By the way, I'm moving in on Monday and have this entire week free to make the new apartment my new home! I'll keep everyone updated with pictures once I figure everything out.

Ikea may be the cheapest but most of it is not comfortable. Check out 4th of July sale ads! oh and don't get matching couch and loveseat. Try a couch and complementing chairs- Good luck with your new place!!

The key to keeping your space looking cool and comfortable is to have as little clutter as possible, and to pick furniture that is the right scale for your space. While IKEA might not last forever, I will say that over the years I have had a few pieces here and there that have held up fine and look good. This being your first apartment I can understand not forking over a bunch of money on furniture you might not need in a couple years. Also, you should look for furniture that serves dual purposes. Like a narrow table you can eat on, but also use as a console table or desk. Or ottomans that can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, or for storage. Floating shelves are a good solution for books and displaying items, as they don't use valuable floor space. I would say to "splurge" on a decent sofa, and save on other items.

Other affordable modern resources are CB2, Crate and Barrel has some stuff that doesn't break the bank, West Elm, and online stores like Wayfair, Amazon, etc.

What a cute place! There's something very special about your first new home on your own! I'm sure you have saved ideas of what you want in your home, but I wouldn't buy everything right away. I'd get the basics like your bedroom furniture, a couch and a table and chairs. Live with those pieces a while and learn where you need an end table before buying one, how many and what size chairs you want for company, where you need lighting, etc. That way you won't be spending money on things you didn't actually need or that don't work in your place.

I love your view of the city, I'd just have to set it up so I could sip my morning coffee watching the world go by...but I don't like the idea of others being able to look in when I don't want them to (night time?), so I'd personally look at window coverings fairly quickly. Maybe something like this which would provide privacy but still allow you to enjoy the view.

I agree that many Ikea pieces aren't all that comfortable...but things you won't be sitting or lying on don't have to be...like a desk, shelving, etc. so I wouldn't rule out Ikea...you're right, their prices are very good. (Be sure and check out their bang and dent area which often has great bargains.) I'm very excited to see what you decide and watch your new apartment become a HOME! Post lots of pics!

I'm a big believer in buying used -- better quality at Ikea prices. My three favorite sources are Craig's List, estate sales, and good quality consignment stores. It's all about the hunt. Enjoy your new place.

I personally love IKEA. Not everything IKEA sells is flimsy.

I have their Ektorp couch with the chaise. The chaise part can go on either side of the couch, so if you move it won't be a problem to re-configure for a new place. You can also buy a new cover for super cheap if you get tired of the color or the cover gets damaged.

You should get a rug, big enough to ground your living room area.

Get a coffee table or a padded ottoman. The ottoman can serve as extra seating space for guests.

I assume you would need a tv stand too.

So??? How is the move-in going????