Dear Mum and Dad, I'm going to live alone. It is the sentence many of us dream of saying at least once. The desire for independence, however, often has to face the reality of making ends meet. A first home is not only a new beginning and a step toward adulthood; more often than not, it is also a way to express yourself.
Is it really possible to furnish an entire apartment with a small budget? The days when a bed frame, a mattress and a camping stove were the essentials of a first home are gone. Thanks to Ikea and other low-cost furniture chains, a house can be furnished with style on a budget of about €1,000.
You have to try it to believe it. We divided one thousand euros across four rooms, and the result was surprisingly complete.
KITCHEN – € 187.46
SUNNERSTA is one of Ikea's most affordable kitchen solutions.
The Ikea SUNNERSTA mini-kitchen goes far beyond what its low price suggests, offering a basic structure that makes it possible to set up a kitchen with minimal spending. It is not a professional kitchen, of course, but it gives a first home the essentials needed to cook and make good use of a small studio apartment. SUNNERSTA has no doors or panels, although inexpensive add-ons can be introduced later. Because the structure remains visible, pairing it with a contrasting wall color, such as gray, can create a simple industrial effect.
1 of 4: TILLREDA portable induction hob, white, €49.99.
BEDROOM – € 266,95
For the bedroom, a few simple pieces can bring a light vintage touch into the first home.
1 of 6: SYRACUSE white metal bed, 160 x 200 cm.
A white metal bed, a stool used as a bedside table and a clothes rail can replace larger wardrobes when the budget is tight. The idea is to use wall space intelligently, adding shelves and storage boxes for clothes and accessories. With compact and smart purchases, it is possible to maximize storage without filling the room with heavy furniture.
LIVING ROOM – € 384,98
BESTÅ modular systems from Ikea.
1 of 4: SÖDERHAMN corner section, Samsta pale pink, €250.
For a small living room, the best solution is to start with a compact seating element in a relaxing environment. For the sofa, choose only the modules that match your actual needs. It is better to create a functional base first, then add more pieces when the budget allows. A sofa module, TV cabinet, mirror and LACK table are enough to begin furnishing the room.
BATHROOM – € 199.88
Ikea GODMORGON bathroom series.
1 of 3: TYNGEN mirror with shelf, white, ash effect, €15.
The bathroom also needs a few practical basics: a washbasin cabinet with drawers for towels and accessories, a mirror with a shelf for brushes and combs, and simple accessories for soap and toothbrushes. Low-budget alternatives are almost endless. A €15 mirror is an excellent temporary solution because it lets you furnish the room immediately and replace the piece later without regret. Once the home has the essential furniture, everyday accessories such as candles can slowly make it feel more personal.
Anna Lohan
Theresa V. Adams
miranda_shida
Yolande A. Bow
