When starting on furnishing an apartment, especially if it’s empty, options are limitless. Deciding on how you’ll go about it can make you feel mentally exhausted. The amount of furniture and decor you can buy can confuse you with your priorities and distract you from the important things.
Additionally, furnishing can easily eat up your budget, especially in terms of design. That’s why it’s critical that you set your priorities straight when buying the first items for your apartment.
Here’s a guide to determine the essentials when furnishing your apartment.
Functionality
First and foremost, you want to purchase things that will make your apartment livable. You need to make a list of the items you’ll need like somewhere to sleep, to cook, to sit, to store your belongings, to work, etc. The items you’ll need to prioritize are the following:
- Bed
- Couch
- Kitchen utensils/appliances
- Table
- Chairs
- Cabinets/wardrobes
Address your needs first and estimate how much you’ll spend before deciding on items that address your wants. You don’t want to end up with an apartment that has a 60-inch TV and not a bed now, do you?
Setting your budget
Proper budgeting is critical in furnishing, as it can be easy to get distracted when considering items. As such, it’s important to remember that your budget should fall in between functionality and affordability.
Remember not to overspend on unnecessary items or buy extremely pricey furniture. That said, you wouldn’t want to cheap out so much that your items are poorly made. Doing this is like throwing money, so be mindful of quality.
If you have a really strict budget, you don’t need to buy brand new items. You can always settle for used ones that are still in great condition.
Realistic furniture expectations
When choosing the items you’ll buy, set realistic expectations, and find that balance between your price range and the features. Don’t overspend on items just because they offer additional features, although you don’t really need them.
Here are some examples of assessment for different types of furniture:
1. Bed
When buying a bed, remember that you need only one that supports you and your partner’s weight. Additionally, you shouldn’t buy a mattress that is too expensive because it’s top-of-the-line, although it’s actually just a memory foam that you could’ve gotten for a lower price.
2. Kitchen and appliances
Kitchen appliances are some of the most tempting items and pieces of technology to buy. It can be easy to justify that you need that automatic egg whipper or eight spatulas, although you know that they’re not essential. Control yourself when buying appliances, and if doing it manually will save you a lot of money, then don’t buy that expensive smart coffee-maker.
3. Table and chairs
When buying a table and chairs, consider the space of the room where you will put them. Bigger tables and chairs cost more, so if you don’t need one that’s good for ten people, then consider opting for smaller-sized options.
Conclusion
Remember that you still have the freedom to choose what you want to buy. If you really want an item, and you can spare a few more bucks for an exciting feature, then don’t deprive yourself of it. However, if you’re really on a tight budget, then consider squeezing in fewer inessential items as you could. Visit North Carolina’s furniture stores to browse through your options in order for you to make an appropriate choice.
For more information about furniture in North Carolina, browse through our site to check out our helpful resources.
