If you’ve ever browsed online for furniture at a major retailer or stepped foot in a big brand store, you’ve encountered white-label furniture.
White labeling occurs when brands take items produced by a third party and rename or relabel them. It occurs everywhere, from the grocery aisle to that lamp that you fell in love with at Home Depot.
The items are then sold at different prices, depending on the retailer, meaning you can find some excellent deals if you know where to look.
White-label furniture is particularly well-suited for getting the basics out of the way.
Here, you’ll find tips for making the most of it and creating a NY apartment true to you.
1. Customize Your Lighting
Lighting holds a great deal of influence over a space. If it’s too dim, rooms feel small and stale. If it’s too bright, there’s no warmth. Finding the sweet spot is tricky, but you can do it without dropping a lot of money.
A slim, dimmable floor lamp helps you cultivate just the right level of lighting for any time of day.
Sometimes overhead lights are too harsh, but the window isn’t getting the job done. Adding a sleek, dependable lamp bridges the gap.
Table lamps are a great option, too, if you won’t miss the space on an end table or desk. Even the most basic table lamp lets you highlight a particular area of a room.
Use it in a workspace, art corner, or even to accent a particularly interesting piece of decor.
2. Reach for Neutrals
As you’re shopping around for furniture, try to keep your major purchases in neutral colors.
It gives them added versatility and ensures they won’t clash even if your personal style changes and you swap out the current decor.
A gray loveseat can take you from gothic chic all the way to modern farmhouse without looking out of place, but that red leather sofa likely won’t have as much longevity.
3. Use Color Wisely
Buying your biggest pieces in neutral colors doesn’t mean you’re stuck living in a drab apartment, though. If you’re in love with bright colors, use them strategically!
They’ll have more impact without making your space feel too busy or like you must change every single thing if you want a style refresh.
Rugs and wall art are great places to utilize color. They’re easy to swap out and don’t cost a fortune.
You can even get two birds with one stone and grab a mirror with a bright frame, letting you create the illusion of having more space while also adding some fun and whimsy to your design.
4. Think Versatile
When you’re on a budget, you want to buy as little as possible. That’s doubly true if you’re working with limited space and funds.
What’s the solution? Choose versatile, adaptable furniture that serves more than one purpose.
This is a common interior design tip in New York, where most residents are looking to maximize their space.
Instead of buying a plain coffee table, opt for one that opens up into hidden storage components. Skip the ordinary nightstand and try out a rolling bar cart instead.
You’ll be able to move it from room to room to fulfill different functions as needed.
Use it to hold your laptop while you get in a quick work meeting one day, then roll it into the bathroom to use as a makeup table when you get ready for a night out.
By purchasing versatile furniture, you’ll spend less and get more – an excellent rule of thumb for buying any white-label piece.
5. Make It Your Own
Since white-label furniture is sold by multiple retailers, it may feel like you’re seeing popular items everywhere. Most people don’t want their homes to feel like everyone else’s.
You can still get that budget-friendly table or bed frame you’ve had your eye on, but look for ways to make it your own once it’s in hand.
Fun touches like decals go a long way. If you found a dresser that hits all the sweet spots for your apartment and meets your needs, add a layer of wallpaper to the inside of the drawers for a twist!
Everyone deserves to love the furniture and decor they spend their money on, and sometimes that means adding your own touch.
Pick up quirky accents at vintage markets or estate sales to add your personal touches, but save on the basics by choosing white-label furniture.
6. Keep it Consistent
As you’re designing your apartment, select items that look like they belong together. This is particularly important if you’re in a studio apartment where practically all of your living occurs in a single space.
While a little bit of “clash” adds personality, it may start to look like you’ve picked up items at random and stuck them in a room together.
This advice isn’t meant to deter anyone from favoring the maximalist aesthetic. Even those who prefer busy designs and setups can do it purposefully.
Match your major pieces together so there’s a flow, either by choosing a uniform color or picking a particular style before adding in your accent pieces.
For example, if you favor the mid-century modern style, thread it through your major furniture.
Pick up a sofa, table, and kitchen stools that fit the theme, or whatever combination of bigger pieces you prefer, and play with the rest.
You can do it with any style and budget, but it will hold the look of your apartment together.
Final Thoughts
Decorating on a budget seems daunting, but creating a gorgeous space is within your reach. When you buy white-label furniture through Spoken, you’ll get the best price possible.
The price comparison is done for you, and you’ll see every retailer selling the piece you’re after, whether it’s the green sofa you can’t live without or the floor lamp your bedroom needs.
Spoken helps you design your apartment to suit your tastes without breaking the bank.
