minimalist furniture. Their Luxe Collection offers high-end, handcrafted pieces with a modern aesthetic.
What to Expect:
- Sleek, contemporary designs with a focus on functionality and beauty.
- Customisable furniture options, including fabrics and finishes.
- Sustainability-minded practices with durable materials.
Why Choose EQ3 Luxe:
- Perfect for modern or minimalist homes.
- Offers Canadian-made, high-quality craftsmanship.
Tyndale Fashions for Living
Tyndale is a luxury furniture store based in Vancouver, offering premium furnishings with a focus on elegant and classic designs.
What to Expect:
- Furniture that combines comfort and sophistication.
- A curated selection of high-end brands and custom options.
- Personalised design consultations.
Why Choose Tyndale:
- Perfect for creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic.
- Excellent customer service and design expertise.
Online Furniture Shopping Canada
Wayfair
Wayfair is a popular online furniture retailer offering a vast selection of styles, price points, and categories.
What They Offer:
- Furniture for every room, including sofas, beds, dining tables, and outdoor furniture.
- Regular discounts, flash sales, and free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Easy navigation and filtering tools to find items by size, colour, material, or price.
Delivery and Returns:
- Offers direct-to-door shipping across Canada, often free for larger orders.
- Generous return policy but may require some effort for larger items.
IKEA Online
IKEA’s online like the offline option is great for furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada. Its platform allows you to browse and purchase its extensive collection of modern, affordable furniture.
What They Offer:
- Budget-friendly options for every room, from beds and wardrobes to desks and kitchen tables.
- Accessories like rugs, lamps, and storage solutions.
- Flat-pack furniture for easy shipping.
Delivery and Returns:
- Delivery costs are calculated based on distance, and assembly services are available in some areas.
Hassle-free return policy.
Structube
Structube specialises in affordable luxury furniture with a contemporary aesthetic.
What They Offer:
- Modern furniture for small apartments and larger homes.
- Items for every room, plus décor and accessories.
Delivery and Returns:
- Delivery fees depend on the location
- Returns must be made within 15 days of delivery for online purchases.
Tips for Online Furniture Shopping in Canada
- Read Reviews: Customer feedback can provide insight into quality and assembly difficulty.
- Check Dimensions: Ensure the pieces fit your space by comparing product dimensions to your room layout.
- Shipping Costs: Factor in shipping fees, especially for larger items.
- Return Policies: Familiarize yourself with the return and refund processes in case the furniture doesn’t meet your expectations.
Where Can You Find Free Furniture for New Immigrants in Canada?
One of the places where you are sure to get free furniture for furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada if you cannot afford to buy is Furniture Bank. It is a charitable organisation that helps individuals and families in need, including newcomers, by providing gently used furniture and household essentials. Their mission is to turn empty spaces into homes by redistributing donated furniture to those who cannot afford to furnish their homes.
The organization operates in several Canadian cities. There are Furniture Bank Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Furniture Bank collaborates with social service agencies to support vulnerable populations such as refugees, domestic abuse survivors, and those transitioning from homelessness.
How to Get Furniture from Furniture Bank as a Newcomer
Eligibility
As a newcomer, you may be eligible if:
- You’re a refugee or immigrant settling in Canada.
- You’ve recently experienced a significant life transition (e.g., homelessness, domestic violence).
- You’re a low-income individual or family.
Referral Process
Furniture Bank serves individuals and families referred by partnering social service agencies or community organisations such as settlement services, shelters, or faith-based organisations.
- Find a Referral Partner: Examples include COSTI Immigration Services, YMCA Settlement Services, and the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care.
- Request a Referral: Contact one of these agencies and explain your need for furniture. They will assess your situation and provide a referral if you qualify.
Registration and Appointment
Once referred, Furniture Bank will contact you to schedule an appointment. You may need to register with the organisation and pay a small administrative fee, which covers logistics and operational costs. Fees vary depending on location but are often subsidised for newcomers.
Furniture Selection
During your appointment, you can select furniture and household items based on your needs. Items are donated, so availability depends on current inventory.
Delivery of Furniture
Furniture Bank usually provides delivery services for a nominal fee. This ensures the furniture reaches your home safely.
Summary
Furnishing your home as a newcomer in Canada doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even if you are still adapting to the unfamiliar surroundings, you can start your search from the places suggested here. Also, if you are on a budget, exploring affordable shopping options, tapping into community resources like Furniture Bank, and planning thoughtfully can go a long way. This can help you create a comfortable and functional living space that suits your needs and budget.
