Because apartments tend to be small and cozy, a minimalistic approach to furniture design is usually preferable. For a minimal design, stick to the basics, including bed, dresser and night table for the bedroom, eating table and chairs for the dining room, and a couch, coffee table and television stand for the living room. This is an ideal choice for someone who is looking to maximize his space while saving money (or simply spending his furniture budget on high-quality pieces). About eight to 10 pieces of furniture cover a minimal design for an apartment.

On the Other: Lived-in Look

On the other hand, adding additional pieces of furniture and art to an apartment can help it look more cozy, less impersonal and more like a lived-in home. To do this you start with the basics of a minimalistic design and then add additional tables (like night stands, vanities and mail tables), desks, recliners, love seats and floor lamps. When all is said and done, you might have over 20 pieces of furniture in the apartment.

Bottom Line

Make your decision on how much furniture to buy for your apartment based on your budget and taste. If you have an expensive taste and a limited budget, go with a minimal approach. If you don't mind less expensive pieces, like thrift-store and flea-market furniture, have an unlimited budget for furnishing your apartment or you want an apartment that feels very warm and homey, buy plenty of furniture pieces to fill up the space.

Source:

Out in Home; Design Dilemma How to Make Minimal Look, Minimal Furniture, Minimal Space

Apartment Ratings; Apartment Sweet Home; Apr. 2nd, 2007