Your New Home Furniture Checklist for Central Florida

Welcome to your new Central Florida home! All that excitement is electric, but staring at a sea of empty rooms can feel… well, a little overwhelming.

That's where this new home furniture checklist comes in. We’re the Slone Brothers Furniture family, and since 1980, we’ve been helping our neighbors in the Orlando area turn empty houses into warm, welcoming homes. Think of this as your personal roadmap to figure out what you truly need right now versus what can wait. We'll start with the absolute must-haves—like a supportive mattress and a sofa you can sink into—to make sure your new place feels like yours from day one.

A Smart Start to Furnishing Your Central Florida Home

Moving into a new place, whether it's in Longwood, Lake Mary, or anywhere in between, is the ultimate fresh start. But before you get swept up in the fun of shopping, it's so important to have a plan. Rushing into big purchases can lead to furniture that doesn’t quite fit the room or, worse, doesn't fit your life. A well-thought-out checklist keeps you focused, protecting your budget and your energy for the things that matter most.

For new homeowners, getting organized from the start is everything. Creating a home with layers of comfort and personality doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. That’s why we always tell our customers to begin with the core functions of a home.

The Three Pillars of a New Home

To make your house feel like a home almost immediately, we recommend you zero in on these three essential areas first:

• A Place to Sleep: A quality mattress is non-negotiable. Seriously. A good night's sleep affects every part of your day, making it the single most important investment you can make in your well-being.
• A Place to Relax: A comfortable sofa creates the heart of your home—a central spot to unwind, connect with family, and just be. It's where the memories in your new home will really begin.
• A Place to Eat: Even a simple dining table and a few chairs give you a dedicated space for meals. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference, keeping you from balancing plates on the living room floor.

As you can see, tackling your needs for sleep, relaxation, and dining lays the foundation for comfort. Once these pillars are in place, everything else feels so much easier.

New Home Furniture Essentials At A Glance

With just these few key pieces, your new house starts to function like a real home. It gives you a comfortable base to build from as you slowly add the layers that reflect your personal style.

Planning Your Space Before You Shop

Let’s be honest. Walking into a furniture showroom without a game plan is like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach—you’re going to make some impulsive choices you might regret later. Before you even start dreaming about fabrics and finishes, taking a few key steps at home will save you a world of time, money, and headaches. This is the single most important part of your new home furniture checklist: the prep work.

This initial planning phase is all about making sure every piece you choose not only looks incredible but actually fits and functions perfectly in your Central Florida home. Rushing this stage is how people end up with the number one furniture-buying mistake: picking pieces that are way too big or comically small for the room.

Measure Twice, Buy Once

Rule number one of furniture shopping: know your numbers. That gorgeous, oversized sectional you’ve been eyeing online might completely swallow your Longwood living room whole. So, grab a tape measure and get the dimensions of every single room you plan to furnish.

And don't just measure the walls. You need to note the location and size of:

• Windows and doors: This is critical for placement. You want to be sure you can still open doors all the way and not block a beautiful view.
• Walkways: Aim for at least 30-36 inches of clearance for your main traffic paths. Anything less and your home will start to feel cramped and difficult to navigate.
• Outlets and vents: You definitely don’t want your beautiful new media console blocking the only convenient outlet in the room.

Getting these measurements right is the secret to a smooth, stress-free process. For a little more guidance, check out our guide on how to measure furniture for delivery to avoid any unwelcome surprises on the big day.

Create a Simple Floor Plan

You don't need to be an architect for this part. A quick sketch on a piece of paper is all it takes to start visualizing how furniture will work together and how the room will flow. It's your chance to play around with different layouts without having to move a single heavy box.

A floor plan turns abstract ideas into a concrete visual. It’s your opportunity to "test drive" a layout, ensuring the room is functional and balanced before you make a single purchase.

This simple sketch is an invaluable tool to bring with you when you visit our showroom. It gives our team a clear picture of your space so we can offer recommendations that truly work.

Define Your Budget and Style

Furnishing a new home is a big investment, and setting a realistic budget from the start helps you decide where to splurge and where to find great value. The average cost to furnish a home can range anywhere from $16,000 to over $30,000, all depending on the size of your home and the quality of the pieces you choose. Having a budget allows you to allocate your funds wisely—maybe you invest in a high-quality, American-made sofa that will last for years and find great savings on smaller accent pieces in our Clearance Outlet.

At the same time, start thinking about your personal style. Do you find yourself drawn to modern, coastal, or more traditional designs? Putting together a mood board on Pinterest can be a huge help in creating a cohesive look.

When you're ready, bring your ideas and your floor plan to our In-House Design Team for a complimentary consultation. We've helped countless Orlando-area families turn their vision into a beautiful, functional reality they love coming home to.

Furnishing Your Living Room for Florida Living

Your living room is where life happens. It’s the heart of your home—the spot where the family gathers, memories are made, and you finally get to kick back after a long day. As the centerpiece of your new home furniture checklist, this room deserves some special attention, especially when you live here in Central Florida. The goal is to create a space that’s not just beautiful, but also practical enough to handle our unique climate.

