Don’t hold onto that saggy plaid couch you inherited from your parents. You can find cool, cheap furniture many stores.
We’ve all been there. You’ve just found the perfect apartment or new home, and can’t wait to move in. Maybe it’s your first place and you have an avalanche of student loans ahead, or you dropped a few more dollars on your deposit than planned because the location’s just perfect!
Now the easiest thing to do is borrow a few key pieces from Mom and Dad to get the basic furnishings covered—just for now. You have precious knick-knacks to unwrap and can fill in the blanks later.
Only problem? That saggy plaid arm chair never leaves. It outstays its welcome like a roommate who majored in Comparative Lit. You can coat it with a new slipcover each season until it swells to twice its size…but there’s an easier way.
Just say no to inherited family furniture! Here are three items that should always be new and you.
Couch/Sofa
This is often the focus of your main room and should really set the stage for your style. Unfortunately, it’s also the most common hand-me-down from parents. And their “stage” may look more like a living room from the set of The Cosby Show or Friends. These shows won awards for acting, not upholstery.
You can find cool, contemporary furniture that won’t break your bank account at IKEA or Target. Wait for seasonal sales or search for items on clearance at upscale boutiques. With a little patience and planning, you can find a couch or sofa that’s all you. Trust us – it will be worth the wait!
Bed
Once you are out on your own, the last thing you need is to be sleeping in your old bed from the house you grew up in. You’ve moved on and up in the world. And somehow painting over the unicorns on your old headboard won’t cut it. (Sure they’ll be covered up, but you’ll always know what’s underneath!)
Experts say that you should buy a new mattress every five to 10 years. Old mattresses hold dust, skin particles, and micro bugs that are unhealthy and just gross. When you buy a new mattress and box spring, many stores will include a basic bed frame. Hire a handy friend or check out DIY sites online to design and create a new headboard.
Art
One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to personalize your décor is with art or photos that reflect your style, not your parents’. Purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from creative friends or support local artists in your community. Print and frame your favorite Instagram photos.
Scout out art school gift shops or small galleries to discover young talent on the rise. Don’t just pick a print that matches your curtains; buy a painting or photograph that truly resonates with you. Visitors to your home will learn more about you by seeing and asking about your art.
You’ll be surprised at the impact a few anchor pieces of furniture and some personalized art can make in your new home. And there will be plenty of room left over for even better gifts from your parents—home cooked meals and lots of visits!
Photo credit: iStockphoto/cglade
