ROOMS

Moving into a new space is equal parts enthusiasm and feeling overwhelmed. The excitement of decorating a new space is undeniably exciting because you can keep it true to your classic style, or take this opportunity to try something new! And that’s where the overwhelming feelings can seep in. Decorating everything and still having the essentials you need is a lot! A fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. One of the most used spaces in your apartment will be your bathroom, which makes it a great opportunity to decorate with style and get your essentials taken care of all at once!

Bathroom Essentials

In this list of bathroom essentials, we’ll go over the major items you will need to have a bathroom that’s useful and practical. We wanted to keep this list very simple and down to just the essentials. I hope you’ll find everything you’ll need to have a successful bathroom experience in your new home!

Mirror

Sure, you might have a mounted mirror in your bathroom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little flair! Let’s assume you have a pre-mounted mirror in your bathroom. Great! You can add a shelf for additional storage (you can never have enough storage!) underneath your mirror.

If you don’t have a mounted mirror in the bathroom above the sink, you can find either a mirrored cabinet for internal storage, or you can add some flair by getting a standard mirror with a fun edge and mounting it straight to the wall!

Another bathroom essential is a full length mirror, and the bathroom might be a great place to put that if your bedroom is cramped or it doesn’t make sense in other areas of your space!

Lastly, you might consider attaching a magnifying mirror with a swing arm on your wall. This will help you do makeup and see your face up close.

Hand Soap

This seems obvious, but this one of the most easily forgotten bathroom essentials! Ultra nourishing shea butter hand soap is great, and making sure you have extras is important too! If you want to add some style to this, you can look for a refillable option that matches your decor, or even a wire frame that fits certain shapes of hand soap bottles!

Just because this is a bathroom necessity doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Be sure to follow up with some Provence hand cream to keep your hands soft and moisturized.

Hand Towels

This feels like another obvious one, but is definitely easy to forget in your bathroom essentials list! You’ll definitely want to get hand towels that are usable. Long gone are the days of purely decorative towels, especially in an apartment space!

You should also have 4-6 available so that you can wash them and change them regularly. You can go with a classic neutral color to go with any space, or use it as an accent to go with your other bathroom essentials and pick a fun color or pattern!

Shower Curtain & Liner

Unlike the other bathroom essentials, this one is a bit harder to overlook! There are many options for a mildew resistant shower curtain and liner, depending on your preference, before you even get to the pattern. You can choose a curtain with a built-in liner, separate plastic liner, or forgo the liner altogether. The choice is yours!

The shower curtain and the shower hooks that go with it are a natural way to incorporate a vibe and style into your space because it’s the largest canvas in the bathroom. And the best part is, it’s easy to swap out if you change your mind and want a different style in there!

Bath Mat

You’ll want your bath mat to coordinate with some other element in your bathroom. The curtain, the hand towel, the bath towels, something that makes it feel less striking to have on the floor. The bath mat serves a functional purpose, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be nice to look at too!

A non-slip bath mat absorbs water after your shower or bath. You can also get one in front of your sink to catch any water from washing hands, faces, or brushing your teeth. A bathmat can also be in front of your toilet, should you choose. You can easily get individual bath mats for these purposes, or find a long runner style bath mat to cover the space from one end to the other!

Toilet Paper

This is not a bathroom essential you want to overlook! Be sure when you buy it, you buy plenty! Perhaps you can even try some eco-friendly toilet paper. There is nothing worse than running out of toilet paper in the middle of the night or during a snowstorm or rainstorm or something else like that! It’s a good idea to have at least an extra roll or two in the bathroom, but the rest can get stored elsewhere.

Toilet Brush

You can go the classic route of a toilet scrubbing brush in a holder. There are also lots of new storage options including self disinfecting holders, stainless steel holders, or completely enclosed holders for the brush. There is also the option of getting a brush that has one use, which means you use the holder to grab one cleaner pad and then when you’re done, you flush it down the toilet. No cleaning of the brush necessary! I personally am into this drip-free toilet bowl brush with holder. Who knew how much the toilet bowl brush has evolved?

