Are you getting ready to move into your first apartment? Stuck and not sure what you’ll need? It’s an exciting process to be able to pick out your own stuff and choose the type of furnishings that you like. Perhaps you’ll pick a decor theme you’ve been lusting after, or maybe you personally love a certain colour to use for accent pieces. It’s important to be strategic with what you choose so it doesn’t consume your space but rather enhances it. To help guide you in this next chapter, here are seven tips for furnishing your first apartment.
Focus on Getting the Right Couch
Some items will be worth splurging on, and one item that’s definitely worthy of your time and money is the couch. It’ll likely be one of the most used pieces of furniture that you own, and picking a good quality one can ensure that it will end up lasting you for years. Remember to consider the size, fabric, colour, and how it will work with your space.
Get Adjustable Furniture
Pieces in your place that can increase in size or fold down and be stored away are useful for smaller spaces that need flexible room layouts. For example, having a kitchen table that can expand in size is ideal when you have friends or family over and you need more room to fit everyone. Then, once you’re done, you can fold it back up to reduce the size for your everyday use so it won’t take up too much space.
Splurge on a Good Mattress
The mattress is another item that’s a very worthy investment. Considering how much time we spend sleeping and how important a good night’s rest is for our health, it’s crucial to choose one that is comfortable and offers the right level of support for you. Make sure you take the time to test them out, do your research, and understand what you need for optimal comfort.
Take Advantage of Mirrors to Brighten Your Space
Mirrors are ideal for apartments because they can brighten up the space and make it appear larger while adding some character at the same time. Place mirrors across from any windows or light sources to maximize indoor brightness. You could also create a collage on a feature wall, and try combining similar coloured frames or unique textures to add visual interest. This can easily create a beautiful accent wall that is also functional.
Get Cozy with Rugs
Not only do rugs make apartments cozy and inviting, but they’re also beneficial for reducing noise – for both you and your neighbours below. If you have neutral furniture, go for something bold or stick with a simple pattern or style if you want to easily change up your décor in the future. Look for a design that will wear well and can stand up to potential spills and foot traffic. If you have a pet, you might also consider a rug that is easily washable and can be switched out easily.
Add Nice Lighting
Lights really tie a space together and create a warm, inviting, and homey atmosphere. Get some lamps that you can place throughout your apartment and look for light bulbs that are LED and have a warmer hue. Choose unique pieces that match your decor and place them at different heights, such as along shelves and on the floor, for soft lighting that encompasses the full space.
Use Shelving to Organize Your Stuff
If you’re limited on storage or need more space on which to place items, use horizontal shelves anywhere you can. For example, this might be in the bathroom above the toilet, in the bedroom to hold your linens, or in the living room to add your bits and bobs. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and tidy, or to simply display some of your favourite décor items.
Ready to move into your first apartment? Whether you are buying your furniture beforehand or want to find the perfect space first, it can feel overwhelming to decide on so many items in a short span of time. While apartment hunting, pick out smaller items that can easily be stored before you move in. Bigger pieces can always wait until you have found the right space. At CLV Group and InterRent REIT, we can help you find the perfect place to call home. Check out our listings or contact us for more information.
