Plan out furniture purchases in advance to make sure it all fits.
Moving into a one-bedroom apartment can represent either a step up, if you're moving on your own for the first time, or an exercise in downsizing if you currently live in a larger area. Most one-bedroom apartments include the bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and a living/dining room. There are certain must-have items for each room that will make your life functional and comfortable in your one-bedroom apartment.
Bedroom
The No. 1 piece of furniture in your bedroom is the bed. It's usually the centerpiece of the room, and the piece of furniture that takes up the most space. If you're living alone, you can consider any bed from a twin to king-sized. If you're living with a partner, you'll need a minimum double bed. You'll also need storage for clothing and other items. This could include a dresser or a chest of drawers. If you have a walk-in closet, you may wish to put your clothes storage furniture in the closet to save room. Other bedroom furniture could include a nightstand and desk and chair. Buy at least one lamp if you don't have overhead lighting. You also may wish to have a mirror, possibly full-length, clothing hooks for the back of the door, a shoe rack and book shelves. Remember to purchase window treatments if your bedroom windows do not come with shades.
Bathroom
Most bathroom items are personal rather than furniture. The items you'll need depend on your individual set up. For example, some bathrooms do not come equipped with toothbrush or toilet paper holders. You'll need a shower curtain and liner if they are not provided. You also many wish to purchase a floor mat, toilet seat cover, storage for toiletries, a towel rack and soap and shampoo storage, such as bath shelves, that can be used installed in the shower. Think about your daily bathing routine to determine what else you'll need -- for instance, a hair dryer or curling item if you regularly use these items. You also may want to purchase a scale for the bathroom.
Kitchen
Outfitting a kitchen also is based on personal preferences. Enthusiastic cooks will naturally have more pots and pans, while someone who often orders out may not want a full cookware set. The basic necessities include sauce pans of various sizes with lids, a skillet and pots in . Buy a knife block that has several sizes of knives, plus extra items such as kitchen shears. Dishware should include large plates and soup bowls, at minimum. Consider adding salad dishes as well. Flatware sets will provide forks, spoons and knives in a basic set; larger sets usually offer two sizes of spoons and forks. You'll serving utensils, including solid and slotted spoons, a spatula and tongs. Your kitchen should also include glasses -- possibly in several sizes from large glasses to juice and rock glasses -- and mugs. For serving dishes, such as bowls and platters, look for oven- and microwave-safe items. Your apartment likely will come with its own refrigerator, but you'll probably need to purchase other everyday appliances, such as a coffee maker, toaster and microwave.
Living and Dining Area
The configuration of your apartment will determine how extensively you can outfit your living and dining area. Some apartments have enough room for a dining room table and chairs, while others are better suited for a small table or bar stools in front of a counter. You'll also need a couch, coffee table and end table. Depending on your TV size, you should buy a stand, unless you plan to mount it to wall. Your living and dining area usually will benefit from extra light from lamps, and you may need to purchase window treatments. You can also look for room in your living and dining area to install extra storage furniture, such as a china cabinet or book case.
Decorative Items
Beyond the basic furniture needed for a one-bedroom apartment, your living space will benefit from decorative touches. Consider artwork, such as a framed photos or paintings, to brighten walls. Area rugs can help protect floors, muffle noises and add splashes of color to your apartment. Vases provide a ready place to put flowers, which always brighten a room. You should also consider purchasing mirrors in various sizes. Mirrors make your living space look and feel larger.
Plan Your Space
Before moving in large pieces of furniture, measure your one-bedroom apartment and draw rough floor layouts. Measure the furniture you plan to move into the apartment and arrange it on the paper. This will help you figure out if the items can fit into the apartment and will make your move-in run smoother. Also, measure your entryways, stairwells, elevator size and hallways to ensure that large items, such as beds, can fit through the openings.
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