How to Furnish an Apartment

• Stick to the rules: Apartment leases often come with rules on what you can and cannot do to the space. Always check with your landlord and keep the rules in mind when purchasing furniture, paint and other items.
• Consider your space: Most apartments are limited on space, so look for furniture that won’t overcrowd. Measuring your space before you shop for furniture is a good idea.
• Try taking on each space one at a time. It can be very overwhelming (and expensive) to attempt to furnish every room at once.
• Budget: Know where to splurge and where to save. It will make more sense to spend on the key pieces that you will have for years rather than accessories and decor.

No matter where you live, there are key pieces that you will need. Starting with these will help you build out your space and ensure you have what you need before purchasing decor and accessories.

• Sofa/seating: You will need a space to relax, watch TV and for guests to sit when they are visiting. If budget allows, invest in a good sofa that you can take with you through the next few years.
• Bed/sleeping area: A place to rest your head at night is very essential. If you are in a studio space, a sleeper sofa may make sense for you. Whether you splurge on your actual bed with a new headboard and frame or opt for a simpler, cost-effective alternative will depend on your budget.
• Bedding: This is one of the areas we encourage you to spend wisely. Good bedding means a better night's sleep, and good sheets will last a long time, making them worth the investment in the long run.
• Dining options: Give yourself a proper place to eat. A dining table can also double as a desk/workspace. If your apartment doesn't have room for an actual dining table with chairs, choose comfortable bar stools that can provide counter seating for meals.
• Stock up on storage: Apartments are often very limited when it comes to closet space, so furniture that features storage and actual storage pieces such as bookcases and wall hooks for laundry rooms, are essential to keeping clutter at bay.

When furnishing an apartment, always go for multi-functional furniture.

Sleeper sofas, coffee tables with storage and benches with shoe racks are just a few of our favorites. There are plenty of stylish, multi-tasking pieces of furniture in the market that will make it easy to stay organized.

Be flexible in terms of how you use your space for everyday living. Thinking outside of the box can help keep your space tidy but useful.

• A dining room doesn't have to be used just as a dining space. If you need to study or work from home, use the
  area as a workspace when you're not using it to dine or entertain.
• Carve out a corner of your bedroom for a home office or reading area with a small corner desk and chair.
• Use room dividers to create separation in an apartment that doesn't have designated spaces to sit/eat/sleep.

What truly makes your apartment feel like your home is how you choose to decorate it. Additionally, you don't need to spend a lot of money to express your style. Here's a few of our favorite ways to accessorize:

• Throws and pillows: Perfect for snuggling up on the couch, a throw in a vibrant color or pillows in a playful pattern are easy ways to add character without making a major committment.
• Mirrors: Hanging mirrors is a great way to instantly brighten up a space while simultaneously making it appear larger.
• Lamps/lighting: The right lighting can open up a space, making it appear bigger and more welcoming.
• Wall decor: Some apartments will allow you to paint or wallpaper a space, as long as you return it to its original state before you move out. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for adding a modern touch and a bit of pattern to bathrooms and bedrooms.
• Rugs: They not only warm up the floor, creating a cozier home vibe, but they are a simple and cost-effective way to pull a room together. Layering rugs, like an indoor/outdoor rug, that can be washed easily, over a sisal rug, will add depth to a room.
• Curtains: They will keep the light and the neighbors out of your apartment, if that is a concern. Curtains also soften a room and add warmth.

Two of the most-used rooms in any apartment or house, the bathroom and kitchen require a few necessary items.

• Linen cabinets: A great storage solution, linen cabinets give towels and toiletries a designated home.
• Floating shelves: In the kitchen, shelving is ideal for storing spices, dishes and more. In the bathroom, they work for towels, plants and toiletries.
• Coffee machine: Whether you drink it yourself or use it to entertain, a good coffee machine, and other small kitchen appliances, are must-haves for most kitchens. Smaller versions are easier to find if you find yourself limited on counter space.
• Towels: At least one good set of towels should be in every apartment dweller's linen closet or cabinet.
• Set of cooking utensils/pots and pans: One good set of each as well as a cutting board will make cooking in your new aparment easier.