Trash Bin

A small trash can with a lid will come in handy for tossing out use to make up wipes, tissues, and any other trash that comes your way while in the bathroom.

Storage Baskets

I cannot possibly express the importance of having as many storage baskets as your bathroom space will allow! This is the top tier bathroom essential, in my book! You can store extra toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, personal care items, first aid needs, medications, etc.

This is another easy way to incorporate some style into your bathroom without needing to go above and beyond, because the baskets themselves can be the style! A wire mesh basket is clean and simple, though obviously not very discreet. A fabric basket provides privacy and allows you to wash it as necessary to keep it clean. A jute basket can give your bathroom a neutral, warm look.

Laundry Basket

If you’re short on space, you might want to keep your laundry basket in the bathroom. I have a laundry basket right near my bathtub, so that right before I jump into the shower I can remove my clothes and get them ready to be washed.

You can find different styles of hampers to fit your aesthetic vibe. Some people prefer a simple metal cage basket, while others prefer a reusable paper bag, and still others prefer a cloth laundry basket! The choice is entirely up to you. You also want to consider whether you want your laundry hamper to have a lid on it or not.

I have this jute laundry basket from H&M Home and I am so happy with it. It looks so cute and fits in well with my neutral bathroom decor.

Cleaning Supplies

It’s definitely worth investing in this bathroom essential from the first day you move in! You would be very surprised how quickly the bathroom can dirty up! Be prepared ahead of time.

Cleaning supplies can vary depending on your personal needs, but they should at least include: toilet bowl cleaner (if you have a toilet brush that you can’t flush), glass cleaner, surface cleaner, disinfectant wipes (for surfaces), bathtub/shower cleaner, whatever you prefer for cleaning the bathroom floor (could be a mop system or you can use a floor cleaning solution with rags and do it the old fashion way!), and a duster because surprisingly and somewhat inexplicably, the bathroom gets very dusty! It’s not a bad idea to have baking soda and white vinegar as well, as that cleans just about everything when you’re in doubt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a lot of bathroom essentials that you need to make sure you’re fully set in your apartment. This list will help you figure out a great starting place and grow from there as you need! With this list, you’ll have a solid start and feel like everything you absolutely need is already there!

Wondering what the top breakfast nook essentials are to ensure you have a smooth first meal each morning? 

Whether you’re making breakfast for just yourself or a big family, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It gives us the first boost of energy we need to start our day with a bang.

As part of our home essentials series, we wanted to create a comprehensive list of breakfast nook essentials you need in your home.

Nothing is cozier than enjoying your morning meal in a cozy nook. However, if this is your first time putting one together, you may be wondering what to include. While they come in many different forms, these are the breakfast nook essentials to include in your space.

Breakfast Nook Essentials

Breakfast taste better in a nook! No matter whether your breakfast is a chaotic event with lots of action or relaxing with the family, this area should be a comfortable part of your home. To help you set up the space, these are the items that you should include.

Check out our list of breakfast nook essentials and basics for this corner of your home:

Dining Table

It would be hard to have a place to eat a meal without a table, right? Dining tables come in all shapes and forms. However, since a breakfast nook is often a smaller space, then it may be easiest to measure the space before searching for a table. Often nooks do well with small round tables but choose your preferred option. Look for warm colors that will create a welcoming and comforting space.

Bench or Chairs

Of course, you’ll also need seating for the nook. Some breakfast nooks may already have seating built into the wall. However, if not, look for dining chairs or a combination of chairs and benches. A bench can be a great option if you might be limited in space and need to get multiple people into the small space. Depending on the table you get, it may come with chairs as a set. If not, look for chairs that complement the table.

Centerpiece

One your table, you don’t have to have anything displayed. However, a centerpiece can be a great way to add decor to the space. Depending on your time and effort, you can make the centerpiece a rotating display or something that is in place permanently. For example, many people enjoy putting a decorative bowl on the table with fruit or decorative items inside. If you enjoy fresh flowers, consider placing a vase as a centerpiece and adding fresh flowers. Centerpieces don’t have to be fussy but they can be a fun way to show your style in the space. 

