So, you've got the keys to your first apartment, congratulations! We're genuinely excited for you. But now you're standing in that empty living room, and suddenly your mind has gone completely blank. Don't worry, we've all been there.

Here's the thing: you don't need to figure everything out at once. We've put together this living room essentials checklist to help you create a space that feels like home, without spending too much or overwhelming yourself in the process.

This is the first article in our "Home Essentials" series, so if you find this helpful, definitely subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media; we've got your back as you set up your place.

The Living Room Essentials Checklist

Let's talk about the basics that'll transform your empty space into somewhere you enjoy spending time:

• Sofa or Couch
• Armchairs
• Coffee table
• TV console
• Side tables
• Area Rug(s)
• Lighting
• Wall Decor
• Curtains or Blinds
• Bookshelf or storage unit

Now, let's walk through each one together.

1. Sofa or Couch

You need somewhere to sit that isn't the floor (though we know some of you don't mind that). Your sofa is going to be the star of your living room, it's where you'll binge-watch shows, have heart-to-hearts with friends, and maybe even take those Sunday afternoon naps.

Here's what we want you to think about when you're shopping:

How will you use it? If you're planning more formal dinner parties than Netflix marathons, you'll want something with proper arms and structured seating. But if it's going to be your go-to spot for movie nights and casual hangouts, consider a sectional or something with one arm, or even no arms, that lets you stretch out comfortably.

What's your color story? We always recommend having some kind of color palette in mind before you start shopping. Your sofa doesn't have to match everything perfectly, but it should feel intentional with the rest of your space.

Does it fit your room? Measure twice, buy once. A massive sectional in a tiny apartment will make everything feel cramped, while a small loveseat in a huge room will just look lost.

The comfort test matters. Some people love sinking into cloud-like cushions, others prefer firm support. Since you can't exactly test drive furniture online, read those reviews carefully and look for retailers with good return policies.

Think about your lifestyle. Got pets? Kids coming over often? Choose materials that can handle real life, maybe skip the white linen if you're not ready for that level of maintenance stress.

Material	Pros	Cons
Microfiber	1. Stain -resistant 2. Pet-friendly 3. Soft	1. Attracts dust and pet hair 2. Wears easily 3. Absorbs heat
Leather	1. Durable 2. Easy to clean 3. Ages well	1. Expensive 2. Can crack under heat or sunlight 3. Less customizable
Cotton	1. Soft and comfortable 2. Hypoallergenic 3. Some are stain-resistant	1. Wrinkles easily 2. Fades in direct sunlight 3. May shrink if not cleaned the right way.
Linen	1. Light and comfy 2. Hypoallergenic 3. Eco-friendly	1. Wrinkles easily 2. Stains easily 3. Not very durable
Faux Leather	1. More affordable than leather 2. Easy to clean 3. Water-resistant	1. Not so durable 2. Absorbs heat 3. Peels easily
Velvet	1. Gives a wealthy vibe 2. Soft and cozy 3. Durable	1. Stains easily 2. Attracts dust, lint, and pet hair easily 3. Attracts marks and handprints
Chenille	1. Looks elegant 2. Soft and comfy 3. Durable	1. Attracts pet hair and dust easily 2. Not water-resistant 3. Generally bad for houses with pets
Polyester	1. Durable 2. Affordable 3. Easy to clean	1. Accumulates and retains heat 2. Develops static 3. Wears easily
Acrylic	1. Soft and light 2. Durable 3. Doesn’t fade easily	1. Sheds more than other materials 2. Feels rough over time 3. Retains heat
Silk	1. Gives off a wealthy vibe 2. Light and comfy 3. Looks elegant	1. Very delicate 2. Stains easily 3. Expensive
Wool	1. Fire-resistant 2. Warm and cozy 3. Resists wrinkling	1. Can get itchy 2. Absorbs moisture 3. Can pile over time

2. Armchairs

While your sofa is for you, armchairs are really about making your guests feel welcome. Unlike accent chairs that are mostly there to look pretty, armchairs are the real deal, comfortable enough for actual conversation and hanging out.

The beauty of armchairs is that they work in any setting, whether you're hosting your parents for dinner or having friends over for game night. Just make sure they complement your sofa without being too matchy-matchy; we want your space to look curated, not like a furniture showroom.

