Bed, Sofa, Table and Coatrack: The Most Important Furniture for Your Home

Moving into your first apartment, or taking the plunge and enjoying a new start? Stylight can advise you on which furniture you definitely need.

Bedroom: the bed

The bed is probably the most important piece of furniture – after all, everyone has to sleep. Budget: Veneered wood is a less expensive alternative to solid wood. Expect to spend around $80 for a 35 inch bedstead. Then there is the slatted frame and the mattress. Anyone who really wants to invest should treat themselves to a high-quality box spring bed. Price: around $1000.

Lounge: the sofa

You don’t have to make any great investment for your first apartment – a simple sofa is a good start. If you have visitors staying over often, sofa beds are perfect. If you are thinking in terms of expanding your family, models which can have modules added are ideal. This means that all the family has space at a later date. If there are children romping about then ensure there are decent base springs and robust, removable covers. Those who want a few extras could invest in bolsters or fold-out foot supports. Budget: a simple two-seater starts from $150, while high-quality corner sofas are available from $1000.

Kitchen: the dining table

Round tables need more space and cannot be positioned right next to a wall. If you don’t have much space, rectangular tables are your first choice – and they are practical if they can be pulled out. Allow 24 inches of width per person. In a dining set, the requisite chairs are in the set. Wood-based materials are great value, while models made from high-grade wood, marble or glass are somewhat more expensive. Budget: $150 for two people, simple dining sets from $200.

Hallway: coatrack

Practical accessories are available, such as simple hook rails or standard coatracks including mirror, hangers, storage space. Sets are better value than individual shoe cabinets, hat racks and the like – and they look tidier. Remember: the coatrack provides an initial impression of your apartment. If space is limited, delicate furniture is the right choice – don’t skimp on wall mirrors. They make a room look bigger. Budget: from medium-density fiber boards (MDF) starting at $100, to solid wood starting at $400.

A bed, table and chairs ought to feature in every home – a sofa makes it more cozy, while a coatrack allows you to get organized. Furniture made using wood-based materials are the right choice for small budgets. Anyone who wants to pay more could opt for solid wood furniture and pieces which have specific functions – such as a sofa bed or a high-grade wood dining table.

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