New Apartment Essentials: What to Put on Your Shopping List
Hooray! You got a new apartment in NYC and want to make it an Instagram-worthy space. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and buy things you don’t need or don’t have room for in your (likely small) space. To help you make smart and space-efficient choices, we spoke with design experts to help us compile a list of new apartment essentials for your new digs, sorted by room. Here are the items that should be on your shopping list.
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New Apartment Essentials for Your Living Room
The living room is the heart of any apartment. It’s where you’ll unwind at the end of the day and entertain, so you’ll want to be sure it’s outfitted with the best new apartment essentials. Here’s what you should buy.
A High-Quality Sofa
Purchasing a top-notch sofa is key to any living room, regardless of the size of your home. “There have been many fabric advancements in recent years, which will protect the lifespan of your investment,” says Ashley Quinn, VP of Creative Services at Interior Marketing Group. “Still, it’s critical to find a piece you love! You spend so much time on your sofa — especially in an NYC apartment, so a comfortable, timeless, quality sofa is money well spent.”
If you want to spend a little less, consider buying a used couch on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. NYC-centric furniture rental services like Feather, Conjure, and CORT allow you to lease a brand new sofa for a low monthly fee, with options to purchase it at the end of the lease.
Mini Bar Cart
A bar cart is a must if you like to entertain. “Splurge on vintage coupe glasses that are great for both cocktails and champagne,” says Stefanie Mullen, interior designer and co-founder of JJandStefanie.com. “Add a fabulous piece of art above it or frame out the space behind and add wallpaper inside the framed area, and you’ve created a stunning bar in your apartment.”
Other Living Room Essentials
- Smart TV
- Media console
- Rug
- Coffee table
- Ottoman
- Floor lamp
- Throw pillows and blanket
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What to Buy for Your Bedroom
Living in NYC can mean sensory overload. That’s why making your bedroom a sanctuary is key when considering new apartment essentials. Two products that will make a massive difference in a small space are:
Blackout Curtains
Noise and light can be tough to control in NYC, so blackout curtains are a must for every bedroom. “I have velvet curtains in my bedroom because they’re thick and heavy and help to dim and quiet my bedroom,” says Quinn.
Pro tip: Installing the curtain rod higher blocks out more light and will make your ceilings look taller. A rod pocket curtain usually has tab backs, which create a pleat in the front, giving the illusion of a custom curtain.
Mirrors
Mirrors in the living room or bedroom are a surefire way to expand your space visually. “Rather than search for a massive mirror that may be heavy and difficult to move and install, I suggest grouping a block of smaller mirrors in a square or rectangular arrangement,” says Quinn. “This makes the spaces look twice as large and twice as bright.” For more functional purposes, be sure to include a full-length mirror. If you can’t fit a freestanding one, find one that can be hung on a door.
Other Bedroom Essentials
- Bed frame
- Mattress
- Pillows and bedding
- Nightstand
- Dresser
Organization and Storage New Apartment Essentials
One thing NYC apartments always need more of is storage. Luckily, there are a few creative ways to make more space for your stuff and keep it organized.
Stackable Organizers
Your cabinet space is limited, so it’s essential to use all of it. “Get stackable organizers for all your cabinets and drawers,” says Mullen. “Take advantage of all the otherwise wasted vertical space.”
Multi-Purpose Furniture
This type of furniture in an entryway, bedroom, or living room can provide a storage solution and double as extra seating for guests. “Having a storage bench when you first walk into your apartment or where space permits allows you to sit, take your shoes off, and make them disappear,” says Quinn.
Having a home office is also important these days, but an extra room is expensive and hard to come by. “Instead, create a small office with a fold-out floating desk,” says Mullen. “This can also double as a small eating table if you don’t have room for a dining table.”
Hooks and Wall-Mounted Shelves
Apartments tend to have limited drawer and cabinet space. Hooks are the perfect solution. “Hang hats, blankets, towels, pans in the kitchen, bags stuffed with magazines, mail, or paperwork near your desk, baskets with all your cat’s supplies,” says Mullen. “There are limitless ways to create space and storage using hooks.” For a damage-free solution, use Command hooks.
Wall-mounted shelves are also a great way to add storage and design elements to your apartment. “They make a great small library in the living room or a spice rack in the kitchen,” says Mullen. “Shelves are great for towels and product storage in the bathroom. If you have limited closet space, you can use your bedroom’s shelves to fold all your bulky sweaters and prettiest handbags. Turn them into art!”
Other Organization and Storage Essentials
- Stackable drawers
- Clothing rack
- Clothes hangers
- Storage bins
- Label maker
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Other New Apartment Essentials to Consider
Here are a few other items to consider when making your new apartment essentials shopping list that will make a huge difference.
Plants
In an NYC apartment, you’ll likely have limited outdoor space, if any. Creating little areas of nature inside will create a sense of calm and the feeling of having access to the outdoors even when you don’t. “Think tall thin trees like a fiddle-leaf fig, low maintenance plants like peace lilies,” says Mullen. “Hang a shelf just under a window and create an herb garden using a small metal tray and terracotta pots.”
Lighting
It’s important to remember how lighting can affect the feel of a room. “Lighting is 50% of the overall design, and people spend so much time in their apartments at night,” says Quinn. “Contemporary and antique fixtures with a sculptural quality add an artistic element to lighting design. Plug-in sconces, table lamps in a home office and bedroom, and candles throughout the home to create an adjustable ambiance.”
With these new apartment essentials, you’ll have a comfortable, functional, and stylish apartment that you’ll love. Remember to take your time shopping and choose pieces that you truly love that are appropriate for your space’s size and layout.