Home Furnishings for the Recent College Graduate

As recent college grads move beyond the college lifestyle, it is time to abandon the pizza-box furniture and feather their nests in style. Home furnishings are perfect for personalizing a starter apartment.

These home furnishings make great graduation gifts, but the budget-friendly prices also make them affordable for new grads. As grads move to a bigger home, these versatile pieces remain useful.

Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is a practical storage solution that serves as a footstool, seating and coffee table. The ottomans come in a variety of sizes and styles. JC Penney currently has small cube ottomans for approximately $60. Larger, rectangular ottomans and nesting sets are also available at various stores.

Bookshelves
Basic shelves can hold books and decorations or display awards. Unless the room has industrial decor, avoid plain, metallic shelves. Warm designs, such as Target's Home 6 Cube Organizer, are suitable for any room of the home.

Floor Lamp
Budget-conscious graduates can use spot lighting to create ambiance and illuminate a reading nook. Choose a floor lamp with a sturdy base to reduce the risk of it tipping over. Better Homes and Gardens floor lamps cost approximately $45 each and feature metallic finishes that match nearly any decor.

Sofa
IKEA's modular sofa pieces come in a variety of colors and make it possible to create a unique seating area for a small home. A chaise lounge and armchair combine to form a loveseat for approximately $550.

Bar Stools
A full dining set may not be the right choice for a singleton, but many kitchens include a dining counter or island. Measure the counter height and buy a pair of bar stools to make use of this feature. Bar stools are available at a variety of price points depending on the style. Expect to pay $60 on the lower end, but decorative bar stools can cost hundreds of dollars. The Home Styles 30" Bar Stools are available for a little over $100 each and feature a swivel seat.

Pub Table
If the new graduate wants a dining table, consider buying a pub table. These tall, often square tables do not require as much room as a conventional dining set, but can comfortably seat one to four people.

Tips for Choosing Furniture
When shopping for furniture, it is important to consider the delivery options and fees. Some retailers only offer delivery for a small area.

Consider the layout of the graduate's new home when choosing furniture. Some apartments have narrow entrances and tight staircases, making it difficult to deliver larger pieces, such as armoires.

Recent college graduates can create public wish lists or register on store websites to help friends and family choose the perfect gift.