Last year, US renters occupied almost 43 million housing units. You may have been one of them. 

Renting can be a pain-free experience, or it can be a nightmare. The key is to inspect your potential apartment thoroughly.

Have the landlord immediately address any issues you may see. Once you're satisfied, finalizing the paperwork should be easy.

Furnishing an apartment is the key to making it feel like home. It should reflect your personality and suit your needs.

But you'll want to get it right the first time. Otherwise, you'll be spending money on items you don't need.

Read on for some tips on what you should focus on when furnishing an apartment.

1. Make Your Bedroom Your Haven

Let the bedroom be your main focus. A comfortable bed is essential. Depending on the size of your space, you might want to consider a sofa bed for a smaller area.

Whatever you decide, get quality sheets and bedding. It makes no sense to purchase cheap or low-end bedding as they don't last very long. It's better to make the investment and choose sheets that are the color and thread count you want. 

You should feel at peace in your bedroom.

2. Your Bathroom Shouldn't Be Far Behind

No one likes a dark, dingy bathroom. It's a space you use every day. Whether it's small or large, make it feel light and airy.

Clutter can make a small bathroom seem even smaller. You can avoid clutter by getting creative with storage.

Consider an over-the-sink mirror with a hidden cabinet. Shelves over the toilet don't get in the way but are extremely functional. If your bathroom is small, your aim should be to create a cozy space.

3. Make Your Kitchen Functional

Once you have a place to lay your head and somewhere to clean yourself, prep your cooking area. It's important to ensure you have all the implements to make your kitchen functional.

Once you start using the space, it will help you better position your things. Make sure placement allows for free movement and easy access.

Try to find areas where you can store small kitchen appliances.  This will free up your counter space.

Again this lessens the clutter. If not, consider a moveable island.

4. Make Your Living Area Comfortable

If you're not a TV lover, the focal point of your living room should be your sofa. It's an essential piece of apartment furniture. It should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Smaller areas can accommodate compact sectionals or a love seat. If you'll be entertaining overnight guests, furnish your apartment with a sofa bed.

Futons are practical for this reason as well, but not very comfortable. Invest in proper seating. It will last longer. 

You can get a standard color that will be great at concealing future stains. Spruce it up with an eclectic set of throw cushions.

5. Dine in Style

Eating on the sofa is fine. But to avoid stains on your new sofa and start a tradition of eating at the table, you'll need a dining room set.

Consider a six-seater set if you know you'll be entertaining a lot. Otherwise, if you're going to spend many nights alone, a four-seater will do the trick. Commit to a stain or color that will complement your sofa and kitchen cabinets.

6. Storage, Storage, Storage

The more time you spend in your new space, the more storage you'll begin to realize you need. Resist the temptation to amass an endless supply of plastic storage containers. Instead, get creative. 

Find beautiful boxes or repurpose interesting pieces of furniture. Utilize the space in your cabinets wisely. Invest in gadgets that can create extra space in them.

Also, use areas out of eyeshot like under your bed or over the closet for storage as well.

7. Let Your Personality Shine

Once you've organized the basics throughout your living space, start showing your personality. Use colors and decorative pieces that add flair to your space. Many home furnishing stores have interesting pieces you can use to decorate an apartment.

Your apartment decor should be just enough to make the apartment your very own. Remember, you don't have to do it all at once. Take the time to explore and find one-of-a-kind items that you truly love.

8. Let Your Accent Items Move You

Any accent items you choose should move you. They should speak to you and tell a story you want to include in your space. Always keep your color scheme and style in mind.

These should be pieces you cherish and that you'll want to take with you when you move again. Mirrors, area rugs, curtains, or blinds can be the pieces you need to make your apartment feel complete.

9. Fill In the Missing Pieces

For the first few months, even up to the first year, your apartment will be a work in progress. There are things you'll discover you need. Others you might decide don't work in the space.

You should take your time before making any hefty investments. Most importantly, make sure your space is liveable. You want to feel comfortable, but you also want friends and family to feel the same when they visit.

10. Continuous Maintenance

Although the apartment may not be your own, treat it as if it is. Don't let any maintenance issues go unchecked. Notify your landlord immediately.

You may even want to make arrangements to fix it yourself and get reimbursed later. You have to live in the space, so you want to make sure it's a healthy, functional, and pleasing place.

Furnishing an Apartment in Style

Renting an apartment is often looked at as a hassle-free way to live. After all, your landlord usually handles any maintenance issues that crop up. Your only concern is paying your rent on time.

Even though your apartment may not be your own, you can still make it feel like home. Furnishing your apartment to suit your style is a great way to do this. Choose apartment furniture and decor to make this space special and entertaining.

Are you still looking for the perfect apartment? Then, The Fountains Apartments in North Dallas is the place for you. We provide luxury living at its best. Contact us to schedule a tour today!