 

 

Pendant Light

Pendant lights are stylish and a great way to add light to a space. If you can install your own pendant lights, they’ll add comforting, soft light to the space without being overwhelming. This is especially nice first thing in the morning when you may want to avoid bright lights. Pendant lights come in all shapes and styles. Look for one that will suit your space. If you have a larger nook, then you can actually use multiple pendant lights to fill the space.

Place Mats

Many people enjoy the look of a bare table. However, even if you have a tablecloth on the table, you can still use placemats. These are small rectangles of fabric or fibers that will protect your table and can be cleaned easily. They’re also decorative so look for ones that complement your style. If you have kids, you may want to look for ones that are easily washable!

Plates, Bowls & Coffee Cups

Having a nice dish set for your breakfast nook is a great option. This could be your normal dishes but you could also get a small set just for breakfast. This set can be smaller and you may even want to store the dishes in the nook.

Silverware

The silverware that you use is, of course, a breakfast nook essential. Look for simple silverware that can stand up to everyday use and can be washed easily. Many people enjoy having the silverware in a small basket but you can store the silverware in a drawer or as needed. Brass silverware sets are very much in style nowadays.

Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins are an essential and fun way to reduce napkin usage and add personal style to the breakfast nook. The benefit of having cloth napkins is that they usually absorb more than paper napkins and they can be reused after being washed. You can have all of your napkins out of the same material or even use assorted designs. Keep a basket of them clean and handy and you’ll never have to worry about running out of napkins again! I love these lemon cloth napkins for summer!

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These are the breakfast nook essentials that you’ll want to have in this space. Keep in mind that your space can be tailored to your personal style so take your time to find the items that suit your style.

The entryway serves as one of the most important parts of any home. Not only is it the first place your guests will see as they walk in the door of your house, it’s also the last thing you’ll see when you leave every day! In short, this space should be practical and functional yet appealing and striking. Below are ten guidelines for what I believe are the essentials for every entryway.

Entryway Essentials

While you don’t have to have all these items, it’s good to consider what you feel would be most appropriate for your home and entry space.

1. A Bench or Chair

The most practical of options, if you have enough space for a bench or chair in your entry, you should definitely include one to quickly sit down when putting on/taking off shoes. Big bonus if it has hidden storage!

 

2. Rug

I wouldn’t invest in a particularly expensive rug near the entrance as it will likely track in much dirt from outside, but beautiful affordable ones can definitely work.

 

3. A Mirror

For checking your make-up quickly before leaving, and any lipstick touch-ups…  

 

4. A Tray

A dedicated tray is a great idea as a place to drop your keys, so you know exactly where you can find them next time you are dashing out the door!

5. Hooks

Small or large, adding hooks somewhere near your entrance will ensure you never misplace your coat again 😉 You could also opt for an entryway hall tree with books built-in!

 

6. A Lamp

In addition to the obvious benefits of having more light around the space, lamps are great for adding height to the table styling.

 

7. Books

Ever kept someone waiting for a little too long? Keep an interesting picture book near your entrance to give your guests something to read (Obviously, the less text, the better!)

 

8. Houseplants or Flowers

Not only are these beautiful to look at, they will keep your house and entryway smelling fresh and lovely! Trendy house plants include Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, and Bamboo Palm.

 

 

9. Artwork

Pick something that will leave a lasting impression… The artwork you keep in your entryway says a lot about who you are as a person!

 

 

10. A Console Table or Wall Shelf

A shelf or table is great for keeping larger items like handbags, and scarves for easy access. Go for a console table, but if you’re short on space, a round side table or wall shelf works too!

 

 

      Kids Room Essentials

Wondering what a kid’s room should have? When it comes to decorating a kid’s room, there are a lot of things to consider. First and foremost, you want your child to feel comfortable in their room. You also want them to have plenty of storage space for their toys and clothes. Of course, one of the most important things is how much fun they’ll have playing with all their new toys!

