My sister bought one of the house packages, so got a bed, dining table, lounge, entertainment unit and coffee table and it was all really cheap stuff. The entertainment unit ended up falling apart so did the dining table, her bed broke and the only remaining thing was the coffee table. The lounge wore out quickly.

We tend to go for bargains at harvey norman, our entertainment stand was originally like $1000 and we got it half price. Our lounge we got from a second hand place and paid well under what it was worth. Places like all classifieds are good for bargains especially if people are moving interstate and can't take everything with them. We got 2 recylners from a lady i worked with she paid $800 for them each and we paid $50 for each. DD's cot was a discontinued line so we paid $300 and it was a $700 cot. We also got the mattress $50 cheaper than what its RRP.

Like you said fantastic furniture is good for when you first move in but it doesnt last, the quality isnt great you are better off shopping around for bargains. Salvos and Vinnies also can have reasonably decent stuff.