Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time! But after the boxes are unpacked and you’ve settled into your new place, you may start to feel like something is missing. Whether you want to add to the furniture you’ve already brought with you or you’re a longtime renter looking to redecorate, there are a few different approaches to creating a beautiful living space that doesn’t become cluttered.
Furnishing an apartment doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can turn your empty space into a stylish and inviting home with creativity and elbow grease. Here are five tips to get you started:
1: Start with the Basics
Every apartment needs a few essential pieces of furniture. These include a bed, a couch, and a dining table. Once you have these pieces in place, you can start to build around them.
If you’re starting from scratch, it’s important to choose furniture that is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, an ottoman can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, or storage while a futon can serve as both a couch and guest bed.
Investing in multipurpose furniture can also help you save money on decorating expenses. Instead of purchasing multiple pieces that serve single purposes, you will only have to pay a one-time expense.
2: Purchase Stylish, Functional Storage
Another important aspect of furnishing an apartment is storage. You likely want something with enough room to hold your belongings but not something that stands out on its own or clashes with the rest of your decor.
One way to do this is by investing in stylish, functional storage solutions. Bookshelves, for example, can be used to store books, magazines, and other items while also serving as an attractive decoration. Similarly, a trunk can be used as a coffee table or footrest while providing valuable space for blankets and pillows.
Purchasing furniture with built-in storage is also a great way to save space in your apartment. A bed with drawers underneath, for instance, can provide extra space for clothes or linens while a couch with storage will allow you to keep blankets, throws, and electronics within easy reach.
For closets, you can also purchase closet-organizing systems that allow you to keep everything tidy while still leaving room for your hanging clothes. You can place additional hanging hooks on your walls for large jackets or to prepare your outfit for the next day.
3: Place Your Living Room Seating Flush Against the Wall
One of the most common mistakes people make when furnishing an apartment is placing their living room seating in the middle of the room. This can make the space feel cramped and cluttered.
Instead, try to place your couch and other seating against a wall. This will create a more open space and help prevent your furniture from feeling like it’s taking over the room. You may also want to consider placing your furniture in a U or L-shaped configuration so that you can host friends and family comfortably without feeling like you’re crammed into a small space.
4: Wall-Mount Your Television
Wall-mounting your television removes the need for TV stand or media center. Instead, you can place whatever you’d like underneath without having to sacrifice floor space. Many TV mounts enhance the viewing experience as well with swivel features to adjust the screen’s perspective and orientation.
Before purchasing a TV mount, however, be sure to check your apartment lease. Some landlords do not allow tenants to make holes in the wall or alter the structure of the unit in any way.
If you’re not allowed to mount your television, consider placing it on a stand with wheels so that you can move it around easily if you ever feel inspired to rearrange your furniture.
5: If You Work from Home, Use a Movable Desk
If you work from home or often use your apartment as a place to study, it’s important to have a desk that can be moved around easily. This will allow you to create a dedicated workspace without feeling like you’re confined to one area of the room.
There are many different types of movable desks on the market, from small, lightweight options that can be placed on top of your dining room table or nightstand to larger desks on wheels that can serve as a makeshift office.
Find the NY Capital Region Apartment of Your Dreams
At Burns Management, we manage over 20 communities throughout the NY Capital Region in highly desired communities such as Albany, Saratoga Springs, Latham, and many others. With a commitment to providing an excellent renter’s experience, we’re confident that you’ll love calling your new apartment home.
Now that you have some tips for how to furnish an apartment, it’s time to find the right one for you! Browse our communities or contact us online anytime if you would like to learn more information.