Furnishing Your First Apartment: Splurge or Save?

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

For Residents February 14, 2025

Furnishing your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it can also be financially challenging. Determining where to invest and where to economize is important for creating a comfortable and functional living space without exceeding your budget. To help you make these decisions, let's take a closer look at how much you should spend on furniture for a new apartment, which items are worth splurging on, and where you can save without compromising quality.

Splurge-Worthy Items

Certain pieces of first apartment furniture are worth the investment, especially when they contribute to your long-term comfort and savings. Here are some key items to focus on where splurging makes sense.

Sofa: As the centerpiece of your living room, a quality sofa offers both comfort and durability. Investing in well-made first apartment furniture can save you from frequent replacements and provide long-lasting comfort. Look for sofas with sturdy frames and durable upholstery to get the best value over time.
Mattress: Considering you spend a third of your life sleeping, a good mattress is essential for your health and well-being. Investing in a high-quality mattress tailored to your preferences can significantly improve your sleep quality.
Office Chair: With the rise of remote work, an ergonomic office chair can be a big help in the long run. Spending a little more on a chair that supports good posture can prevent back pain and increase productivity.
Vacuum Cleaner: A reliable vacuum cleaner is essential for maintaining cleanliness. Investing in a high-quality vacuum can lead to better performance and longevity, making it a budget-friendly choice over time.

A woman relaxing on the couch with her hands in her hair, a large window behind her filling the space with natural light. An indoor plant adds a touch of greenery to the room.

Bonus Tip: If you’re starting in a smaller apartment and plan to increase your square footage in the future, modular furniture might be a good choice for you. For example, modular couches allow you to purchase single seats and rearrange your seating to fit your space. Many of these also have interchangeable upholstery that you can swap out as your needs and style preferences change.

By focusing on quality for these items, you'll get lasting value from your purchases, contributing to a functional and comfortable space.

Items to Save On

Not everything in your first apartment needs to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few things to get for a new apartment where saving money won’t mean sacrificing function or style.

Bed Frame: A simple, budget-friendly bed frame can be sufficient, especially if it’s sturdy and complements your decor. Many affordable apartment furniture options are available that don’t compromise on style or functionality.
Dining Table and Chairs: Unless you frequently host dinner parties, consider more economical options for dining furniture. Budget-friendly sets can serve your needs without costing too much.
Kitchenware: Basic dishes, glasses, and utensils are areas where you can economize. Stores like IKEA and Target offer cost-effective options that are both functional and stylish.

Choosing cost-effective options for these items allows you to allocate more of your budget to higher-priority purchases while still achieving a stylish and functional home.

A couple sitting at a dining table, enjoying a meal and conversation, smiling and having a good time. The image is taken from above, capturing their relaxed and joyful moment.

Budgeting Tips

Furnishing your first apartment can feel overwhelming, but careful planning and smart spending can help you stay within budget while creating a functional and inviting space.

Set a Realistic Budget: Before shopping, determine how much you can afford to spend on furnishing your apartment. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. If you need budgeting help, try the Quicken calculator.
Prioritize Essentials: List the items you need immediately and allocate your budget accordingly. Nonessential items can be purchased over time as your budget allows.
Explore Second-Hand Options: Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and consignment shops can offer quality furniture at a fraction of the cost. This approach is both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.

By setting clear priorities and exploring budget-friendly options, you can furnish your apartment thoughtfully without overspending.

A couple strolling through a well-lit furniture store, thoughtfully browsing for new pieces to add to their home. Behind them, shelves are neatly stocked with a variety of coffee tables.

High-End Furniture vs. Budget-Friendly Options

When asking how to furnish an apartment inexpensively, remember that high-end furniture isn’t always necessary. Retailers like Wayfair and Amazon have recently unveiled a variety of home decor items that are both stylish and budget-friendly. For example, Amazon's new releases for 2025 include practical space-saving furniture and trendy decor items, all under $50.

Furnishing your first apartment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By strategically deciding where to invest in high-end furniture and where to save, you can create a comfortable and personalized living space that reflects your style and meets your needs. Remember, it's about finding the right balance to make your new apartment feel like home.

If you haven’t found your dream apartment, check out some Greystar properties and start imagining the possibilities!

The information presented on or through this Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to this Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Any reference to amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures at a Greystar apartment community is general in nature, and each Greystar apartment community may have amenities, services, rules, policies, and procedures that differ from those referenced on this Website. Please consult with your Greystar apartment community for the exact amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures applicable.

This Website may include content provided by third parties, including materials provided by other users, bloggers, and third-party licensors, syndicators, aggregators, and/or reporting services. All statements and/or opinions expressed in these materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by Greystar, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. These materials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Greystar. We are not responsible, or liable to you or any third party, for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties.