10 Items to Invest in When You Get Your First Apartment (and the Affordable Brands Where You Can Buy Them)

If you need a new area rug, then it might be time to hop on the washable rug bandwagon while you're at it. Amazon — and the brand nuLOOM in particular — is a great place to look for rugs of any size, color, or pattern, without worrying about your budget. For example, this rug is super trendy, washable, and on sale for less than $100!

If you're going to splurge on anything in your new home, it should be your mattress. But don't worry, this mattress is likely well within your budget. It's made of green tea-infused memory foam, and it's only — drum roll please — $229. (But if you're ready to pull the trigger, it's actually on sale for less right now.) Read more about why this mattress made our Best Mattresses List.

Don't get me wrong, there are certainly very expensive items sold at Urban Outfitters. But there's also a lot of basic furniture items that are super afforable and undeniably cute, like this rattan TV stand. You could use it as a media console or extra storage in your new space.

When it comes to prioritzing the items that you'll use the most in your new space, a comfy sofa should be right up there with a new mattress. Wayfair is a great place to go if you're looking for something chic, comfortable, and not too expensive. IMO this sofa looks way more expensive than it is, so you don't have to choose budget over style.

While it may not be the first item you purchase in your new space, a coffee table is usually a must. But whether it's because of budget constraints or space limitations, you may be hesitant to invest in a nice piece right off the bat. If that sounds like you, then I would consider a coffee table alternative that does double duty, like this set of nesting tables. They can work as a coffee table, side table, or night stand — and you're getting three for the price of one!

Possibly one of the best kept online shopping secrets is the wonders of Home Depot. As it turns out, the brand is more than the store you go to when you run out of light bulbs; it's also a haven for affordable, stylish home goods. Just look at this set of velvet chairs!

In the era of WFH, you'll likely need a little office space even if you're not working remotely full-time. Amazon has tons of affordable options for desks, whether you're looking for something specific, like a standing desk, or something a little more basic, like this desk with extra shelving.

You'll probably need a desk to go with that chair, specifically one that's supportive. While you want to make sure you're taking care of your body — especially if you're working from home — you might not be ready to drop hundreds of dollars on the ergonomic chair of your dreams. Luckily, this desk chair from Amazon has over 5,000 five-star reviews.

This item might not be high up on your shopping wishlist, but it absolutely should be. Trust me, a smell-free, easy-to-keep-clean trash will make your life so much easier. This touchless trash can is battery operated and odor-absorbing — plus it's on sale for less than $100!

Although there's always a cheap bookshelf to be found, there are plenty of affordable upgrades out there to elevate your space. For example, this leaning ladder style shelf would be a great place to store books or display your plant collection — and it's less than $200!