This is also where you’ll make one of your most important long-term investments: a high-quality sofa. For any home in the Orlando area, we always recommend looking for performance fabrics. These modern materials are engineered to resist fading from the intense Florida sun, stand up to humidity without a problem, and clean up easily—an absolute must for a busy family life.

The Essential Living Room Checklist

Let's start with the foundational pieces, the items that define the room's function and comfort level. Think of these as the non-negotiables you'll use every single day.

• Sofa or Sectional: This is your anchor piece. You'll want to think about the size of your room and your family when deciding between a classic sofa or a more sprawling sectional. Investing in quality, American-made furniture here really pays off in comfort and durability for years to come.
• Coffee Table: It’s so much more than a place to set your drink; it’s the functional hub of the room. A coffee table with some built-in storage can be a lifesaver for hiding away remotes, magazines, and all the other bits of clutter.
• Media Storage: Whether you go for a full entertainment center or a sleek, low-profile console, you’ll need a dedicated spot for your TV and media components. Something that keeps all those wires tidy and organized is key.

Adding Layers of Comfort and Style

Once your essentials are in place, it’s time for the fun part—adding the pieces that inject personality and extra function into your living room. These are the items that complete the look and make the space truly feel like yours. To keep things looking cohesive, you can explore different styles for a complete living room table set.

If you're not seeing exactly what you’re picturing, don't worry. That's what our Custom-Order Program is for. We can help you pick out the perfect fabric, finish, and configuration to create a piece that’s uniquely suited to your home and your style.

Your living room should be a reflection of your family's lifestyle. By choosing durable, well-crafted pieces, you’re not just buying furniture; you’re investing in years of comfort and shared moments.

Finally, think about the overall atmosphere. An area rug can define the conversation area while adding a welcome layer of softness underfoot. And for true Florida living, choosing the right cooling fixtures is essential. A well-chosen fan can make a huge difference in comfort, and you can find a great guide to selecting the best ceiling fans for your living room to keep your space feeling fresh year-round. Accent chairs offer flexible seating for guests, and side tables provide convenient spots for lamps and personal items, tying the entire room together beautifully.

Creating Your Ultimate Bedroom Sanctuary

A good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of any happy Central Florida home. That’s why, when we walk people through our new home furniture checklist, the bedroom is always where we recommend starting. This is your personal retreat, the place you start and end every single day, so turning it into a true sanctuary is one of the best investments you can make in your own well-being.

Everything in this room starts with the single most important purchase you'll make: the mattress. This isn't just another piece of furniture; it's a critical component of your health. At Slone Brothers, our experts can guide you through our entire collection to find the perfect fit for your specific sleep style and needs.

Bedroom Furniture Essentials

Once you’ve landed on the right mattress, it’s time to build the rest of your sanctuary around it. These are the foundational pieces every bedroom needs to feel comfortable, complete, and functional.

• Bed Frame: This does more than just hold up your mattress; it sets the whole stylistic tone for the room. Whether you’re drawn to a grand, statement-making headboard or a simple, minimalist platform, a sturdy, well-made frame is a must.
• Nightstands: An absolute essential for convenience. A good nightstand gives you a home for your lamp, phone, and a glass of water, keeping everything you need right at your fingertips.
• Dresser or Chest: Keeping your sanctuary serene and clutter-free comes down to having great storage. A quality dresser or chest of drawers gives you the space you need for clothing, helping you stay organized and peaceful.

A well-furnished bedroom is more than just a place to sleep—it's a commitment to your own rest and restoration. Investing in quality pieces here pays dividends in your daily life.

As a local, family-owned business since 1980, we’ve seen firsthand how much timeless quality matters. Our beautiful Amish-crafted bedroom sets are built with unmatched durability and style, designed to be cherished for generations. For more guidance on finding the perfect pieces, you can learn more about how to select the perfect bedroom furniture in our detailed guide.

Elevating Your Space From Bedroom to Retreat

With the core items in place, you can start layering in the pieces that transform your room from just a place to sleep into a true personal escape. These are the additions that infuse personality and an extra touch of luxury.

Think about adding a cozy armchair to create a quiet reading nook by the window. A stylish bench at the foot of the bed offers a convenient spot to sit while getting ready for the day. These are the kinds of thoughtful details that make a room feel truly yours.

To complete your peaceful oasis, don't overlook things like window treatments for privacy and light control. You can learn more about optimal window treatments for bedroom windows and how they can pull the whole room together.

Designing a Dining Room Where Family Gathers

The dining room is so much more than a place to eat. It’s where your family will gather for holiday meals, where you’ll celebrate birthdays and big announcements, and where countless stories will be shared. As you put together your new home furniture checklist, creating a warm, inviting dining space is one of the most important steps to making your new house feel like a home.

