Interior design experts and designers agree on ten essential pieces that must be on your list, dear reader, if you’re furnishing your home for the first time:
1. A bed or mattress that will last a lifetime
Studies by scientists who track human life show that a person spends one-third of their life in bed, so it’s one of the most important pieces of furniture that must be chosen carefully. When buying a mattress, be sure to choose one that is comfortable and well-made with durable construction. Select the best type and brand you can find, and keep in mind that you’ll be using it for more than ten years. This doesn’t mean you should look for the most expensive option, because a high price doesn’t necessarily equate to quality or comfort. The high price might be due to the materials used, the finish, or the inclusion of extra features—some for medical purposes, others that are gimmicky, or still others that you simply don’t need. When buying a mattress, it’s often said: “Experience is the best proof.” So seek advice from previous buyers, and when you arrive at the mattress store, try them out—and don’t be shy about lying down on the mattress in the store.
2. Wardrobes and Storage Units
Having storage units in your home is essential to ensure you have a suitable place to store clothes, shoes, toiletries, books, and other items—especially since the designs of most homes and apartments on the market lack any built-in storage units integrated into the walls. The number and layout of these units in your home depend on your needs and those of your family members, as well as the number of people in your household; however, you must also take into account the home’s design and style, the size of the room, and the available space when purchasing or designing these units. Closets and storage units are often made of wood, but there are also options on the market made of aluminum or, to a lesser extent, inlaid with glass and acrylic. Therefore, care must be taken to select wood that can withstand temperature changes and is of sufficient thicknessto ensure durability and longevity. Among the most essential storage units you can start with are clothing closets, bedside tables, and TV stands.
3. A Comfortable Living Room Set
A sofa or living room set is an important piece of furniture after choosing a bed. They come in many shapes and designs, with a variety of fabrics and colors, and their prices also vary. Overall, choose the best you can afford, but make sure the wooden frames of the sofa are sturdy and made from the highest-quality wood. In addition, the threads securing the sofa’s springs should ideally be knotted in an octagonal pattern to ensure comfort when sitting. Remember to choose what suits your taste, the style of your home, and your needs, and select durable fabrics that are easy to wash and clean. The choice of backrests is up to you: those with adjustable backrests have a beautiful, modern look but can be a hassle to adjust, while those with fixed backrests are more convenient because you won’t have to keep readjusting them.
4. Coffee Table or Side Table
Tables come in a wide variety of shapes, designs, and materials in today’s market. You’ll find rectangular, square, round, and oval tables, as well as simple, classic, and modern designs. In addition, the materials used to make them vary; some are made of wood, others of glass, and still others of metal. Choosing the right table for your home depends on the style of your home and furniture; the tables must complement them to ensure the home’s overall beauty. If you can’t find something that suits your taste or matches your home in stores, there’s nothing simpler than having one custom-made at a carpentry, metalwork, or glass shop—and the price is usually reasonable. Just be sure to request the highest-quality and most durable materials for the construction. It’s best to choose lightweight tables so they’re easy to move and carry for cleaning or for use in multiple locations. If you need side tables but don’t have enough space or the budget to buy them in addition to a coffee table, you can do without the coffee table and arrange the side tables next to each other to serve as a coffee table.
5. Fully Equipped Kitchen
The houses and apartments listed on our market platforms often lack a fully equipped and furnished kitchen; we frequently find that the kitchen in these properties is simply a room with plumbing but no kitchen cabinets whatsoever. Choosing the right kitchen fixtures, selecting an appropriate design, and customizing it is extremely important and more costly than for any other room in the house; therefore, it is recommended that the kitchen be the first room you consider designing and installing in your home. For more information on choosing the right kitchen, the materials used, and their costs, please refer to the kitchen feature we covered in Amlak Real Estate Magazine (Issue 49).
6. Dining Table
Given the urban lifestyle we lead and doctors’ warnings against sitting on the floor, the styles of houses and apartments have become increasingly modern, and we find that nearly all of them feature floors covered with various types of ceramic, marble, or wood. Owning a dining table has become a necessity for furnishing homes, Most tables on the market are round or rectangular, but you can also find smaller, square or oval ones with an extendable feature—which we recommend for small families or those living in limited spaces. Dining tables come in a variety of materials, and you can have them custom-made to your specifications at any specialty store. These tables are versatile and not limited to just dining; they can also be placed in the kitchen for food preparation or used for studying or working.
7. Dining Chairs
We’ve chosen to list chairs separately from the dining table because, dear reader, you don’t have to buy them as a matching set. This aligns with the latest trend in interior design, which encourages creativity and harmony even when furniture pieces are made of different materials. You might find a set of chairs you like, but the table is too small or made of materials that don’t suit your taste—don’t feel limited by that. Many modern furniture stores have adopted this trend, giving buyers the option to purchase pieces separately for their convenience. These chairs can be used for dining and working, and they can also be moved to serve as extra seating in the living room when you have guests, so be sure to buy ones that are sturdy yet easy to carry.
8. Lighting
Saudi homes and apartments often lack adequate lighting; while some may have wiring for spotlights, you’ll need additional lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers or side lamps, to place in the living room or on either side of the bed in the bedroom. The number of lighting fixtures depends on what’s already in the home and your specific needs. To learn more about choosing the right lighting fixtures for you and the different types available, refer to Article No. 52.
9- Appliances
Whether you have these appliances depends on your needs, but the most essential items that should be in any home are an oven, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a television, a vacuum cleaner, and an iron. Choose the ones that suit you best within your budget, but be sure to select high-quality models that come with a warranty. It’s also best to choose a store that offers delivery and after-sales maintenance services. Also, take your family’s growth into account and choose what’s appropriate, as the lifespan of these appliances can exceed ten years.
10. Essential Household Items
Examples of these items include kitchenware used for cooking and dining, as well as cleaning supplies such as a broom, mop, cleaning cloths, and cleaning powders.

Finally, dear reader, we recommend that you make a list of all the essentials you’ll need in your new home and think about the style you want and the budget you’re willing to spend. This will make it easier for you to organize your time and plan the places you need to visit.