First Apartment Must-Haves That Bring Brio to the Basics

Even a tiny studio can be a full-fledged home with these elevated picks.

May 23, 2025

So, You’ve signed a lease on your very first apartment. Congratulations! Onto bigger (unless you’re moving to New York City) and better things. Moving into a new space can be intimidating, exhausting, and, above all, expensive, so we’ve compiled a short list of thoughtfully designed, well-priced must-haves that will make your (or your favorite recent graduate’s) first apartment feel like home.

12-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set with Ceramic Crock

I’m all about the all-in-one. This set’s ombré colorways are too cute.

$70, larderandvine.com

SOLEIL WATER GLASS, SET of 6, BY ICHENDORF MILANO

Dishwasher safe, reasonably priced, Italian-made water glasses. Add to cart. 

$70, porta-nyc.com

HEMP FIRE EXTINGUISHER BY SOPHIE

Breaking in your oven can be a learning experience. This hemp-covered fire extinguisher is less of an eyesore than the standard red one. 

$249, safe-t.us

12 Piece Cutlery Set by Matilda Goad

Far away from cafeteria-esque cutlery, this bold flatware is sure to spark joy with every bite. 

$185, us.matildagoad.com

Oslo Mugs by The Conran Shop

What better way to start your day than sipping your coffee out of this chic double-walled glass mug?

£80, theconranshop.com

FEZ HAND-PAINTED BORDER DINNER PLATES BY PETER DUNHAM FOR HUDSON GRACE

I love the way Dunham’s famous Fez print is translated onto these dinner plates.

$48 each, hudsongracesf.com

PORTUGUESE GLAZED CERAMIC NESTING BOWLS

Another one-stop set that’s both well-designed and practical. 

$35, store.moma.org

Dehn Spring in Central Park Folding Umbrella

One day when you least expect it, this will be the most important item you own. 

$40, store.metmuseum.org

WELLY FIRST AID KIT

Again, one day, this kit (and its chic bandages) will be the most important item you own. Better safe than sorry! 

$27, grove.co

SIGNATURE STARTER PACK BY WEEZIE TOWELS

I would simply be remiss not to include this. It’s a must-have. End of story. 

$287, weezietowels.com

SHAKERBRAID BROOM

Hand-braided in the Appalachian craft tradition, this beautiful broom doubles as decor. BYO dustpan. 

$80, goodeeworld.com

HAND TOOL SET BY HOTO

Sleek, easy, and approachable, this tool kit is perfect for beginners. 

$60, hototools.com

COOKING KNIFE BY GOYON CHAZEAU

A good cooking knife like this sleek French one is more important than you may think. 

$70, nickeykehoe.com

THE BATHROOM BUNDLE BY STAFF

Not the most glamorous thing on this list, but a necessity nonetheless. 

$60, meetyourstaff.com

SEAGRASS LAUNDRY BASKET BY H&M

The best part is the separate compartments!

$75, hm.com

IRONING ESSENTIALS BY NORI

Speaking of laundry, if you don’t have room for a full iron and ironing board, the Nori Press is the next best thing. 

$127, nori.co

THE CROWN HEADBOARD BY COLEY HOME

Coley Home’s collection of quick-ship custom headboards (and beds!) are great for design lovers with impending move-in dates. 

Starting at $590, coleyhome.com

MIRAGE STEMWARE BY NUDE GLASS

With skinny stems, just how we like them.

$45 for set of 2, dwr.com

STEP ON ME STOOL BY SUNDAYS

No climbing on counters or wobbly barstools. You’re a grown up now!

$270, sundays-company.com

CATALINA ATLANTIC SHOWER CURTAIN BY QUIET TOWN

These made-in-Brooklyn shower curtains are inspired by old-fashioned sails. Don’t forget a liner! 

$198, quiettownhome.com

Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.