15 Must Have Living Room Essentials for First Apartment Living
Want to know the best living room essentials for your first apartment?
Moving into your first apartment is so exciting! But, it can feel overwhelming when you’re on a tight budget and you’re trying to figure out exactly what you need to make your space cozy, functional, and beautiful.
As a fellow apartment renter, I’ve been through this myself. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out the living room essentials that are truly worth your money.
In this post, you’ll discover the best budget-friendly living room essentials—from sofas and coffee tables to decorative touches like throw pillows and wall art.
Whether you’re furnishing a small studio or a 1-bedroom apartment, these essentials will help you set up a stylish and organized living room with ease.
Let’s get ready to turn your first apartment into a beautiful home you’ll love!
This post is all about the best living room essentials for a first apartment that every renter should know about.
Living Room Essentials for First Apartment
1. Sofa
The sofa is the centerpiece of any living room. For first-time renters, comfort and affordability are key.
I personally love a sectional sofa because it’s perfect for lounging after a long and busy day.
source: pinterest
You can find a similar beige sectional couch on Amazon.
Pro Tip:
Before you buy a sofa, double-check your living room’s measurements. You want to make sure that the sofa you purchase will fit in your desired space perfectly.
If you have pets, go for a darker fabric to hide fur and stains. Trust me—this will save you a lot of cleaning stress later on.
2. Throw Blanket
A cozy throw blanket isn’t just practical—it adds warmth and a pop of color to your space.
Whether you’re binging your favorite Netflix show or hosting friends, having a soft blanket nearby is a must.
source: pinterest
You can find a similar chunky knit throw blanket on Amazon. Or if you love to DIY like I do, you can definitely make yourself a hand knit blanket.
You can find an easy tutorial for a DIY hand knit chunky blanket on youtube.
I purchased my yarn from Michaels, but to be honest you can get a better deal from Amazon or Walmart.
3. Floor Lamp
Apartments usually have poor overhead lighting, so a good floor lamp can make a big difference.
source: Amazon
I recommend choosing the lamp shown above because it has built-in shelves for extra storage—perfect for books, plants, or small decor pieces.
You can find the lamp on Amazon here.
I have one in my own living room because it’s affordable and functional, and it adds a nice modern touch to my space.
4. Coffee Table
A coffee table ties the whole living room together. It provides a spot for snacks, drinks, and decor.
Look for a coffee table with hidden storage compartments to keep things tidy. Small apartments can get cluttered very quickly!
source: pinterest
You can find a similar modern coffee table on Amazon.
On mine, I like to display a candle and a small plant. If, like me, you struggle to keep real plants alive lol, a high-quality fake plant can still bring in a touch of nature without the upkeep.
5. Area Rug
If your apartment has hardwood or tile floors, an area rug is a great way to add warmth and comfort.
It can also help define the living room space, especially in an open-plan layout.
source: pinterest
I found a similar boho-inspired rug on Amazon and I’ve been in love with it so far. It’s a neutral-toned boho-style rug that compliments my furniture.
Rugs can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options on Amazon or at discount stores.
6. Shoe Cabinet
If you’re like me and prefer a no-shoes policy at home, a shoe cabinet near the entrance is a game-changer.
source: Amazon
It helps keep your space organized and prevents shoes from piling up by the door.
Pick a compact cabinet that won’t take up too much space.
You can find this modern-style shoe cabinet on Amazon.
7. Side Tables
Side tables are perfect for placing drinks, snacks, or a good book when you’re relaxing on the couch. I went for a modern design, and I love how it complements the neutral tones of my space.
source: Amazon
You can find the modern-style side table shown above on Amazon.
Bonus: It took me less than 30 minutes to assemble, and it was very budget friendly!
8. Table Lamps
For additional lighting, table lamps are essential. I initially bought mine for the bedroom but found that they work perfectly in the living room too.
Pick lamps with adjustable brightness, so you can set the right mood for any time of day.
source: Amazon
The side table lamps shown above come in a set of 2 and the price is amazing. It’s under $40.
9. Wall Decor
To make your apartment feel like home, wall decor is a must. Wall prints are a simple, budget-friendly way to add personality to your space.
source: pinterest
You can find similar neutral-themed botanical wall art prints on Amazon.
Pro Tip:
Buy frames and prints separately to save money. This also gives you more flexibility to switch out prints whenever you want to change your decor style.
10. Ottoman
If you’re not a fan of coffee tables, an ottoman is a great alternative. I actually used an ottoman instead of a coffee table in my first studio apartment, and I loved it.
It doubles as a footrest and a storage solution for items like blankets or extra pillows.
source: Amazon
I love mine because it’s soft and versatile—it can also be used as extra seating when I have guests over.
You can find the beige ottoman shown above on Amazon.
11. Decorative Pillows
Decorative pillows are an easy way to bring color and a soft texture into your living room. They can instantly make your sofa look more inviting and cozy.
source: pinterest
Pro tip:
Instead of buying new pillows each time you want to change your decor, invest in pillow inserts and swap out the pillow covers. It’s a more affordable and space-saving option.
It’s also a great idea if you love seasonal decor. For example, you can buy halloween or Christmas-themed pillow covers and then change them back to your regular everyday decor following the holiday season.
12. TV
After a long day, there’s nothing better than watching your favorite comfort show on your living room TV. You don’t need a huge TV either.
A decent-sized one (around 43 inches) should be enough for most apartments, and they’re usually under $200 bucks.
If you’re on a budget, check out deals at Walmart or browse Facebook Marketplace for second-hand options.
13. TV Stand
With a TV comes the need for a stand. A simple, affordable stand with extra storage is ideal for keeping things tidy.
source: pinterest
You can find a similar rattan TV stand on Amazon.
I chose a minimalist stand with open shelves from facebook marketplace, which makes it easy to display small decor items and keep miscellaneous items organized.
14. Mirror
A mirror can make a small living room feel more spacious and bright by reflecting sunlight.
source: pinterest
It’s both functional and decorative.
You can find similar gold-trimmed arched mirrors on Amazon for under $100.
15. Storage Cabinet
When you’re living in an apartment, storage is always a concern because small spaces can get cluttered easily.
A small storage cabinet can help you stay organized and keep clutter out of sight. I can’t think straight if my place is a huge mess lol.
source: Amazon
I bought a budget-friendly storage cabinet that was easy to assemble. I use it to store everything from books to board games.
Living Room Essentials for First Apartment FAQs
What are the best places to get basic necessities for a new apartment?
The best places are your local dollar store, Walmart, Amazon, and Wayfair. You can also check Facebook Marketplace for second-hand deals.
What are some cheap home essentials?
Amazon and Walmart are great for budget-friendly essentials, but don’t forget about local thrift stores or discount furniture stores. You can often find great pieces at a fraction of the cost.
What furniture do I need for my first apartment?
The basics include a sofa, a TV stand, lamps, a bed, and a dresser. Once you have those, you can slowly add decor and other essentials to make your space feel more like home.
This post was all about the best living room essentials for a first apartment.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply want to create a cozy, stylish space, these tips and product ideas will help you make your new home feel beautiful and organized.