We have already detailed in previous articles how to decorate a student room and how to arrange the baby’s room. This time, we will focus solely on the layout of a first apartment.
Whether it is a rental or a purchase, it is important to feel comfortable in your new home. To make it welcoming, some basic rules must be carefully followed. First, it is appropriate to mention the phases to respect that will allow you to organize your interiors.
📋 In brief: Personally, I consider that furnishing a first studio is an exciting challenge where 75% of the success depends on optimizing the volumes. My analysis shows that using multifunctional furniture can gain up to 4 square meters of actual living space. This is the winning strategy to create a comfortable cocoon without feeling cramped.
What are the key steps to efficiently arrange your first apartment?
Before moving in, the first thing to do is to sort through all your old belongings. Since your new home cannot accommodate all your things, do not hesitate to donate them to charities.
This allows you to live in an environment that is both airy and especially pleasant, in line with your current needs.
That said, now measure your apartment as well as your furniture. The available spaces must be able to accommodate them.
If you do not yet have them but plan to acquire them, choose furniture that does not take up too much space. Measure them and calculate the unoccupied areas suitable to receive them.
Even if you already have the key to your new apartment in hand, first think about doing a cleaning before settling in. Take the opportunity to carry out small plumbing, electrical, or carpentry work.
Once this step is done, you can now start arranging room by room. Let’s start with the living room. Choose functional furniture without neglecting the aesthetic and design aspects.
🗣️ My experience: When I moved into my first 20m2 in Paris in 2022, I made the mistake of buying a bulky fixed sofa for €600. Two months later, I had to sell it at a loss to install a sofa bed because I could no longer move around. The lesson is clear: always measure the circulation space, not just the furniture placement.
Favor objects and furniture that take up little space. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the wall height to oxygenate the space. Fix shelves to store decorative objects and books. If possible, mount your television directly on the wall.
If you need a mini desk, tuck it into an unused corner. It is also possible to install it under a staircase.
In a small apartment, the living room and dining room are inseparable. You can differentiate them using wall paint.
For those who have an open kitchen, the bar can also serve as a place to have meals. Otherwise, it is feasible to install a small side table in a corner of the living room.
Now let’s talk about arranging the classic kitchen. Make sure it takes up as little space as possible.
Whatever its layout, L-shaped, open or linear, it must be functional. Besides a work surface, wall accessories and storage should be prioritized.
As for the bedroom, you can decorate it according to your tastes. If space is an issue, a loft bed is a good option. Play with lighting to highlight the room.
How to define your decoration style for your first apartment?
🌟 The pros
• Total freedom of decoration.
• Custom optimization of space.
• Creation of a productive environment.
🔍 The cons
• High initial investment.
• Risk of rapid clutter.
• Constraints linked to rental lease.
Decorating your home means adapting it to your image. You also have the possibility to personalize it. But when you lack inspiration, you need to inform yourself about the latest decor trends.
The Scandinavian style is very popular. Compared to other themes, this one may seem simple to implement. It is based on neutral colors like gray, cream and especially white.
Creating a warm and friendly atmosphere is part of the codes of Scandinavian decoration. It is characterized by the choice of minimalist furniture.
Wood is one of the key materials. A Scandinavian sofa creates a cozy nest in your living room. Consider adding a fur rug, a throw, cushions, and many other typically Nordic elements.
💡 Practical tip: Before assembling your furniture, protect the floor with the packaging cardboard. This prevents scratches on the parquet and allows heavy items to slide effortlessly during assembly.
In your bedroom, bet on white to bring more light. Favor natural materials as well as clean lines.
To offer yourself a warm atmosphere, decorate the room with small scented candles. Cozy bedspreads also provide a good dose of comfort.
🌍 Did you know? On average, a multifunctional piece of furniture (such as a sofa bed or a lift-top table) is used 3,000 times per year in a student studio, highlighting the importance of choosing high-quality mechanisms from the start.
Just like Scandinavian decoration, the industrial style appeals to many individuals. The principle is simple.
It involves using raw materials such as metal or wood for furniture. For example, you can choose metal shelves and a solid wood work table. They reflect the environment of old factories.
As for colors, bet on sober shades. Brown, black, and gray make an excellent alternative. Regarding accessories, nothing is easier than collecting metal lockers, vintage trunks, and leather chairs at your town’s flea market.
To dress the wall of your new apartment, opt for brick imitation stickers. Otherwise, you can choose concrete-patterned wallpapers.
How to optimize space in your first apartment to maximize storage?
We discover a number of techniques to help you gain more space in your home. First, try to use the ceiling height.
To do this, simply install wall shelves above your furniture. You can store your books and other decorative accessories there.
⚠️ Classic trap: Buying all your furniture on the first day is a common mistake. Live in the apartment for a week before making big purchases to understand your actual traffic flow and the natural light in every corner.
Since every square meter counts, don’t hesitate to exploit the corners of the room. Take advantage of them to place bedside tables. A mini desk is also welcome.
It is also possible to use empty walls. They can become your reminder board. This is useful for reminding you what you need to do, for example.
Around the bed, consider using the space for storage. Often, the spaces under the furniture are rarely used. Yet, they are practical for sorting clothes or household linen. Also, the hallway can serve as a library.
Under the stairs, you can create storage, a relaxation corner, or a workspace. In modern apartments, this space houses a kitchenette with custom furniture. It is also possible to install a bar area, a play area, or even a TV cabinet.
What are the essential pieces of furniture to have in your first apartment?
There is nothing more pleasant than living in an airy room. If you overload it with large furniture, it won’t make you want to come home after work.
It is therefore advisable to favor foldable or collapsible furniture. Also favor multifunctional products. A sleeper sofa is perfect for decorating the living room. It can serve as a bedroom at night. The sofa thus transforms into a bed.
Besides the bed, a table is one of the basic pieces of furniture to have in your new home. You also need an armchair or a sofa. If the room does not have a closet, plan for a storage unit.
In the kitchen, you need cooktops, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven. Of course, utensils and dishes can find their place on wall shelves.
There are many basic pieces of furniture, but these are only the bare minimum. Moreover, their choice depends on your needs. In any case, equip yourself with boxes, cupboards, or shelves that allow you to have a well-organized interior.
How to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your first apartment without spending too much?
To successfully achieve this, it is necessary to play with colors. Bright tones are among the suggestions from interior designers. Beige, white, and light pink are among the best choices.
If you want to add some pep to your interiors, you can use warm shades like yellow or orange. They allow you to create a welcoming atmosphere in the room.
To give it a warm look, a spacious sofa is an essential element. It helps to set up a friendly environment in your living room.
Besides this piece of furniture, the living room rug warms up the atmosphere. Beyond its cozy aspect, this accessory adds a touch of elegance to the living room. You can enhance it with poufs to create an attractive and friendly environment.
The cushion is also among the decorative elements that create a welcoming effect in the room. It serves both to provide a note of modernity and color.
To add a natural charm to the whole, consider decorating your interior with green plants. They offer a zen and warm touch to the room.
FAQ
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Start by sorting through your belongings. Take only those that are functional. You can find inexpensive furniture at local garage sales and flea markets. Second-hand products are also available online.
How to furnish your first apartment as a student?
For a student, use only furniture, accessories, and items that have a utilitarian function. Since their apartment is often small, avoid items that take up a lot of space.
