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Bedroom Essentials List: Make Your Room Your Own

So you’re moving out of your parents’ house and into your first apartment. Congrats! This is a big step in your life and you’re finally going to be a real adult.

But before you can start decorating your new digs and making it feel like home, you need to make sure you have all the essentials. Here’s a list of everything you need for your bedroom so you can be comfortable and stylish in your new place.

Bedroom essentials list

A blue and yellow bedroom - feature image for bedroom essentials list post

1. Mattress

A bedroom essentials list for your first apartment is not complete without a mattress. The right mattress provides you with a comfortable place to sleep and relax. It helps you to get a good night’s sleep and can improve your overall health. Quality comfort can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

When you are shopping for a mattress, it is important to consider the type of mattress that will best suit your needs. There are many different types of mattresses available on the market, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. A mattress is an essential bedroom item for your first apartment and should be on your bedroom essentials list.

2. Bed frame

The mattress is one thing, but you don’t want to forget the frame! This might seem unnecessary, especially if you’re trying to save a few dollars, but bed frames are a crucial piece of bedroom furniture.

Mattresses are expensive, and the bedframe helps to ensure they live a long, full life. They support the mattress, helping to ensure it doesn’t get saggy in the middle.

But frames aren’t all about the mattress, they also raise the bed which helps make it easier to get in and out of. Plus, if you have a smaller bedroom space, they can provide an area to use as a bit of extra storage. It’s the perfect place to keep extra blankets or out-of-season clothing.

3. Bedroom linens

Used to your mom buying your sheets? Yeah, we get that. But moving out means its up to you, and you’re going to want to make sure you get these BEFORE you move into your new house.

You’re going to want to have at least two sets that each include:

  • Fitted sheet (the one that goes over the mattress)
  • Flat sheet (especially if you live in a hot climate)
  • A pillowcase for each pillow
  • A cover for your duvet or a separate blanket

You can operate with only one set, but two will mean you don’t have to speed wash all of your items in one sitting.

Picking bedroom linens is WAY more fun than you think it is. You get to create the bedroom you’re stoked about and choose the décor that works for your personality.

When you’re picking out your linens and bedding, you want to focus on ones that are:

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Warm enough that it can keep you cozy on cool nights (if you live somewhere with distinct seasons, you might want a warm set and a cold set)
  • Light and easy to move in

Then I also recommend adding some decorative pillows and a throw to tie the entire room together. With the right bedroom linens, your new apartment will quickly start to feel like home.

4. Dresser or wardrobe

A dresser or wardrobe is an essential piece of furniture in any bedroom, especially when it comes to organizing your space. The base job of a dresser or wardrobe is to provide essential storage and organizational options for your clothes and linens. It helps to keep them off the floor, bed, and other furniture in your room.

It can also help create a more spacious feel in your bedroom. And, finally, a dresser or wardrobe can add some elegance to the space. Whether you choose a simple design or something more elaborate, a dresser or wardrobe can really help you develop your house style.

5. Alarm clock

One bedroom essential that’s often overlooked is an alarm clock. Yes, I know that your phone can be used as an alarm but a specific alarm clock is the best route.

Yes, it helps you keep time and get up when you need too. But it also doesn’t have the pesky blue light, and isn’t begging you to watch “just 5 more minutes” of Tik Tok instead of going to bed. Plus if you rely on your phone to wake you up, you could end up sleeping through your alarm if the battery dies in the middle of the night!

6. Lamp

A lamp is an important part of any bedroom. It provides a source of light for reading, writing, and other activities. It can also be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When choosing a lamp for your bedroom, you’ll want to consider the size of the room. A large lamp may overwhelm a small space, while a small lamp may get lost in a large room.

Beyond size you want to think about function. A lamp for reading needs to be brighter than one that’s simply there for decoration. Make sure that you buy a lamp that servers the purpose you need it to, otherwise you’ll be wasting your money.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in your budget! Lamp prices can range from very inexpensive to quite expensive. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find the perfect lamp for your bedroom.

5. Desk

Not everyone needs to add a desk to their bedroom, it really depends on what kind of space you have elsewhere in your apartment. But a desk can be a great addition to any bedroom, providing a place to study, work on hobbies, or just keep all of your important documents organized.

If you’re moving into your first apartment, a desk might seem like an unnecessary expense. But a desk can help you keep your apartment organized. Having a dedicated space for bills, schoolwork, and other paperwork can help you avoid losing important documents in the shuffle. It can also give you a quiet place to focus when you need to get work done.

With roommates or other distractions around, it can be difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or your job. Having a desk in your bedroom can provide a much-needed oasis of calm. If you don’t have a separate office space, it could be worth it.

6. Reading chair

I love reading in bed as much as the next adult. But I find that if I do anything besides sleep in bed, I find that I’m distracted when I try to sleep. That’s where a reading chair comes in.

If you’re living alone, you can probably skip this. However, if you have roommates, having a space in your room that you can relax is important.

Now, you might need to choose between a desk and a chair, so it’s up to you to figure out what you’d use more. But essentially, you want to make your private space a sanctuary.

Whether you choose an armchair, recliner, or simple task chair, just make sure it’s comfortable.

7. Storage solutions

Every bedroom needs some storage solutions to help keep it organized and tidy. You already invested in a wardrobe or dresser, but chances are you’ll need a little more by the way of organizational options.

Closet space is always limited in apartments, so consider investing in a clothing rack or shelves for storing your clothes and shoes. Under-bed storage containers are also great for storing seasonal clothing or other items you don’t use often but still need to keep in your bedroom.

Lastly, don’t forget about storage baskets! These are perfect for holding items like extra blankets, towels, or electronics cords. 

8. Decorations

Now it’s time to make your bedroom feel like home with some decorations! Hang some curtains to add some color and pattern to the room.

Add some wall art or photos to personalize the space. Lastly, don’t forget about plants! Adding some greenery to your bedroom can help purify the air and make the space feel more inviting. 

Ready to start building that dream bedroom?

Congratulations on taking this important step! Your new home is a place where you can relax and recharge, so take the time to make it feel like your own.

We’ve put together a handy checklist of first apartment bedroom essentials to help get you started, but don’t worry if you can’t buy everything at once. Just download our official first apartment checklist and start checking things off as you go!

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