Moving into your first apartment is exciting, and the list of things to buy can feel endless. This first apartment furniture checklist breaks it down room by room into what you need on day one, what can wait, and how to choose pieces that will move with you to your next place.
Before You Buy Anything
- Measure rooms, doors, hallways, stairs and the elevator. See how to measure furniture for delivery.
- Check your lease for rules on wall mounting and painting.
- Set a budget and decide what to spend on: usually a good mattress and sofa, then storage.
- Choose a simple color palette so pieces bought at different times work together. See our color palette guide.
Bedroom Checklist
| Day one | Can wait |
|---|---|
| Bed frame and mattress | Headboard |
| Bedding and pillows | Full-length mirror |
| Nightstand and lamp | Bench or chair |
| Dresser or wardrobe if there's no closet | Rug and art |
Compact pieces suit first apartments and fit future rooms too. The Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstand with Open Shelf is 23.6" W; the Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer Dresser is 27.7" W; and the Tela Compact Wardrobe is 31.5" W with drawers and hanging space. See small bedroom ideas.
Living Room Checklist
| Day one | Can wait |
|---|---|
| Sofa or loveseat | Accent chair |
| Coffee or side table | Bookcase or display cabinet |
| Lamp | Rug, curtains and art |
| TV stand if you have a TV | Plants and decor |
A round coffee table like the Upholstered Round Coffee Table with Open Shelf Base (32.1") and a slim TV console like the Relievo Panel TV Console (14.2" deep) suit most first living rooms. See small living room ideas and how to choose a couch for a small space.
Kitchen and Dining Checklist
- Day one: a small table and two chairs, or bar stools if there's a counter; basic cookware, dishes and utensils.
- Can wait: a pantry cabinet, kitchen cart or island, a bar cabinet.
See small dining room ideas and small kitchen ideas.
Entryway and Home Office Checklist
- Entry: a shoe rack or cabinet, hooks and a tray for keys. See small entryway ideas.
- Office: a desk and chair if you work from home, plus a task lamp. See small home office ideas.
Smart Buying Tips
- Buy the big, hard-to-move pieces first, then add decor slowly.
- Choose furniture that disassembles or comes in boxes for easier moves.
- Pick neutral, durable fabrics.
- Anchor tall furniture; see how to anchor furniture to a wall.
For layout and storage ideas, see our small apartment ideas.
FAQ
What furniture do you need for a first apartment?
A bed and mattress, a sofa, a table and chairs, a dresser or wardrobe, a nightstand, a lamp and basic storage.
What should I buy first for my apartment?
Your bed and mattress, then a sofa and somewhere to eat; decor can come later.
How do I furnish an apartment on a budget?
Prioritize daily-use pieces, choose compact multi-use furniture and add decor gradually.
Should I buy small furniture for my first apartment?
Buy right-sized, not tiny. Compact pieces that are still comfortable will work in future homes.