Everything I Wish I Knew About How to Furnish My Apartment

When I was working to furnish my apartment, I made plenty of mistakes and learned a lot of lessons. In this guide, I will teach you everything I wish I knew when I was furnishing my first apartment.

Are you looking to furnish your apartment? Keep on reading!

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When you’re moving into your first apartment, there are a lot of things to think about – not the least of which is how to furnish it! It can be tricky to furnish an apartment on a budget, but it’s definitely doable.

This post is all about the tips and tricks I learned to furnish my apartment.

What Do I Need to Know Before I Furnish My Apartment Rental?

Furnishing your apartment from scratch is way easier than you think! In this blog post, we’ll talk about all the things you need to know when furnishing your apartment.

We’ll discuss average costs, how to spend your money in a smart way, what furniture you need for each room in your apartment, and how to decorate an apartment in a rental-friendly way.

In a rush? Scroll down to the ultimate checklist for furnishing your first apartment!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for some new ideas, read on for the best tips on furnishing your apartment!

What is the Average cost to Furnish a 1 Bedroom Apartment?

The cost of furnishing an apartment will vary depending on a few different factors. The biggest factor is the size of your apartment.

The average cost to furnish a one bedroom apartment is between $3500 and $5000. This cost will increase if you have a larger apartment or if you want higher-end furnishings.

Another factor that will affect the cost of furnishing your apartment is whether or not you need to buy new furniture or if you can use some pieces that you already have.

If you need to buy all new furniture, you can expect to spend on the high end of the estimated costs. However, if you already have some pieces that you can use, your costs will be lower.

To get a better idea of how much it will cost to furnish your specific apartment, use this calculator. Just enter your apartment details for a ballpark figure. Quick warning: I do find that this calculator puts you on the higher end for furnishing an apartment. We’ll be covering a MUCH more budget-friendly approach in this post, but it’s a good estimator if you are truly starting from scratch and plan to splurge on a few pieces you’ll have for a long time.

What do I Need to Know About Furnishing an Apartment on a Budget? 

Now that we’ve talked about some of the average costs associated with furnishing an apartment, let’s talk about how you can furnish your apartment on a budget.

There are a few things you can do to save money when furnishing your apartment. The first is to buy used furniture instead of new furniture.

You can find used furniture at thrift stores, garage sales, and even online on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Another way to save money when furnishing your apartment is to buy pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a coffee table that also doubles as a storage ottoman. Storage furniture is a great way to save space and money.

You can also save money by shopping at stores that have budget-friendly furniture options – like Ikea, Target, Amazon, and Wayfair.

Finally, the easiest way to stay within your budget when furnishing your apartment for cheap is by knowing EXACTLY what you need to buy and where you want to spend the most. It is much easier to stay on budget and choose a lower-cost option for furniture you aren’t worried about so that you can splurge on the pieces that matter most to you.

Next, we will dive into the only checklist you will ever need for furnishing an apartment.

The Ultimate Furnishing an Apartment Checklist

This first apartment checklist will take you through every piece of furniture you need, room-by-room. This is the only guide you will ever need for furnishing your apartment.

If you’re starting from scratch, this covers everything you need furniture-wise! Please keep in mind, that this checklist is just for the furniture you need for this room.

Living Room

1. Sofa
2. Additional Seating
3. Rug
4. Coffee Table
5. Side Tables (x2)
6. Media Console
7. Lighting
8. Window Treatments
9. Decor

Dining Room

1. Dining Table
2. Chairs
3. Lighting
4. Bar Cart
5. Window Treatments
6. Decor

Bedroom

1. Bedframe
2. Mattress
3. Dresser
4. Nightstands (x2)
5. Lighting
6. Bench
7. Window Treatments
8. Decor

Home Office

1. Desk
2. Chair
3. Lighting
4. Window Treatments
5. Decor

Okay, and I also included decor. Mostly just so you keep in mind that you’ll need to budget for that as well! When you’re working all of these items into your budget, make sure to have an idea of what decor you’ll be adding to each room. Including decor is essential to making sure your space feels homey and comfortable.

Keep reading tips on decorating your apartment!

Apartment Friendly Decorating

Now that you have your furnishings all figured out, you can move on to the fun stuff – decorating!

Apartment-friendly decorating is one of our passions here at Solarith Home. Whether you’re renting an apartment or just like to switch up your decor every few months, we have some great tips for you.

First, when it comes to decorating an apartment, always use removable adhesive hooks instead of nails or screws. This will save your walls (and your security deposit!)

Second, take advantage of vertical space! Floating shelves are a great way to add storage and decor without taking up valuable floor space.

Third, use area rugs to define different spaces in your open concept apartment. This will help create the illusion of separate rooms and make your space feel cozier.

Furnish with Details

A great way to incorporate your style and decor into every aspect of your home is to choose furnishings that include details that match your personal style.

Whether you opt for sleek furnishings that complement your minimalist apartment or go for glitzy baddie decor, choose furnishings with details that match your space and style.

How to Decorate A Small Apartment

If you’re wondering how to furnish and decorate a small apartment, we have some great tips for you!

First, use light colors on the walls to make your space feel larger.

Second, use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.

Third, invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes – like a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman.

And finally, take advantage of vertical space by adding floating shelves!

Old Apartment Decorating Ideas

If you’re looking for old apartment decorating ideas, we’ve got you covered.

First, consider repainting the walls to give your space a fresh new look.

Second, switch out your window treatments for something new.

Third, decide if you want to lean into the older decor style or if you want to try to freshen the place up. This depends on how old your apartment is, of course, but if it has charming original details you may want to opt for decor pieces that highlight those details and play up the vintage charm.

If you’re in a space that leans more outdated than vintage and prefer to freshen things up entirely, you can quickly and easily transform your old apartment with some peel and stick wallpaper, eye-catching rugs, and well-placed artwork.

And finally, incorporate some new throw pillows or blankets to add a pop of color and texture to your apartment.

Small Apartment Inspiration

If you need some small apartment inspiration, we’ve got plenty of it!

Check out our blog for ideas on how to furnish and decorate a small space.

We also have a Pinterest board dedicated to small space living, where you can find tons of great ideas for how to make the most of your space.

Minimalist Apartment Decor

If you’re looking for minimalist apartment decor, we’ve got you covered.

First, choose furnishings that are sleek and simple – like a futon instead of a bulky sofa.

Second, add in a few neutral details that pack a punch in terms of texture and size. Large vases, oversized throw blankets, and mid-level lighting can go a long way to making your minimalist apartment decor look warm, clean, and inviting.

Third, add some plants or flowers. Faux olive trees are the perfect zero maintenance, high style option for a minimalist space.

And finally, use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.

Baddie Decor

If you’re looking for baddie decor, we’ve got you covered.

First, add some glam details like a chandelier or glitzy light fixtures.

Second, furnish with velvet and fur – think sofas and chairs in jewel tones. Throw pillows are a great way to incorporate lots of baddie textures into your apartment without breaking the bank.

Third, use metallics throughout your space – from picture frames to vases to throw pillows.

Well, there you have it! I can’t tell you how much I wish I had thought to put together a checklist when furnishing my apartment. We could have avoided a lot of mistakes, that’s for sure!

Mistakes and all, furnishing my apartment made me feel like an “Adult” for the first time in a way that nothing else really did. As you embark on furnishing your first (or hundredth!) apartment, I hope you will make it a space that makes you feel right at home.

This post was all about what I learned when I tried to furnish my apartment.