Styling Out Your Starter Apartment
It’s your first week in town, and you have to find and furnish an apartment before the start of classes—or maybe it’s your first job. Either way, you’ll need furniture and housewares quickly, and likely on a budget. Where to start?
First of all, take into account the specifics of your situation: if you are only going to be in your apartment for a year or two, you’ll make different choices than if you plan to stay for several. Also, consider how you’ll get the items into your apartment. Will you have a car, or are you going to be relying on cabs and public transportation? And lastly, think about whether you’ll want to resell the pieces you buy, to recoup some of the costs down the line.
Here are a few suggestions on where to look for furnishings to put together a thoughtful, grown-up apartment that won’t break the bank. And keep reading for our top picks for the best living room and bedroom furniture for a starter apartment.
Editor’s picks for best starter furniture
Sofas…they need to be comfortable for those Netflix marathons, and ideally long enough to seat yourself and a few friends while not overwhelming your apartment. Our favorites:
- Karlstad (IKEA): At just $399, this sofa is a bargain and you can change out the cover if it gets damaged or if you want a different look.
- Appel Sofa (World Market): Alternatively, this sofa is slightly more expensive but includes some nice mid-century modern touches, like tapered legs and tufted buttons.
- Novogratz Brittany Convertible Sofa (AllModern): This refined sofa is versatile and converts to a second bed for when you have overnight guests.
Nothing says “dorm life” like a futon, so stay away from the stereotypical piece if that’s not the vibe you’re going for. The good news is that futons have grown up, so take a look at these for more tailored options:
- Westbury Premium Pillow Top Futon (Target): Available in five colors, this futon is padded for extra comfort and fits right in with more upscale mid-century modern pieces.
- Futon with Arms (Target): This “futon” is essentially a convertible sofa, another double-duty option.
Don’t forget about the coffee table. Even in a small space, a coffee table with clean lines can do a lot for a room:
- KVISTBRO (IKEA): This table is a designer favorite—it looks great and offers storage as well.
- Nesting Tables (Wayfair): Get three tables for the price of one! You can nest them together when it’s just you, and spread them out for more surface area when guests are over.
Moving to the bedroom…
You’ll need a bed, and ideally, it’ll be more than an air mattress on the floor. Go for a double or a queen if there’s room for it. Coordinate with your suitemates to see if it makes sense to have the same sized bed, if you plan on shopping for bed linens together:
- Tarva (IKEA): This simple pine frame embodies the best of Scandinavian simplicity.
- Zinus Platform Bedframe (Amazon): An easy to assemble, modern mattress, with room for under-bed storage. YourCampusGuru has tried it out and likes that it assembles in minutes and easy to transport, which makes your next move more convenient, and it's easier to sell.
Ever since Casper started the direct-to-consumer model, many mattress startups and retailers now offer high quality mattreses-in-a-box and they deliver to your door.
- Zinus Memory Foam: YourCampusGuru has slept on various Zinus memory foam mattresses and we find it cool and comfortable.
- Tuft & Needle: #1 seller on Amazon - it's a luxury alternative to Zinus that comes with a 100-night trial at press time.
For nightstands, there’s no need for anything elaborate—just a place for a lamp, a book or two, and maybe your phone (if you find it hard to disconnect):
- Selje (IKEA): A bargain at $29, and with clean lines that go with a variety of styles.
- Deoss 2-Drawer Nightstand (Wayfair): A more industrial option with fun hairpin legs, if you are looking for a more loft-like vibe.
- PS 2014 Storage Table (IKEA): The fun colors will add a bit of flair to your living space.
If your apartment is short on built-in storage, you’ll need a few furniture pieces that can do the job:
- Kallax (IKEA): There are few storage needs that a Kallax can’t fulfill. Check out the full line plus accessories such as doors, shelves and other attachments that will make storage a breeze. This collection replaces the ever-popular Expedit line, but is very similar in dimensions and flexibility.
- Darley Shelf Ladder Bookcase (Target): For books or displaying fun mementos and objects, consider this ladder-style shelf.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, it’s easy to think you can forgo rugs, but repeat after me: rugs make the room! They provide a layer of softness underfoot, and add color and style. And your downstairs neighbors (and your landlord) will thank you for their soundproofing capabilities. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Stenlille (IKEA): A thicker pile that’s great for colder climates, with a geometric pattern that’ll go well with many styles.
- Safavieh Adirondack Rug (Overstock): A more classic, lighter look. This style comes in many colors and shapes.
- Coldby (IKEA): A real cowhide at an affordable price.
- Flatweave Chevron (Overstock): Vibrant and fun—this would go well with more subdued furniture choices.
- PS 2014 rug (IKEA): Another fun option that would be great for a bedroom (given its slightly smaller size).
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, don’t forget to add a few personal touches. An easy way to do this is to add plants, and there are great options at Etsy and your local nurseries. First, choose something hardy like an air plant, a jade, a rubber plant, or a snake plant. Then find a nice planter like this one or this one, and you’ll be well on your way to making your apartment feel like a home.
Contributor: Carol K. Wang
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