Kids Room Essentials List

Here are the kid’s room essentials that every kid needs in their bedroom, once they’ve grown out of a nursery.

Framed Pictures of the Family

Put framed pictures of your family, pets, or other loved ones around the room. There’s nothing like having the smiling faces of your nearest and dearest greeting you whenever you walk into the room.

Putting up framed photos of different family members all around will serve as a constant reminder that family is everything. You can put the photos on your desk, on side tables, or hang them on your walls. All are great options for surrounding yourself with love and support.

 

 

Brightly Colored Wall Art

Children need a space that’s fun and playful. A great way to make their room feel more inviting is with brightly colored wall art. Your child’s bedroom is the perfect place to incorporate bolder colors and funky patterns that you might not use in other rooms of your home. There are so many options when it comes to kid-friendly wall decorations, from subtle washi tape designs to intricate murals and everything in between.

Use themes that inspire your child as part of kids’ room essentials. A lot of children have favorite hobbies or interests, like animals or sports, so why not bring those into the design of their bedrooms?

 

You can find wall art for kids’ rooms that matches these themes, whether it’s a collection of football or basketball canvases they put up themselves, or you create an animal theme by using the name framed art set on their walls each with a different cute critter illustration. These make great additions because they add some character to the room while still being conducive to your child’s personal interests.

Inspiring Motivational Quotes

Customizing your child’s space with quotes is a great way to send a personal message. Think about the kind of message you want your child to hear when they enter their room. Is it something motivational or inspirational? A favorite quote from a movie or book? Or maybe just the lyrics of their favorite song?

 

 

Turning these quotes into art for your child’s room is a fantastic way to share them with them every day, and there are lots of great ways to display them. You can paint the quote directly onto the wall, use vinyl decals, or even make stencils and cut out letters from fun papers or fabrics. The choices are as limitless as your imagination! You can even have your child help you create the artwork so they feel like it was created just for them!

A Bed They Can Grow Into

A good quality bed should be one of your top kids’ room essentials. You want something that will last, but also something that they can grow into. Look for a bed frame that fits a standard mattress, has a headboard and footboard, and a bed rail.

 

You’ll also want to find a dresser or nightstand to set a lamp on at night (here are some great lamp options). Make sure the walls are painted in an easy-to-coordinate color that can adapt to changing decor tastes as your child grows.

A Desk Area

A desk area is another essential element in your child’s room. It will serve as a place where your child can do homework, play quietly with toys and games, or hang out when they want to be alone. If you don’t have enough space for a separate desk, a study nook with built-in shelves can be the next best thing.

An easy hack? In an alcove or empty corner of the bedroom, use inexpensive bookcases to create a study station! Make sure there is enough light and that it’s easy to reach electrical outlets. And make sure you have plenty of storage available for notebooks, pens, books, and other supplies as well!

Lots of Bins & Storage

Storage and organization are always important, but they’re especially crucial in a child’s room. Since children tend to collect more “stuff” than adults, you need to make sure that everything has its place. The best way to prevent a messy room is by installing lots of different types of bins and storage containers. This allows parents to keep toys organized and easily accessible for their children.

 

Wall Hooks

These hooks are the perfect way to add functionality and design to any room. In our opinion, every home needs a wall hook or two. They are extremely practical for hanging up coats, bags, hats, and scarves in the entryway, but also can come in handy for towels in the bathroom, jewelry or accessories in your kid’s bedroom, pictures around the house, and even plants!

Bookshelves for Books

While a bookshelf’s primary function is holding books, it can also be used to store other items. They’re a great place to keep toys, puzzles, games, and more. If you don’t have the floor space for another bookshelf, consider wall-mounted shelves! You can also use the space under the bed.

 

 

Reading Light

A reading light should be positioned at a distance from the bed that makes for comfortable reading. With sconces, in particular, you can position them slightly behind the headboard and angle them so they’re shining toward the center when your kid is reading a book.