Considerations	For Comfort	For Aesthetics
Seat Height	16 - 18 inches	Lower seats <16 inches
Seat Depth	20 inches and above	18 - 20 inches
Material	Cotton, linen, microfiber, etc.	Velvet, leather, silk, etc.
Cushion Firmness	Medium to firm	Soft
Color	Neutral	Bold
Back Height	High back	Low back

3. Coffee Table

Your coffee table is going to become your best friend; it's both the anchor that pulls your seating area together and the place where life happens.

Think of it as your everything surface: board games, that stack of books you swear you'll read, your laptop when you need to jump up quickly, and yes, probably your feet at the end of a long day. We say go for something that's both beautiful and functional, you'll be looking at it every day, so it might as well make you happy.

Here’s something to help you choose one.

Factors	Functionality	Aesthetics (Anchor)	Both
Size	Aim for ⅔ of your sofa’s length.	Aim for a size that complements your living room’s size.	Aim for about 48-54 inches if your sofa is 72 inches. Don’t get a coffee table that’s wider than 30 inches.
Height	16-18 inches	30 - 36 inches	16 - 24 inches
Shape	Rectangular or square, depending on the size of your living room.	Geometric or other uncommon shapes.	Round tables
Maintenance	Easy to clean and durable e.g. metal.	Go for something that does not require frequent maintenance e.g. leather.	Look for tables with sealed finishes.
Color	Darker colors that can hide stains and wear.	Bold colors	Matte colors.
Material	Go for durable materials like metal or solid wood.	Aim for visual appeal, consider glass or marble.	Aim for stylish and durable materials like laminate.
Storage	Look for coffee tables with drawers, shelves, or lift-top designs.	Look for coffee tables with beautiful or stylish boxes.	Consider coffee tables with hidden storage like lift-tops.

4. TV Console

Even if you're not a huge TV watcher, a console brings visual balance to your room and gives you storage for all those random things that need a home.

Plus, who knows? You might surprise yourself and really want a TV later. Better to have the setup ready than to scramble for furniture when you finally decide to upgrade your laptop streaming situation.

Considerations	Small Living Rooms	Large Living Rooms	Open-Plan Living Rooms	Multi-Use Living Rooms
Storage Needs	Look for TV consoles with hidden storage (drawers or cabinets).	Look for large consoles with open and closed storage.	Look for large consoles with open and closed storage.	Look for modular consoles.
Design & Style	Consider TV consoles with sleek, minimalist designs.	Consider TV consoles with bold or traditional styles.	Consider TV consoles with designs that’ll work well with both settings (living room + dining/kitchen).	Consider TV consoles with traditional styles like this one.
Cable Management	Aim for TV consoles with cord cutouts.	Aim for TV consoles with multiple cable openings if you have multiple devices connected.	Aim for TV consoles with integrated cable channels.	Aim for TV consoles with different compartments.
Size & Proportions	TV consoles between 30–50 inches wide will do.	Consider consoles that are 70 - 80 inches wide.	Look for consoles that are around 50 - 70 inches wide.	Use consoles that are 60 - 72 inches wide.
Mounting & Placement	Wall-mounted TV consoles.	Floor TV consoles.	Floating TV consoles.	TV consoles with casters or wheels.
Material	Light wood or metal finish.	Walnut, oak, or other bold materials.	Mixed materials like metal and wood.	Durable materials – consider plywood, MDF, LVL, or other engineered metal.
Height	18 - 22 inches.	24 - 30 inches.	20 - 26 inches.	20 - 24 inches, or consoles with adjustable heights.

5. Side Tables

These little workhorses go beside your seating and handle all the lighter stuff: your phone charger, a table lamp, your coffee mug, the TV remote that somehow always goes missing.

You might be thinking, "But we already covered the coffee table, isn't that enough?" Here's the difference: your coffee table handles the heavier, shared items, while side tables are for personal, everyday essentials. Trust us, you'll wonder how you lived without them.

Factors	Functionality	Aesthetics	Aesthetics & Functionality	Small living rooms	Large living rooms
Height	24 - 28 inches	Low-profile side tables around 18 - 20 inches	22 - 24 inches	18 - 24 inches	22 - 30 inches
Storage	Choose end tables with closed storage.	Choose end tables with open shelves for display.	Choose end tables with open storage	Consider nesting tables.	Consider end tables with multiple built-in drawers or shelves.
Surface area	18 - 22 inches diameter.	12 inches diameter.	15 - 18 inches diameter.	12 - 15 inches diamter.	18 - 24 inches diameter.
Material	Durable wood or metals like steel or oak.	Glossy or lacquered finish.	Mixed materials e.g. marble top and metal legs.	Lightweight and transparent materials like glass and acrylic.	Darker wood or stone.
Style	Farmhouse, rustic, or classic side tables.	Mid-century or industry-style side tables.	Transitional side tables.	Simple, minimalist side tables.	Bold, statement side tables.

