7 Tips for First Time Furniture Buyers |
Posted: December 7, 2022 |
Whether you’re furnishing your new home or have finally decided to take the plunge and replace old hand-me-downs, buying new furniture is an exciting endeavor! However, it can also be a little daunting. This is a big purchase that you’re planning to live with for maybe the next ten years. There will be a lot of options and decisions to make and nobody likes returning items, especially large pieces of furniture. We’re going to give you some tips and tricks to make your buying experience easier and more enjoyable! Measure Your SpaceBefore you even head to the furniture store, it’s a good idea to measure the areas of your home you want to furnish. If you’re going to be furnishing a new home, create a sketched-out mock-up of your floor plan with measurements. That way, you can place sketches of your furniture with each piece's measurements to imagine how things will fit when you bring them home. Do you really have space for a sectional sofa and a reclining chair in your living room? Asking these questions before you purchase will help you avoid mistakes. You could also lay down painter’s tape on the floor of each room to help you see how the furniture will fit when you place it. Get SwatchesFurniture is a large purchase, and most people prefer to go browsing and then sleep on their possible choices. While you’re out window shopping and browsing your options, ask a store employee for fabric swatches that you can take home. Many stores will provide fabric samples to you for free. Swatches will give you the feel of the material you’ll be sitting or laying on while you’re relaxing at home. You can also see how the patterns and colors will work with your existing wall and carpet colors. Consider Family Members With AllergiesWhether you know there’s a family member with allergies, or you have young children who might develop allergies at any time in their growing life, researching what materials your furniture is made of is something you should consider. Allergies to dust mites and pet dander are some of the most common allergies, and cloth fabric can easily trap dust and dander. The best styles of furniture for allergies are made from leather or vinyl and stand up above the floor so that you can easily clean beneath them. If you’re really set on cloth fabric, you’ll want to choose something with a very tight weave that will help prevent as much dust as possible from penetrating it. Remember, you’ll also have to clean cloth fabric more often. Look at the Quality of CraftsmanshipWhile a low price tag may be very appealing, that cut in cost often means a big dip in the quality of the furniture. If you have a family with kids that will get high-use out of your furniture, you don’t want to buy cheap, low-quality items that will break in a couple of years. While a store employee may be able to help you discern high-quality furniture, here are a few things to look for on your own:
Modern and Vintage FurnitureWhen choosing the style for your room or home there are a lot of choices! Modern furniture tends to be minimalistic yet functional while vintage furniture embraces the ornate and is typically made with quality materials and construction. It’s easy to find a wide array of modern furniture online that can be shipped right to your door. Modern-style furniture may also offer modern tech conveniences like wireless charging stations and USB hubs built in. If you’re going with a vintage style, you’ll want to hit the antique stores to find real vintage pieces. You may be able to find new furniture in vintage styles, but they likely won’t be made to the same high standards of past generations. Wait for Wallet-Friendly TimesFurniture outlets run sales during certain holidays and on specific pieces during different seasons. The best holidays to look for furniture sales are during President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and end-of-the-year holiday sales. Furniture stores will also look to move old inventory to make room for the new stock. January and July are excellent months for furniture shopping because most stores get new items during February and August. And, if you’re looking for outdoor furniture sets, check out what’s selling during the months of August and September as they clear out summer stock. Check Reviews OnlineWhether you prefer to buy your furniture in a brick-and-mortar store or online, the internet can provide valuable insights before you make a purchase. In addition to being able to see many more style options online, you’ll also be able to read customer reviews. This will help you learn what others have already experienced like furniture lifespan, how it stains and shows dirt, comfort factors, and other pros and cons. Also, it’s always a good idea to price check furniture you want to buy in a store with other retailers online and other nearby stores. Now that you’re more informed about buying new furniture, you can start the fun process of designing your space! Keep these tips in mind and you’ll nail it on the first go and snag the best prices available. Remember to take your time and make your decisions carefully. If you have family members that will be using the furniture, too, be sure to get some input from them. Even children can point out the pros and cons you may not have noticed.
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