It all starts with finding the right dining table and chairs that fit both your room and your lifestyle. Whether you need an intimate bistro set for a cozy nook or a large, extendable table for hosting the whole family, we can help you find the perfect fit. Comfort is just as important as size—pairing your table with well-designed chairs ensures everyone will want to linger just a little bit longer after dinner.

Dining Room Essentials

• Dining Table: This is the centerpiece, the heart of the room. Think about the shape (round, rectangular, or square) and size based on your room's dimensions and how many people you typically have over.
• Dining Chairs: You'll want chairs that are comfortable enough for at least an hour of sitting. You can go with a perfectly matching set or mix up the styles for a more eclectic, personal look.
• Buffet or Sideboard: This piece is a true game-changer for storage. It’s the perfect spot to keep extra dinnerware, linens, and serving pieces, which keeps your dining table clear and uncluttered for daily life.

Investing in a well-made dining set is a decision that pays off for decades to come. At Slone Brothers, we specialize in beautiful Amish and American-made dining collections. These aren't just pieces of furniture; they're crafted from solid wood with an incredible attention to detail, designed not just to last, but to become family heirlooms passed down through generations.

Your dining room is the stage for some of life's best moments. Choosing furniture built with integrity ensures it will be there for all of them, from nightly homework sessions to grand holiday feasts.

Confidence in the furniture market is growing, especially for these core household spaces. A 2024 survey showed that 26% of retailers expect increased consumer demand for dining and living room furniture in the coming year, proving that homeowners are continuing to invest where it matters most. You can dive deeper into these trends and the 2025 furniture sector outlook on lincolninternational.com.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Stop by our showroom in Longwood to experience the timeless quality of our dining collections firsthand.

Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Home

You’ve laid the groundwork with all the essential furniture pieces. Now comes the really fun part of your new home furniture checklist: adding those final layers that truly make a house feel like your home. This is where your personality gets to shine, turning functional rooms into personal sanctuaries.

These finishing touches often include furnishing those secondary areas, like a home office or your outdoor living space. In today's world, a dedicated, comfortable home office is more important than ever. Creating a productive environment means finding an ergonomic office chair that supports you through the workday and a desk with enough real estate to keep you organized.

Creating Your Outdoor Oasis

For those of us in Longwood, Sanford, and throughout Central Florida, an outdoor space is basically a second living room. Picking the right patio furniture that lasts all year in Orlando's climate is absolutely key to enjoying our beautiful weather.

• Durability First: Look for materials like aluminum or all-weather wicker. These are built to stand up to our intense sun and humidity without fading or falling apart.
• Comfort is Key: You want to actually use the space, right? Weather-resistant cushions made from performance fabrics ensure your outdoor retreat is always ready for you to kick back and relax.
• Functionality Matters: Think about how you’ll use the space. A sturdy outdoor dining set is perfect for alfresco meals, while some comfy lounge chairs are a must for those lazy poolside afternoons.

Tying It All Together with Accessories

Accessories are the final step, the magic that pulls every room together by adding warmth, color, and texture. This is where you can let your personal style run wild.

Think of accessories as the jewelry for your home. Lamps provide layered lighting, area rugs define spaces and add softness, and wall art injects personality and creates focal points.

Even the smallest touches can have a huge impact. Adding a bit of greenery is a fantastic way to bring life and energy into a room, and you can get some great ideas on how to pair trendy houseplants with new furniture. With so many people focused on creating beautiful, functional homes, it's no surprise the global furniture market is projected to hit USD 1.04 trillion by 2029.

Feeling inspired? Stop by our showroom and chat with our Design Team for a complimentary consultation.

Got Questions About Furnishing Your New Home? We've Got Answers.

As a family-owned business right here in Longwood, FL, since 1980, we’ve pretty much heard it all. Moving into a new home is a huge milestone, but it also comes with a ton of questions. We've put together answers to the ones we hear the most, hoping to make your journey a little smoother and a lot more fun.

What Should I Buy First?

Easy. The bed and the sofa. Always start with the two pillars of comfort: a quality mattress for a good night's sleep and a comfortable sofa for your main living area.

Getting these two items squared away first makes a new house feel like a home right from day one. It lets you settle in and take a breath before you dive into all the other decisions.

How Can I Furnish My Home on a Budget?

Think long-term value, not just the lowest price you see today. Your best bet is to prioritize the foundational pieces that get the most use, like that sofa and mattress we just mentioned.

You can absolutely furnish your home affordably without skimping on quality. We back everything with our Low Price Promise, and our massive Clearance Outlet in Longwood is packed with high-quality, American-made furniture at incredible savings. Another pro tip? Phase your purchases. It's much easier on the wallet.

Should I Buy All My Furniture at Once?

We’d strongly advise against it. Furnishing a home is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with the must-haves from this new home furniture checklist, and then just live in your space for a bit.

You'll get a real feel for the flow of your home and what you genuinely need. This patient approach always leads to more thoughtful, satisfying choices that you'll love for years to come.

Ready to find the perfect piece for your home? Visit the Slone Brothers Furniture showroom in Longwood, FL, and let our design experts help you get started!

https://slonebrothers.com