Do’s and Don’ts of buying furniture

Buying the right furniture is one of the biggest steps in making your house, your home, which is why I completely understand how it can get a bit overwhelming sometimes- we’ve all been there. I’m sure by now you’ve already fine-combed through pinterest, and started picturing how your house would look like a masterpiece once you’re through picking your picks, that is, unless, you make some common mistakes when buying your furniture. To help you avoid falling prey to such blunders, I’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to buying your furniture. I hope this helps J

Do’s

Consider your lifestyle/ future plans

Pick pieces that suit your lifestyle, and consider how long you plan to keep a piece. Your picks should be based on facts like, if you have kids or pets, or if any of your family members have allergies, in which case maybe skip the velvet chase and opt for a fabric that’s easy to clean and will maintain its look over time.

Evaluate the furniture you need

It’s important that you put your furniture needs ahead of your wants, it’s very easy to get carried away given the options available today and the big billboards screaming sale. I’d suggest you make a list of furniture you need and prioritize it according to your budget.

Research on budget-friendly deals

Be on the lookout for quality yet affordable pieces. Compare different retailers and websites for the best deals, you should schedule a day for window shopping so you can drop by different stores and take note of the price points while checking out the quality of the furniture.

Make sure to test out the couches

When testing out sofas and sectionals, make sure to sit on them like you would in your home. Different couches fit different people’s heights. Couches with deeper seats fit taller people best. If you have trouble rising from the seat, try a shallower seat.

If you have allergies or pets consider choosing a leather or microfiber couch. These are both lint-free and do not attract dust. They are both durable, easy to clean, and can withstand the extra wear and tear.

When picking a sofa that you know will be getting lots of use make sure to check if the fabric wrinkles easily or stretches. A sofa will look unkempt and fallen-in if it has sagging fabric.

Read product reviews

It is important that you read the product reviews of the piece you’re looking to buy, you don’t want to be disappointed later.

Pay attention to the fabric

Natural fibres and fabrics are preferable, but most have synthetics mixed in, even the high-end textile ones, for durability and stain resistance. Buying fabrics with mixed synthetics can help keep the cost down, but consider the quality.

Don’t

Purchase a piece without measuring it

It would be heart-breaking if you were to bring home a gorgeous piece, only to realise that it won’t really fit. Make sure to measure all entries and passages that your furniture will have to go through, keep in mind any architectural detail and low hanging fixtures, measure your rooms, mark out the dimensions on the floor so as to get an idea of how much space you have left. Also note furniture measurements.

Give in to impulse buying

Don’t go buying a white elephant as it might just end up in your storage room. Before shopping for furniture take time to really think about how you can maximize the piece, and if it really is something you need. With most things, less is more! Think about the space you have, the look you’re trying to create for your home.

Skimp on quality

You get what you pay for, this is very true when it comes to furniture. I’m not suggesting that expensive furniture is guaranteed to be better in quality, but something that is priced lower would also be so in terms of its quality and durability.

Go straight for the sets

Virtually, every pro agrees that if you’re a newbie at furniture shopping, you’re more likely to go for the entire set that catches your eye on the catalog. Instead you should consider mixing tones, textures and styles you wouldn’t ordinarily think would pair well together, this can give a room a really layered and interesting look, making it YOURS.

Buy everything at one time

If you buy all your pieces of furniture at once, you won’t leave any flexibility to find something more fabulous elsewhere. Splurge on main pieces such as a sofa or dining set, and then let the pieces “breathe” a bit in your space before adding accent pieces.

Buy anything that feels flimsy

As a general rule, if a piece is light-weight, then it’s probably not sturdy or well-made. Even engineered wood products, such as furniture made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) are heavy if they are good quality. Solid wood items are preferable.