Is It Smarter to Buy Matching Furniture Sets for a First Apartment?

I’m about to move into my first apartment (1-bedroom, about 620 sq ft), and I’m stuck on one big decision: should I buy matching furniture sets, or mix pieces over time?

Part of me likes the idea of getting a coordinated living room set (sofa + loveseat + coffee table) because it removes the guesswork. I don’t have a design background, and I don’t want the space to look random. At the same time, I’m worried it might make the apartment feel too “showroom-ish” or less personal.

Budget-wise, I’m trying to stay practical. I’ve noticed that sometimes full furniture sets can cost less than buying individual pieces separately, especially when browsing wholesale marketplaces like Alibaba just to compare styles and price ranges (not necessarily to buy, just to research what’s out there).

My apartment has neutral walls, dark flooring, and decent natural light. I’m leaning toward something simple and cohesive, but I also don’t want to regret locking into one style too quickly.

For those who’ve already furnished their first place: did you start with matching furniture sets, or build your space piece by piece? What worked (or didn’t)?