This is also a great way to take advantage of natural light during the day since you can adjust the angle of your wall reading lights to bounce daylight off a nearby window or mirror.

Analog Clock

Analog clocks are important for helping kids learn how to tell time. Unlike digital clocks, analog clocks have a continuous dial that moves as time goes by, so kids can see the passage of time and notice when the hour or minute hand gets closer to a specific number.

 

 

This makes it easier for them to mentally track where the clock is in relation to what time they need it to be—say when they’re hoping to know when their favorite show will come on.

Trash Can

The most important aspect of a trash can is that it’s the right size for your child. A small can will be more likely to be filled with junk, whereas a larger one may not fit in the space you have available. One of the best ways to keep a trash can clean is to get your children used to using it. If they are in school, ask them if they would like to bring something home that has been thrown away.

It doesn’t matter how old your kids are; if they’re too young for school yet still want to help out by recycling or composting, then this is an excellent first step. Another way of getting kids into the habit is telling them when they should throw things away instead of just throwing them all over their room!

Laundry Hamper

Having a laundry hamper or basket in your child’s room is important for your kids’ room essentials. In fact, it would probably be better to have two. One can be placed in the closet, where kids can throw their dirty clothes as they undress before bedtime or after playtime. You could also place another one near the bathroom so that they can put their dirty clothes thereafter a bath.

The spot where you place your laundry basket depends on how much space you have and how likely it is that your child will use it. As mentioned above, if you have limited space then placing one inside of a closet may work best for your situation. If you don’t need hampers inside of closets then placing one near your child’s dresser may work best as well.

Kitchen Essentials You Need for Your First Kitchen

If this is your first time owning a kitchen for yourself, you may feel overwhelmed at all the different kitchen products you’ll need for your home! The last thing you want is to begin preparing for a meal, only to realize you’re missing a measuring cup or the proper serving dish. Luckily we created a quick guide to the kitchen essentials you’ll need if you’re a first-time home owner or renter.

Kitchen Essentials

These items will help prepare you for cooking basic meals in the kitchen. They should serve all your basic kitchen needs!

Cooking Essentials

Mixing Bowl

Spoon

Spatula

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Colander

Grater

Cutting Board

Cutting Knives

Stove & Oven Essentials

The super versatile Always Pan is a cult favorite right now.

Non-stick Pan

Dutch Oven

Saucepan

Tongs

Sheet Pan

Kettle

Oven Mitt

Kitchen Electronics

Here are the basic kitchen electronics and appliances you need for your kitchen area!

Toaster

Microwave

Coffee Machine

If you prefer, you can also purchase a hot water boiler or electric kettle for faster water heating!

Eating & Serving Essentials

Here are the basic eating and serving essentials.

Large Serving Platter

Serving Bowl

4+ Dinner Plates

4+ Sets of Utensils

4+ Bowls

Wine Glasses

Water Glasses

Cleaning Essentials

Here are the kitchen cleaning must-haves.

Dish Towels

Paper Towel Holder

Kitchen Soap

Sponges

Now, this is by no means a comprehensive list of every kitchen product you might need, especially if you intend to do a lot of baking or specialty cooking! Check out our kitchen capsule if you only want the bare minimum.

What other essential kitchen products do you need in your kitchen?

Laundry Room Essentials

If you are fortunate enough to have a dedicated laundry room, then you may be looking for a good list of laundry room essentials to make sure you have all your bases covered. Today we’re going to share an indispensable list of the best laundry room products and organization essentials to keep in your laundry space at home.

Here are the primary items you’ll want to have to do the down and dirty work!

Laundry Room Basics

One of the most essential areas of your home or apartment is the laundry room area. But to keep all your clothes clean and looking their best, you’ll need a whole slew of laundry room essentials that make this job a lot easier.

No doubt, there will be an area that’s reserved for your laundry room whether it’s a dedicated ‘room’ or just a corner of the house. Not every home or apartment will be the same, but each area should have enough room to place all of your laundry machines, gadgets, and cleaning supplies.

