First Apartment Home Essentials
So you've moved into your first apartment, it almost seems unreal to be standing in your new kitchen and realising you have a place you can call home for the first time. But standing there, soaking in the new sense of freedom, you’ll likely have some other thoughts. You know, like: wait, do I even have any dish towels?
You've found a sofa big enough for all your friends when you host movie nights and decorate your walls to make your place feel like home. Now you’re dreaming up ways to decorate your new home with items that fit your design style and personal tastes. Are you forgetting anything? There is an overabundance of home essentials that you likely don't have yet and may not think of when you make your first trip to IKEA.
If this is the case, fret not. Lilla Rugs have come up with a list of 15 first apartment home essentials that you may have forgotten about. From kitchen essentials to the bedroom, we’ve got you covered!
KITCHEN
A few sets of cutlery are home essentials in every home. So it’s a perfect excuse to free your drawers of mix-matched cutlery and replace it with a few matching sets. We love these modern, gold pieces from Zara Home.
You'll want to make sure you have a blender for whipping up everything from fresh juice, smoothies, and cocktails. It can also be used in place of a food processor when it comes to preparing things like homemade pasta sauce.
If you prepare coffee in the mornings or drink tea in afternoons, you'll want to invest in a stylish teapot for your new kitchen. We love the muted pink tone found on this sleek kettle from Dillards.
BEDROOM
While a new duvet may be on the top of your list of things to buy for your new apartment, high-quality bed linen should also be on your mind. It will instantly make your bedroom look and feel more sophisticated. We are obsessed with this Anthropologie relaxed cotton-linen set, so durable and embodies a textural richness.
A large woven basket like this piece from Zara Home is superb useful for storing things like blankets and pillows when they're not in use. Keep one in the bedroom or the living area to stay organised.
Be bold and fabulous in your home with a statement mirror! A large mirror will reflect natural light around your house creating the sense of space and light. Not On The High Street stock nice unique pieces without having to break the bank.
LIVING ROOM
Don’t stain my table! Every first apartment needs a good set of coasters to ward off water rings and other stains. Place a stack of these Anthropologie glimmer ring coasters on your living room coffee table.
A centerpiece rug is another fundamental piece to include in your new home. Place the rug in your living room to tie all the furniture together. Not only will it look fabulous but it will also keep the space warm and cosy, the Lulla Moroccan Rug is a particular favourite.
Artwork, photographs, and tapestries instantly make a living room come alive, blank walls suddenly become interesting and vibrant. Displaying art also keeps a room inspiring and does not have to be expensive. I personally adore this Urban Outfitters colour block tapestry.
BATHROOM
Who said bathroom home essentials can’t be stylish? Compliment your bathroom with a chic toilet brush like this minimal one from Food52. You won’t realise it's a cleaning product.
-
Bath Towels
The bathroom may be the least glamorous and most intimate room of the home. However, it is one that you are guaranteed to use with regularity. This Brewer Towel Collection in plain white from Anthropologie is a top pick for us because they never fade, look outdated and they match everything.
Pick up bathroom home essential accessories that reflect your style and personal taste. Like this dreamy jungle shower curtain from Urban Outfitters, because you can never have enough botanicals.
MISCELLANEOUS
Another necessary cleaning essential, a dustpan is vital for an apartment with hardwood or tiled floors. When cleaning supplies are as stylish as this one from Food52, shopping won’t feel like a chore.
Every apartment needs an amazingly powerful vacuum to make cleaning a breeze. There's nothing worse than buying cheap cleaning supplies that don't get the job done and more importantly do not last. That's why this Dyson cyclone is well worth the investment, even for a first apartment.
A vibrant, green, natural plant is something every home should include. Plants are so versatile they look awesome in any type of décor or style, take a trip to your local Ikea branch to pick up some greenery, you just need to pick the right plant for you. You can check out our guide to indoor plants here.
So that’s our ultimate first apartment home essentials checklist — In the beginning, it will require trips back and forth to the store, and that’s totally fine. Start with the things you really need, and then add on an upgrade as you can. You'll be ready for a stress-free transition to your new home (Thank goodness).