6. Area Rugs

We get it, rugs might seem optional when you're working with a tight budget. But hear us out: a good rug defines your seating area and makes everything feel more intentional and cozier.

Picture this: you and your partner on the floor playing Monopoly, sitting on a soft rug, surrounded by throw pillows, maybe with some snacks nearby. Suddenly, that hardwood or laminate floor doesn't seem so appealing, right? Rugs aren't just about looks; they're about creating those moments that make a house feel like home.

Considerations	Functionality	Aesthetics	Aesthetics & Functionality	Small living rooms	Large living rooms
Size	Consider larger area rugs – 8’ x 10’.	Consider smaller decorative area rugs – 4’ x 6’.	Consider midsized area rugs – 6’ x 9’.	Consider 5’ x 7’ or 6’ x 9’.	Consider 8’ x 10’ or 9’ x 12’.
Materials	Easy-to-clean and durable synthetics e.g. polypropylene.	Viscose or silk blends.	Wool blends.	Lightweight and natural fibers e.g. jute or cotton.	Wool or polyester blends.
Color & Pattern	Neutral or low-pattern rugs.	Geometric or floral patterns.	Subtle color variations or muted patterns.	Light neutral colors.	Darker colors or bold patterns.

7. Lighting

Unless you're secretly a vampire (please tell us you're not), you need good lighting in your living room. Natural light is amazing during the day, but evenings are when your space really comes alive.

You'll want to think about layering different types of lighting:

Overhead lighting gives you that general, room-filling glow, think ceiling fixtures, pendant lights, or recessed lighting.

Ambient lighting creates that warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes people want to stick around and relax.

Accent lighting helps highlight the things you love, maybe that artwork you finally hung or a beautiful plant that deserves some attention.

Task lighting is for when you need to actually see what you're doing, reading, working on your laptop, or finding the remote in the couch cushions.

The magic happens when you combine different types. No single light source is going to do everything you need.

8. Wall Decor

Your apartment might come with fresh paint, but bare walls don't exactly scream "home sweet home." Wall decor is where your personality really gets to shine through.

We're talking about everything from artwork and mirrors to photo displays and maybe even some floating shelves. The key is choosing pieces that mean something to you, not just filling space because you think you should.

You could go with a gallery wall of family photos, some local artwork that caught your eye, or even collections of things you love. The goal isn't to cover every inch of wall space, but to add touches that make visitors think, "This is so them."

9. Curtains or Blinds

Curtains are like the Swiss Army knife of home decor, they handle privacy, light control, and style all at once.

Beyond making your windows look finished, they're doing some serious behind-the-scenes work: keeping nosy neighbors from peeking in, controlling how much sunlight streams in during your weekend sleep-ins, helping regulate temperature, and even reducing outside noise.

The style you choose can completely change the feel of your room, so take some time to think about what vibe you're going for.

10. Bookshelf or Storage Unit

Let's be real, you can't keep everything on your coffee table and side tables forever. You need somewhere for books, games, decorative objects, and all those random things that make your space feel lived-in.

The trick is choosing something that fits both your space and your needs:

For smaller living rooms, look for narrow, wall-mounted options or tall, skinny units that go up instead of out.

For larger spaces, you can go wider and deeper, maybe even make storage part of your room's focal point.

If it's mainly decorative, choose something with interesting shapes or open shelving that lets you display your favorite things.

If you need serious storage, prioritize closed cabinets or units with a mix of open and closed space.

We Can't Wait to See What You Create

Moving into your first apartment is huge. Of course, you're feeling a mix of excitement, nervousness, and maybe a little overwhelmed. That's completely normal.

Here's our advice: start with these essentials, but don't feel like you need to buy everything at once. Get the basics that'll make your space functional, then slowly add pieces as you figure out how you actually live and what makes you happy.

Your first apartment doesn't need to look like a magazine spread right away. It just needs to feel like you.

P.S. Still figuring out your style? We've got tons of inspiration for you, from cozy minimalist vibes to bold, eclectic spaces. And if you're working with a smaller living room, we've got specific tips for making the most of every square foot. Read them here.

The most important thing is creating a space where you feel genuinely comfortable and happy.