The major laundry room appliances won’t surprise you much.

Washing Machine

A washing machine will be the main workhorse that washes all your clothes, so pick a model that has a variety of functions that allow you to do all sorts of wash cycles. It should be strong enough to handle really dirty loads, yet have a setting for light cycles for a couple of t-shirts or jeans. It needs to have temperature settings and programs that allow you longer or shorts periods for certain types of clothes.

 

 

Don’t forget that your washing machine needs to have a gentle cycle for all your delicates too. It won’t hurt to have washable laundry bags for items like socks and underwear so they don’t get lost in the wash. Also, keep in mind that most laundry room areas will already have installed water hookups and electricity you can connect very easily.

Dryer

A clothes dryer will speed up the drying process of your clothes and also give your clothing a fresh and fluffy feel that we’ve all gotten used to. It doesn’t need to be very fancy but it should also have control settings to control shrinkage on certain fabrics. There needs to be a timer and select settings for certain fabrics likewise. I can’t stress the point enough to look through your instruction booklet to see which fabrics can be dried and what can’t.

You also want a model that has a lint trap that is easy to get to, and lint traps also built into the door opening. This dual system eliminates animal hair faster so you spend less time using a sticky roller later. It’s not always considered part of your laundry room essentials depending on where you live, but it does speed up the drying of your clothes when you need them in a hurry.

Must-Have Laundry Products

Here are some of my favorite laundry products I always keep on hand for cleaning clothes. Some are great for brightening them up while others are tough on heavy-duty stains. Keeping your clothes, sheets, and household linens in good condition requires high-quality laundry products. These are the ones we recommend the most!

This is one area that will seem like it’s an endless list. Yet for most of us, that like to have clean laundry, believe me- these products all have a purpose, even if they aren’t used all the time!

Detergent

A stain-fighting laundry detergent is obviously a basic! This might be a tough one to pick at first since there are so many types of detergent you can buy. There are washing powders and washing liquids, and often they are for certain types of clothes. Your best bet is to choose a liquid detergent that is concentrated so you use less detergent soap overall. You should have one that’s for general everyday clothes that are all-color. The second version should be for delicates and fabric blends that need to less harsh.

Some people don’t bother buying powders since they don’t always distribute so well in most washing machines. They can also turn into mushy blocks if you have a machine that had top lid-loading detergent holders. Washing packets or pods can be tricky, as they don’t work as well as a liquid you pour into the cycle yourself. You can’t control what pods will do either, which is why liquid detergent tends to be better, as it can be adjusted for different size loads.

Stain Remover

This is a tricky product to master if you don’t use it often, so you want to choose an organic stain remover. Harsh chemicals in many stain removers can cause damage to your clothes. Try safe alternatives like borax and baking soda which won’t destroy or bleach your clothes. Stay away from brands that are all-in-in, as these don’t always work on every type of fabric and can potentially harm other types if you’re not careful.

Dry Cleaner Cloths

Dry Cleaner Sheets are cloths meant to put into your dryer so you can clean items that you want to look, smell, and feel clean. Throwing one of these cloths creates enough steam in your dryer so your clothes get as close to the dry cleaning process as they can get without taking them to the dry cleaners. The drying process will take a little longer than usual, but the results are often worth it.

Whitening Liquid

If you have clothes that you want to be especially white, buying a whitener is always a good idea. Stay away from bleach, as this is terrible for destroying fabrics. Choose products that allow for oxi-cleaning and are activated by natural oxygen and are also naturally organic for whitening your clothes. Big brands like Clorox also sell whitening liquids that are very low bleach formulas.

Vinegar

One item that works great in your kitchen also happens to be an effective cleaner for clothes too. White vinegar especially is used for helping dirt not stick to clothes. It also can help to make your washed clothes smell odorless if there was a lot of body oil and sweat build-up. One of the best natural items you’ll need as laundry room essentials start with white vinegar. It’s also 100% natural and won’t harm your delicates either.

