Montreal

1. Furniture Categories and Typical Costs

When furnishing a home, you’ll need to consider the following categories of furniture and their associated costs:

a. Living Room

• Essentials: Sofa, coffee table, TV stand, armchairs, bookshelves, rugs, and lighting.
• Typical Costs:
  • Sofa: CAD 500–2,000 (basic to high-end).
  • Coffee table: CAD 50–300.
  • TV stand: CAD 100–500.
  • Rugs: CAD 50–500.
  • Lighting (floor or table lamps): CAD 30–200.

b. Bedroom

• Essentials: Bed frame, mattress, nightstands, dresser, wardrobe (if no built-in closet), and bedding.
• Typical Costs:
  • Bed frame: CAD 150–1,000.
  • Mattress: CAD 300–1,500.
  • Nightstands: CAD 50–200 each.
  • Dresser: CAD 100–500.
  • Bedding (sheets, duvet, pillows): CAD 100–300.

c. Dining Room

• Essentials: Dining table, chairs, and possibly a sideboard or buffet.
• Typical Costs:
  • Dining table: CAD 150–1,000.
  • Chairs: CAD 50–200 each.
  • Sideboard: CAD 200–800.

d. Kitchen

• Essentials: Bar stools (if you have a counter), small appliances (microwave, toaster, kettle), and storage solutions.
• Typical Costs:
  • Bar stools: CAD 50–150 each.
  • Small appliances: CAD 30–200 each.

e. Home Office (if applicable)

• Essentials: Desk, office chair, shelving, and desk lamp.
• Typical Costs:
  • Desk: CAD 100–500.
  • Office chair: CAD 100–300.
  • Shelving: CAD 50–200.

f. Miscellaneous

• Essentials: Curtains/blinds, storage bins, wall art, and plants.
• Typical Costs:
  • Curtains/blinds: CAD 50–200 per window.
  • Wall art: CAD 20–200.
  • Plants: CAD 10–100.

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2. Where to Shop Locally

Montreal offers a wide range of furniture stores, from budget-friendly options to high-end boutiques. Here are some popular choices:

a. Budget-Friendly Options

1. IKEA (Saint-Laurent or Boucherville locations)

   • Affordable, modern furniture and home accessories.
   • Delivery available for an additional fee.
   • Great for basics like beds, sofas, and kitchenware.

2. Structube

   • Stylish, mid-range furniture with a focus on modern and contemporary designs.
   • Multiple locations across Montreal.

3. JYSK

   • Scandinavian-inspired furniture and home goods at affordable prices.
   • Good for mattresses, storage solutions, and small furniture.

b. Mid-Range to High-End Options

1. Maison Corbeil

   • High-quality, designer furniture with a focus on luxury and style.
   • Ideal for statement pieces.

2. EQ3

   • Canadian brand offering modern, customizable furniture.
   • Known for its sustainable practices.

3. Mobilia

   • Contemporary and European-inspired furniture.
   • Offers a mix of mid-range and high-end options.

c. Second-Hand and Vintage Stores

1. Renaissance and Village des Valeurs (Value Village)

   • Thrift stores with affordable second-hand furniture and home goods.
   • Locations throughout Montreal.

2. Kijiji Montreal and Facebook Marketplace

   • Online platforms for buying and selling used furniture locally.
   • Great for finding deals, but inspect items carefully before purchasing.

3. Les Encans Ritchie (Ritchie Auctions)

   • Auctions for second-hand and vintage furniture.
   • A good option for unique finds.

4. Boutique 1861 – Décor (for vintage-inspired decor)

   • Specializes in vintage and antique-style home accessories.

d. Specialty and Sustainable Stores

1. VdeV

   • Offers rustic, industrial, and vintage-inspired furniture and decor.
   • Focuses on sustainability and unique designs.

2. La Recyclerie

   • A non-profit organization that sells refurbished furniture and promotes eco-friendly practices.

3. EcoDepot Montreal

   • Specializes in reclaimed and upcycled furniture.

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3. Sustainability Practices

Montreal is a city that values sustainability, and there are several ways to furnish your home in an eco-friendly manner:

• Buy Second-Hand: Opt for thrift stores, online marketplaces, or furniture refurbishing shops.
• Upcycle: Consider DIY projects to repurpose old furniture.
• Choose Sustainable Brands: Look for stores like EQ3 or VdeV that prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices.
• Recycle Old Furniture: Donate or sell unwanted furniture instead of discarding it. Organizations like Renaissance accept donations.

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4. Delivery Procedures

Most furniture stores in Montreal offer delivery services, but the process and costs vary:

• IKEA: Delivery fees start at CAD 39 and increase based on distance and order size.
• Structube: Delivery fees range from CAD 9 to CAD 99, depending on the item and location.
• Local Stores: Many smaller stores offer delivery for a flat fee or free delivery for orders over a certain amount.
• Second-Hand Purchases: For items bought on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace, you may need to arrange your own transportation. Renting a truck or using a service like Uber Freight is common.

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5. Important Local Considerations

a. Apartment Sizes

• Montreal apartments can vary significantly in size, especially in older buildings. Measure your space carefully before purchasing furniture to ensure it fits through doorways, staircases, and elevators.

b. Winter Considerations

• Montreal winters are harsh, so invest in heavy curtains or thermal blinds to insulate your home and reduce heating costs.
• Consider furniture that is easy to clean, as snow and salt can be tracked indoors.

c. Language

• While most stores and services operate in both English and French, having some basic French phrases can be helpful when shopping locally.

d. Recycling and Disposal

• Montreal has strict recycling and garbage disposal rules. If you’re discarding old furniture, check with the city’s eco-centers or bulk waste collection services.

e. Seasonal Sales

• Take advantage of sales during major holidays like Boxing Day (December 26), Black Friday (late November), and end-of-season clearances in January and July.

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6. Tips for Furnishing on a Budget

• Start Small: Focus on essentials first, then add decorative items over time.
• Mix New and Used: Combine second-hand finds with new pieces to save money while achieving a unique look.
• DIY Projects: Montreal has a vibrant DIY community, and you can find workshops or online tutorials to help you refurbish or build furniture.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to furnish your home in Montreal efficiently and stylishly, while staying within your budget and embracing local practices. Let me know if you’d like more specific recommendations or assistance!