The 10 Things Every 20-Something Should Have in Their Apartment Inline

  • apartments for 20 year olds
    Photo: Courtesy of West Elm
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    A Grown-Up Bed

    You no longer have to be confined to the tiny twin mattress, so it’s time to choose a sleeping arrangement fit for a working person (and someone who will undoubtedly be in need of a better night’s sleep than in the hard-partying college years). A queen-size bed is the best upgrade, and a proper headboard is a quick way to make a bedroom feel polished.

    West Elm Mod upholstered bed, $899 for a queen, westelm.com

  • apartments for 20 year olds
    Photo: Courtesy of thetappancollective.com
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    A Serious Piece of Art

    Consider retiring your college poster collection and investing in your first pieces of serious art. A “serious” piece doesn’t necessitate a serious price tag—it can be an affordable print from Etsy, a photo from a talented friend, or a painting from a neighborhood gallery. Just choose something meaningful and make sure it’s in a frame.

    Chateau Marmont by Gia Coppola, from $200, thetappancollective.com

  • apartments for 20 year olds
    Photo: Courtesy of CB2
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    A Cool Bookcase

    It’s time to make the transition from thinking about a bookcase as a purely functional place to stack your textbooks to using it as a prime spot to—yes—store things, but also put your personal style on display. Try your hand at styling your shelves with your books, frames, and small objects. A little bit of artful arranging can go a long way, and starting with a visually interesting shelf will put you ahead of the game.

    CB2 3.14 white bookcase, $499, cb2.com

  • apartments for 20 year olds
    Photo: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel
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    A Pull-Out Couch

    Most 20-year-olds aren’t blessed with a two- or three-bedroom abode right out of college. A sleeper sofa is a great buy for a first apartment since it not only provides extra space for the inevitable guests but also looks better than the average frat-flashback futon.

    Crate Barrel Axis II slipcovered two-seat queen sleeper sofa, $1,999, crateandbarrel.com

  • apartments for 20 year olds
    Photo: Courtesy of onekingslane.com
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    A Chic Coffee Table

    Even before looking at dining tables, a stylish coffee table should be high up on your list of items to buy for a new apartment. It can provide a little extra storage, but in a tiny abode, it will also act as a footrest, desk, and an eating and drinking space for the casual get-together.

    Bella coffee table, $699, onekingslane.com