Dryer Sheets or Wool Balls

Dryer sheets are great for single-use loads and they do make your laundry smell great. The advantage of using dryer sheets is giving your clothes a soft feel and pleasant smell. There are many brands that you can choose from also, so finding your favorite will be a matter of trial and error. One new addition to using a softener in the dryer is from Wool Balls that can be used up to 1000 times. This makes them more cost-effective to buy over dryer sheets.

Prewash Stain Cleaner

This is a big question for most people but there are very simple products that you rub onto stains before you wash. They are often a spray that works slowly to break down enzymes naturally. While you’re prepping clothes for washing, these also take just 5-10 minutes before you throw them into the wash. Other sticks or paste rubs can sit overnight until you reactivate them with hot or warm water so they can wash away built-up stains. I personally love this super easy Spray n Wash!

Lint Roller

Whether or not you own a cat or dog, you will likely need to own at least one or two lint rollers. These handy rollers help remove unwanted dust, lint, and hair that is simply too stubborn to come off clothing. It can be particularly noticeable on darker-colored clothing so keep one nearby in the winter. The best place to buy lots of these for the least amount spent is from Walmart. They will have big packs of these that come in handy if you’ve been covered by something that just isn’t coming off with traditional washing or drying.

Ironing Board

A decent ironing board will not only help you to get clothes nice and neat looking it’s the backbone of laundry room essentials. Choose a model that can fold up and be stored behind a door or in an area that doesn’t require much space to set up. Have all of your accessories close by so you can do an entire batch of clothes that need ironing with convenient hangers nearby so you can immediately hang them up.

Iron

Not every iron will be good for everything you own but when it comes to general usage, your iron always needs to have clean water or scented water added. An electrical outlet also needs to be close by so you don’t have to overstretch while ironing. Buy a model that gives you plenty of selections and temperature settings additionally. Don’t ever use tap water in your iron since this can damage your iron over time, so always use filtered water.

Steamer

Handheld steamers are great when you want to get the wrinkles out of delicate fabrics that crease very easily. Because the steam that comes out also needs to be filtered water, this is where you need to be extra careful. This can actually shrink some fabrics so be sure to learn as much about steaming before you attempt to use these machines. Despite the temperature setting, these aren’t a substitute for ironing but are excellent at last-minute fixes for light dress fabrics or flowing blouses that don’t iron as well.

Laundry Organization

Keeping things organized is tough in smaller spaces like the laundry room, but these laundry organization essentials will keep things neat and tidy!

Just as you would expect, you’ll want your laundry room essentials to have plenty of organizers that are built into your laundry room area. It simply gives you better control of being a staging area for clothes that need special attention.

Laundry Baskets

The first rule is to separate your clothes before you start. Colors should go into one bin while whites go into another. If you find a stacking system, these can be baskets of bins that contain every type of clothes that you don’t need to think about what goes with what. Label these bins with a marker or printed label so you know where everything goes, so you and your family don’t ever need to question what goes where! A simple jute laundry basket also does the trick.

Laundry Product Organizer Storage Cart

A rolling cart is a great idea in the laundry room, especially if it’s on wheels. You can look for any kind of cabinet that has deep pullout shelves or storage bins and then put castor wheels onto the bottom. Another solution is to find a pushcart that is usually sold in office suppliers to use as a mobile washing and storage cart. Empty beverage crates used for 2-liter bottles make great storage bins that won’t let anything fall over when you move them around.

Foldable Clothes Drying Rack

There are going to be those times when you need to have a folding clothes rack for certain clothes that aren’t supposed to be put into a dryer. These are also portable so you can place this outside so they get a natural fresh air smell as they dry. Don’t buy the cheap discount store versions since these won’t last more than a year. You want to buy a portable clothes rack that is made from wood or heavy-duty plastic and won’t fall over easy for any reason. It can also neatly fold up for storage when not in use!

