"What furniture am I going to need buy?" is something we get asked a lot. We've come up with a list that will take you from 0 to stylishly furnished apartment in no time flat.
When you are moving out for the first time, you’re going to need more than just your bed and your clothes. You probably will have noticed immediately what you're lacking in the furniture department but there's more to buy than a couch. There's going to be pictures and throw pillows and curtains, oh my!
Don't stress, some of these items you can get as time goes on but there are some items that you will need almost immediately.
Room by room furniture checklist
Bedroom:
A bigger bed
You’re living on your own now, you deserve a bigger bed to sprawl out in. That is, if you don’t already have one.
A new mattress
If you’re going to get a new bed, get yourself a new mattress.
New bedding
Pillows, sheets, comforter, blankets. So much sweat and dead skin cells accumulate in our pillows, it’s disgusting.
Dresser and nightstands
You’re going to have to put your clothes somewhere and the boxes/bags that you packed them up in just won’t do. The nightstands are important unless you are planning to stack your stuff up on the floor.
A full length mirror
For obvious reasons.
Lamps
Whether they are floor lamps or table lamps, you’re going to need some light.
Pictures/art work
Plain walls are boring and don’t reflect your personality.
Curtains
You’re place may come with blinds but you can’t rely on those alone for your privacy. Curtains also add another layer to your room and give it a more homely, comfortable feel.
An alarm clock
It doesn't matter if it’s an iPod docking station, you need to be able to know what time it is so.
A TV
You’re not always going to watch TV in your living room. Sometimes we just need to have it going on in the background while we sleep, which can be especially important as you are adjusting to your new surroundings.
Bathroom:
New towels and washcloths
There is something to be said for having new towels, besides being able to dry yourself off.
Bath mat
Because a wet bathroom floor is not only dangerous, you really don’t want any sort of mold growing.
A shower curtain
you may want to have one even if you already have shower doors. It serves to hide all the stuff in your shower but gives an extra style element to an otherwise dull place.
Pictures/artwork
It may seem odd to you to have a picture hanging in your bathroom but it really does pull it together.
A trash can
Dirty cotton balls and q-tips have to land somewhere.
Living room:
A couch
You’re going to need someplace to sit or have friends sleep on. There are some places where you can get a couch and a love seat or over-sized chair as a set for a reasonable price. It’s usually cheaper to buy them as a set and sometimes they even come with a coffee table, side tables and a lamp.
A coffee and side tables
You’re going to need a place for your drinks, your magazines or a place to do your toes.
A rug
It keeps your carpet clean and does a lot for your living room space.
Lamps
Because you can’t sit in the dark.
A TV
Because you can’t go out every night for your entertainment.
Pictures/artwork
Bare walls are not attractive.
A bookcase
Your books and DVDs need to live somewhere.
A throw blanket
For the days or nights you just want to curl up on your couch.
Curtains
For the same reason you need them in your bedroom.
Dining room:
A table and chairs
You can buy these in a set and fairly cheap too.
Kitchen:
A trash can
Because throwing empty ice cream containers on the floor is uncivilized.
Dishes
Glasses
Utensils
Pots and pans
Cooking utensils
Wooden spoons, spatulas, ladles, mixing spoons
Mixing bowls
Casserole dishes
Place mats
Toaster
Coffeemaker
Dish towels
Coffee cups
Shot glasses
Wine glasses
Baking sheets
Crock-pot
Misc:
Iron
Ironing board
Drying rack
Fridge magnets
Dry erase calendar
Dustpan and brush
Broom
Vacuum cleaner
A basic tool kit
Hammer, screwdriver, tape measure
Toilet plunger
Step stool
Mop
Can opener
What you need to get depends on what you already own. It can take time to get all of the furniture you need so don't think you have to have to get it all at once.
