10 affordable furniture finds that don’t scream “college dorm”
Thanks to Walmart for sponsoring today's post!
Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post.
Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of Geezers — and if you’re new here, that’s what we call Gee Thanks! listeners, not old people (I got an email last week from someone yelling at me about this) — who say they’re helping their kids, nieces, or nephews set up their first apartments after college on a maaaaaaaaj budget… and have no idea where to start.
Yes, thrifting is always a win (and you know I love a good Facebook Marketplace find). But sometimes you need a solid, highly rated, still-affordable piece that fits your adult persona a little better than the childhood bookcase you’ve been dragging from place to place — the one still covered in the goo from those dinosaur stickers slapped on in 2003.
So, here’s a roundup from Walmart: 10 pieces from their Better Homes & Gardens and My Texas House lines that balance style, function, and budget — perfect for making a first apartment feel like home without breaking the bank.
Skip the below and just see all of my picks here!
Dining & Entertaining
1. Better Homes & Gardens Ezra Round Wood Dining Table in Walnut
Small space? No problem. This warm walnut table seats four comfortably for dinner, brunch, or card games that somehow turn competitive. The round shape keeps things cozy, and the cross-frame legs add a hint of modern flair. Bonus: no sharp corners for hip-bumping injuries! Looking at you, tiny apartment layouts. Shop here
2. Better Homes & Gardens Lillian Fluted Bar Cabinet in Natural Pine
Think of this as the “instant cool” button. Hide a wine stash, display fancy glassware, and finally have a spot for that cocktail shaker. Geezers: this is the piece that says “yes, I can make a proper Old Fashioned,” even if your post-college kid is filling it with Lover Boy or a handle of the grossest vodka on the shelf. It also serves as really good out-of-sight storage. Board games anyone?. Shop here
Bedroom Comforts
3. Better Homes & Gardens Lillian Fluted 4 Drawer Dresser in Natural Pine
Clothes deserve better than a pile on the floor (or so I hear!). This vertical beauty has four roomy drawers, plus the fluted design says “grown-up” in the best way. Perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, or as an entryway catch-all for keys, tote bags, and whatever gets panic-grabbed before leaving the house. Shop here
4. Better Homes & Gardens Paisley Medallion Embroidered Cotton Quilt
Goodbye random blanket from college. This quilt is light, airy, and so chic it might inspire someone to actually make their bed every morning. Geezers: this is also a sneaky gift that says, “I trust you with white bedding now.” Shop here
5. Better Homes & Gardens Linen Blend Curtain in Dark Cilantro
Curtains = instant adulthood. These rich green panels add texture, block sunlight for weekend sleep-ins, and make a place feel like an actual home instead of a dorm room. Bonus: they hide the view of the brick wall your window looks out onto. Shop here
Living Room Anchors
Better Homes & Gardens Lillian Swivel Birdcage Accent Chair in Cream Linen
This chair is like the best friend who always looks good in photos. It’s sculptural, comfy, and swivels to be versatile; part of every conversation without awkward neck craning. Geezers: imagine your kid inviting you over and you immediately claiming this seat for yourself. Shop here
7. My Texas House Haven Coffee Table in Warm Brown
It’s big enough for snacks, drinks, and a laptop for “working from home.” The warm wood finish makes a living room feel intentional, even if the “decor” right now is mostly takeout containers. Shop here
8. Better Homes & Gardens Persian Blooms Washable Non-Skid Indoor Area Rug
Wine spill? Ramen volcano? No biggie cause this rug is machine washable. It’s also chic enough to trick guests into thinking you’ve got $$$$$$$ (and taste!). Shop here
Accents & Storage
9. My Texas House 15" Brass Glass Shade Table Lamp
Soft, golden light that makes every selfie look better. It’s the perfect mix of vintage charm and cozy glow AKA the secret weapon for date nights at home. The Big Light isn’t the only option. Shop here
10. Wooden Wall Mounted Cubby Shelf
Fake it ‘til you make it. Being organized, that is. This shelf is perfect for keys, candles, books, or that one cool vase found thrifting. Bonus: it keeps all the “where are my keys?” moments to a minimum. Shop here
Whether you’re helping someone decorate their very first place or you’re setting up your own post-grad (or post post post post-grad) palace, these pieces will take you from “just moved in” to “come over, I’ll host” in no time. And yes, you can still keep the dinosaur bookcase… but maybe in the closet. Reminder, you can access all of these picks here as well as individually above.
And thanks to Walmart for sponsoring the newsletter!
Follow Gee Thanks! on Instagram for daily sales, exclusive discount codes, and more life-changing recommendations.
Join the Gee Thanks! Facebook community to give and get life-changing recommendations of your own.
Shop Gee Thanks! recs on our LTK!