The 10 Things Every 20-Something Should Have in Their Apartment Inline
Photo: Courtesy of West Elm1/10A Grown-Up Bed
You no longer have to be confined to the tiny twin mattress, so it’s time to choose a sleeping arrangement fit for a working person (and someone who will undoubtedly be in need of a better night’s sleep than in the hard-partying college years). A queen-size bed is the best upgrade, and a proper headboard is a quick way to make a bedroom feel polished.
West Elm Mod upholstered bed, $899 for a queen, westelm.com
Photo: Courtesy of thetappancollectsive.com2/10A Serious Piece of Art
Consider retiring your college poster collectsion and investing in your first pieces of serious art. A “serious” piece doesn’t necessitate a serious price tag—it can be an affordable print from Etsy, a photo from a talented friend, or a painting from a neighborhood gallery. Just choose something meaningful and make sure it’s in a frame.
Chateau Marmont by Gia Coppola, from $200, thetappancollectsive.com
Photo: Courtesy of CB23/10A Cool Bookcase
It’s time to make the transition from thinking about a bookcase as a purely functional place to stack your textbooks to using it as a prime spot to—yes—store things, but also put your personal style on display. Try your hand at styling your shelves with your books, frames, and small objects. A little bit of artful arranging can go a long way, and starting with a visually interesting shelf will put you ahead of the game.
CB2 3.14 white bookcase, $499, cb2.com
Photo: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel4/10A Pull-Out Couch
Most 20-year-olds aren’t blessed with a two- or three-bedroom abode right out of college. A sleeper sofa is a great buy for a first apartment since it not only provides extra space for the inevitable guests but also looks better than the average frat-flashback futon.
Crate & Barrel Axis II slipcovered two-seat queen sleeper sofa, $1,999, crateandbarrel.com
Photo: Courtesy of onekingslane.com5/10A Chic Coffee Table
Even before looking at dining tables, a stylish coffee table should be high up on your list of items to buy for a new apartment. It can provide a little extra storage, but in a tiny abode, it will also act as a footrest, desk, and an eating and drinking space for the casual get-together.
Bella coffee table, $699, onekingslane.com
Photo: Courtesy of West Elm6/10A Patterned Area Rug
An area rug with a pattern is an easy way to add life to an otherwise monochrome space (particularly great for renters who aren’t allowed to paint their walls), can actually make a room appear larger, and works wonders in making a room feel finished. Plus, in seating-challenged apartments, guests are more likely to perch on the floor around the coffee table if they have a soft rug to sit on.
West Elm Boho textured wool rug, $599 for 5x8, westelm.com
Photo: Courtesy of Ikea7/10Matching Hangers
You’ve got a real closet now, so why not take the time and care to make it look composed? The first step toward an organized closet is buying matching hangers.
Ikea Bumerang hangers, $5 for pack of eight, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of kaufmann-mercantile.com8/10A Cheese Board
One of the best parts of moving into a new apartment in your 20s is having guests over. You should always be prepared with great snacks, and having a cheese board handy is a must. Not only will you impress the people you’re entertaining, but your presentation will look a lot better than a bowl of greasy potato chips.
Brooklyn Slate Co. cheese board, $29, kaufmann-mercantile.com
Photo: Courtesy of ahalife.com9/10Stemless Wine Glasses
Another must for entertaining, wine glasses are probably the first items a lot of 20-somethings go after when shopping for kitchen supplies. The stemless versions are perfect since they won’t make you look like you’re trying too hard and can be used for other nonalcoholic beverages long after your party guests have left.
Stemless wine glass set, $45, ahalife.com
Photo: Courtesy of Spartan-shop.com10/10A French Press
Coffee is essential, and for those who are conscious about spending money on a latte or cold brew every single day before work, it’s best to make what you can at home. A French press isn’t just a practical option for making your own caffeinated drink, it can also look stunning on your kitchen counter.
Yield ceramic French press, $165, spartan-shop.com
