If college is behind you or you’ve begun your first “real” job and plan on moving into your own home or apartment it’s time for more than basement cast-offs and milk crate bookshelves. Even if you don’t have a big budget for furnishings, you can purchase a few quality pieces one or two at a time and have furniture that will last for years.

Chicago, Illinois furniture retailers like Walter E. Smithe will tell you that a sturdy, comfortable bed is one of the first investments you should make. After all, you will spend about one-third of your life there. If you can’t afford one right off, purchase a good quality air bed and it can be used for guests when you buy a real bed. Think about what size will be comfortable for you and remember that not every space can accommodate a king-size mattress. Test the firmness of the mattress before you buy it.

While you’re still in the bedroom, think about a dresser or chest of drawers that will coordinate with the bed and provide the storage you need. Remember bed linens will need a place, as well as seasonal clothing and accessories. You might consider one for the main living space as well to store CDs or games, candles, and throw pillows and blankets.

You probably have a T.V., so you will need somewhere to sit and watch it besides your old beanbag chair. Somewhere for your guests would be nice too. Sofas come in all shapes, sizes, colors and price ranges. Choose one that will stand up to time. A solid hardwood frame is a must for durability, as are hand-tied springs and quality fabric. Above all, be sure it’s actually comfortable to sit on. Otherwise, what’s the point? Don’t forget to measure whether it will fit not only in your living space, but on the elevator or stairs and through the doorway to get there.

A nice accessory piece to consider is an ottoman or upholstered footstool. Walter E. Smithe’s Chicago furniture collection will have many choices. Depending on its size, it can perform in other roles such as coffee table.

Interesting side tables in various materials and shapes can help create a unique look in your living room and they can be picked up affordably at secondhand stores or tag sales. They also can be rearranged depending on your entertainment plans to hold snacks or drinks or even for board games.

Tempting as it may be to eat on the ottoman and watch T.V., you should shop at your Chicago Walter E. Smithe furniture store for a quality table for your eating area. If you don’t have a lot of room, consider one with fold-down sides or extra leaves that can expand for guests (or when you get a bigger place). Don’t forget chairs. You can mix and match, especially if you want to buy secondhand. Even adding some upholstered chairs is fine as long as they fit comfortably at the table. They can double as guest seating in the living room.

Don’t forget your lighting. Even if you have overhead fixtures in your rooms, table lamps and floor lamps add warmth and often run on less power than a ceiling light with multiple bulbs. If you don’t own your living space, you will probably want to stay away from actually installing lights. Invest in something you can take with you to you next home. If you shop at Chicago furniture and modern lighting stores you can find fun colors and materials in lighting.

Even if you don’t have a designated guest room, it’s nice to have an air bed on hand for guests. (Or you can be the ultimate host and offer them your bed while you take the inflatable.) Buy some quality bedding for it as well. Look for white sales at big department stores and you can get great quality on a budget.