Hanging Rod & Hangers

It won’t hurt to install a hanging rod or hangers along the walls in your laundry room area. This is especially important for long coats or items that need to air dry or were freshly ironed. A good load-bearing wooden rod will give you the best advantage if you mount this above your head in your washing room. It shouldn’t be in the way, so find a spot that sits opposite your washing machine and dryer. Otherwise, you could buy a freestanding clothing rack for this purpose, though it might take up a lot of space! A good set of thin wire hangers will be practical to have on hand as well.

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And that’s it!

I hope you found this list of laundry essentials helpful as you go about outfitting your laundry room or space!

Living Room Essentials

Moving into your first apartment is tough. From moving your stuff to finding new furniture, there seems to be an endless list of things to do. While furnishing a living room seems easy – couch, coffee table, lighting, etc. – it takes a little TLC to get your living room to exactly where you want it. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty to write up a living room essentials guide to help ensure you’ve got your bases covered when it comes to your new living room.

Living Room Furniture

Here are the five main pieces of living room furniture you’ll need to furnish your space and make it cozy. You don’t need all of these pieces, but they’re definitely all nice to have and serve a specific purpose!

1. Sofa

The first living room essential you should nail down first is the sofa. As the largest piece of furniture in the room, the couch is paramount to setting the right tone of your space. Head to our sofa buying guide for detailed information on what to consider before buying a sofa for your space. Here are a few of our favorite affordable sofas!

 

 

2. Coffee Table

Next up, you should purchase a coffee table for your living room. The coffee table will hold your coffee in the morning, your food in the afternoon and your personal items throughout the day!

 

 

3. Media Stand

If you watch TV or Netflix, then you’ll need a media stand or media console to hold your television. Make sure the style you choose fits in with the rest of the room.

 

4. Side Tables

Side tables are great for holding table lamps and even the remote control.

 

 

5. Accent Chairs

You should have at least one accent chair in your living room to balance out the space and provide extra seating. Accent chairs, when placed next to the sofa help create a cozy corner for chatting with guests.

 

 

Living Room Decor & Products

This is an overview of the living room decoration, lighting, and other products you may need to complete the design of your living room. These living room essentials will be dictated by your taste, character, and style!

6. Area Rug

I love the feeling of a soft area rug beneath my toes when walking in the living room.

 

 

7. Overhead Lighting

I definitely recommend selecting an overhead chandelier that has at least 4-5 light bulbs to ensure your living room is well-lit! If you have low ceilings, you’re better off going with a flush mount

 

 

8. Table Lamps

Adding table lamps to the sides of your sofa can offer targeted lighting when you want to read a book or magazine, for example.

 

 

9. Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are a great way to add some personal style to your space. They also help with back support. It’s super easy to switch the cover out each season, too.

 

 

10. Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books are great for browsing on lazy Sunday afternoons. The bigger the better when it comes to coffee table books!

 

 

11. Decor Accents

Objects that show off your personality can be a great way to infuse some character into a boring living room. Here are a few ideas!

 

 

12. Blanket or Throw

You know that person who is always cold no matter what the temperature is? Well, that person is me! Even if you’re not freezing all the time, have a throw blanket handy for any guests that may be. Don’t overlook this one – it’s one of the best living room essentials you can have!

 

 

13. Wall Decor & Art

A bare wall can make a room feel heavy. Add an interesting wall decoration or piece of art to break up the large, blank space and add character.

 

 

14. Curtain Rod

An essential piece for hanging curtains that match your space!

15. Curtains

An essential to controlling the natural light that enters your living room.

 

 

16. Television

Having a flat screen TV is a must these days. In the age of Netflix, who wants to miss out on the latest show everyone is talking about? Both Best Buy and Amazon are great places to find a TV that fits your needs.

17. Sound System

Lastly, a small but powerful sound system is a must for listening to music when you have friends over!

 

Those are the essential living room furniture and decorations we recommend to get you started. As time goes by, your living room will evolve and that is totally normal! You will add items and take some away as needed, until you are fully comfortable with your family room. We hope this guide helped you create a functional and practical living room space!