This is a list of 13 things that are an absolute must for your bedroom in your first apartment
This site contains Amazon affiliate links
This post is all about Bedroom Essentials
So, you’ve just snagged your first apartment—congratulations!
Moving into your first apartment can get a bit overwhelming especially if you can’t bring nearly everything you may need from your childhood bedroom.
If that is you where better to start than the bedroom, the place that if you found your roommates on Facebook (as I feel a lot of us have done recently) you may be spending a lot of time in while you make sure they aren’t a psychopath.
While decorating your room can be fun and it’s exciting to watch it come together it may not hold quite the same thrill after handing over that first rent month rent.
So instead, let’s start with the basics and create a good starting point so you can create your little sanctuary over time.
For a lot of things, I will always recommend checking FB Marketplace, Craigslist, thrift stores, and other second-hand options before resorting to buying it new, however, your bed and bedding is not the place to be extra frugal and if you have exhausted all options for everything else, I will have it listed below : )
1. MATTRESS
SAVE
I think a mattress in a box with 1-2 day delivery may be one of the best things to come out of Amazon. I have used this mattress since I moved into my first apartment and I still swear by it.
I may be a little biased. After all, I spent my first three nights sleeping on the hardwood floor during a heatwave because I was too caught up reading reviews for countless mattresses. After all, $289 felt like a lot at the time to spend on one item but let me save you the trouble because, after hundreds of reviews, I decided on this mattress.
It is fiberglass-free, there is no need for a box spring, and it can be shipped free if you have Amazon Prime.
SPLURGE
Some people may prefer a memory foam mattress to spring coil mattresses, so this is a great alternative. With a cooling cover and multiple layers developed to circulate air and keep you cool at night, you can count on a good night’s sleep.
Once again it is fiberglass-free and designed to adapt to your body to enhance sleep quality and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and rested every morning.
2. BED FRAME
BASIC
If you want to keep it basic and save a little more money this is a great option. A foldable bedframe is super convenient for moving and cleaning and the additional under-bed space is great for storage.
Maybe we were onto something as kids when we shoved everything under our beds.
SPLURGE
If the basic bedframe doesn’t quite hit that decor spot in your heart then maybe opt for a slightly more elegant option. An upholstered bedframe can give that extra little cozy feel you may be looking for. This one comes with the added benefit of not losing the under-bed storage and if you want to opt out of buying a dresser this could be a good middle ground.
3. Bed Sheets
BASIC
These are another tried and true option. Bedsure is a brand I came to love when buying bedding for the first time and you will see it pop up a few more times throughout this article.
These sheets hold up well, don’t stain easily and are very affordable.
They come in so many different colors and one of my favorite ways to change up the vibe in my bedroom has been to change the color scheme of my bedding – this occurred after I realized that white may be a little too risky during this time in my life that I often do everything from sleep, to work, to my makeup in my bed.
SPLURGE
If you are looking for a higher quality fabric that will last you years Sateen sheets are a great option. They are known for their breathability and soft feel, made of 100% long-staple cotton they are also stronger than your average mixed fabric sheet set.
4. Comforter
BASIC
At the time of writing this article, the comforter is on sale.
This is a great down-alternative comforter coming in at less than $20 (when on sale) and available in a variety of colors. There are also strong corner tabs in the event you would like to add a duvet cover.
SPLURGE
Down comforters are a great way to add a little extra feel of luxury. This goose feather-down comforter is also equipped with corner tabs to make it a great fit as a duvet insert but is also soft enough to the touch to use on its own. If you want the hotel feel in the comfort of your own home this is a great pick.
5. Curtains
BASIC
If you want privacy without losing the natural sunlight then these sheer curtains provide a fantastic middle ground.
SPLURGE
If the light and airy option isn’t quite your style then hopefully these will be. Blackout curtains; black on one side and nearly thirty options for you to choose from on the other side so you can find the perfect match for your room. If you work an unusual schedule or need the extra level of darkness at night to get a restful sleep these blackout curtains are a great way to go.
6. Laundry Hamper
SAVE
If you have laundry in unit or even in the building then a laundry hamper may be a good spot for you to save a little money. This is a very basic hamper coming to only $9.99 and it will work just as well as the more expensive options.
SPLURGE
If you want something a little more convenient and are willing to pay a little more to have it then a hamper with wheels and a detachable bag is certainly the way to go. The ability to remove the inner bag is also super helpful if you have to leave the building to do your laundry.
7. Throw Blanket
SAVE
Throw blankets are a great way to add an extra layer of warmth, making your bed more cozy and inviting, especially on chilly nights.
They are nice to have around in case you are lounging on the bed or couch watching a movie and can also add a pop of color or change of texture that can help tie a rooms look together.
SPLURGE
If you never got those chunky knit blankets out of your head after they were trending on TikTok last year then here’s your chance. Wrap yourself in the soft handmade cable knit throw blanket that will provide another level of warmth and coziness. Especially great to have in the upcoming cooler months, nothing quite like a chunky blanket, apple cider, and a classic Fall movie.
8. Dresser
SAVE
Fabric dressers are a great option since they are lightweight while remaining sturdy and can come in a variety of different colors and styles. The one listed above often goes on sale so make sure to keep an eye out for those! The fabric drawers are also often deeper than the average dresser drawer and can provide much-needed storage especially if you don’t have a closet!
SPLURGE
This is the dresser that I have from Amazon!
While I honestly believe there are plenty of better options when you branch outside of Amazon, I am in NYC and do not have a car so the free and quick delivery was my selling point for this particular dresser.
I found it easy to put together (took me about the length of watching Pulp Fiction and an episode or two of Family Guy), I still love the look of it and it has held up well over the year or so I have been using it (and, if I am being honest I have abused this poor dresser, shoving way more into the drawers than I should.) It also comes in a light pink or black option if white is not you’re preferred style.
9.
SAVE
This set has great reviews regarding size and support along with keeping cool throughout the night.
SPLURGE
These pillows currently have a 40% off coupon making it a great time to buy a set. I do prefer the down-style bedding and if you do too, these are perfect. The down feathers help by conforming to your head and neck to prevent that uncomfortable stiffness in the morning along with helping regulate temperature year-round to keep you from waking up constantly all night long.
10. Bedside Lamp
SAVE
I have two of these in my apartment, one in my bedroom and one in the living room. I love that they are also compatible with the Geeni Color Changing Lightbulbs so you don’t have to pay for the added dimmer functionality.
SPLURGE
This is a set of two lamps and is currently half off. They have a heavier base so there is no worry of them sliding around and also have the added outlet and USB plug-in.
11. Full-Length Mirror
SAVE
I know this is an article that is supposed to be based on Amazon finds but honestly, I can’t recommend buying a mirror like this on Amazon when you can find a better deal at Target, Ikea, Home Depot, and many other in-person stores.
SPLURGE
A large arched full-length mirror is both functional and a great decor piece. If you have a small room, large mirrors are also a great way to make the space feel larger and more open.
12. Hangers
SAVE
SPLURGE
Velvet are a great option when it comes to hangers as you will not have to worry about clothes slipping off and they have a tendency to not break as easily as plastic hangers do.
13.
SAVE
This is one of the things I didn’t know I needed until I had it and if you are unsure if you would even need it, here is a cheap option to start with.
SPLURGE
Thank you for reading! I hope this helps you create your Amazon cart for your new apartment!
Find more apartment-related articles here : )
Until next time ❤
~ A.