Ensuring you pick the right furniture pieces for your home can be a daunting task. People often underestimate the importance of thoughtful furniture choices, and are left with subsequent regret. Whether you are on the hunt for a single statement piece, such as a sofa or side table, or are furnishing an entire room, here are some top tips to help you make the right decision.
Start with composition. Ask yourself what kind of functionality the space requires and stick to it. For instance, for smaller spaces, you will need multi-functional, slim-line furniture; while larger areas can accommodate dearer, statement pieces. Always ensure you have enough storage for whatever the conditions call for, as having too little can be cumbersome.
Shape is equally important – go for pieces that compliment the architecture of your home. Consider the existing dominant colors and textures – new furniture should work in harmony with what’s already there. Additionally, while some pieces can be rearranged, once something is installed, it may well be there for good – think wisely.
Price can be a deciding factor. Comparison shopping is always a good idea, and you’ll think more critically about the pieces you truly want and don’t want. Weigh up your options; custom-made pieces can be more expensive in the short-term, but can yield an amazing payoff in the long run.
Quality is paramount. Good quality furniture will serve you for the long haul; cheap materials don’t always last, and can end up costing more in the long term. Ask yourself; is it durable? Will it be around in years? Consider the fabric – exquisite fabrics will work much better than others which may be prone to staining and wearing. If you’re buying online, make sure you read the reviews.
Style is a much of muchness. Everyone has their own sense of style, and furniture should reflect that. In this way, your browsing experience should focus on comfort and practicality combined with your desired aesthetic.
Overall, when selecting your furniture, it’s important to think through the decisions to ensure you’re making the right ones. Keep in mind; you use your furniture every day, so choose pieces with lasting quality.
Now consider the other end of the spectrum; furnishing an entire room. First up is to plot the dimensions of the room on paper – in scale – and mark the placement of any existing furniture or fixtures such as radiators or electrical sockets. This will give you an idea as to what size the new furniture should be.
If starting with an empty room, think carefully about how you intend to use it and develop the furniture around this. Different zones can be created for different purposes. From here on, you could decide on a style for the room and pick the furniture accordingly, allowing for some flexibility whilst still adhering to initial functionality.
Once you have the measurements and measurements written down, color plays a major role. If your room is white, dark colors could be used as a bold statement or alternatively, you could go for pastel shades and lighter tones for a subtle effect.
Prioritize lighting in the space. It determines the ambience of the room and is important for furniture placement, allowing you to showcase certain pieces; if possible, natural light is a blessing and can be enhanced with statement pendant lighting to provide a luxurious effect – don’t forget all those smaller accent lamps or shades that can make a big difference.
Proportions also need to be taken into account. A large sofa is great, but it could overpower a small space; a small side table, on the other hand, would be well suited to a corner, so it’s worth noting the size of furniture in comparison to the area – this will help avoid any issues.
Think of accent pieces – these provide the finishing touches and can bridge any substantial gaps between colors, textures and shapes. This could include area rugs, mirrors, wall art, cushions, throws and artwork. It’s best to keep an open mind when browsing – you may stumble across something you weren’t quite expecting.
The addition of any shelving units or storage solutions should be considered at the outset – sometimes in advance of the furniture. You may need clever solutions such as built-ins with custom-made cabinets, and although space may be tight, they can provide extra storage, whilst still allowing plenty of walkways around the furniture.
Finally, if you want to discreetly hide away any mess, closets or sliding doors can work well – designing a room doesn’t start and end with furniture; thinking beyond it is equally important and serves to enhance the overall aesthetic while providing practicality at the same time.
When it comes to discussing furniture, the options are endless and understanding what’s available is the key. Do you need modular pieces? What kind of fabrics should you opt for? Is the color scheme important? Do you need specialist cabinetmakers? Where do you start?
By following the tried and tested principles outlined above, you’ll be able to find the ideal pieces that are not only trendy, but timeless too.
Remember, quality over quantity; think long-term and invest in pieces that can last a lifetime. Combined with the practicality you are looking for, and the impact you desire.
When selecting furniture, comfort should be top of mind; you should rest assured that all your pieces will be up to the task and fit within any price range.
Ultimately, introducing the right furniture pieces to your home has the potential to revolutionize its ambience and provide a relaxed and inviting environment – dare we say it, your space will look amazing.
Don’t be afraid to take risks: if you’re looking for something special, why not experiment with custom creation? This could be as simple as upcycling; turning an old piece of furniture into something completely new – the possibilities are truly endless.
Home decor stores have an abundance of furniture that might fit the bill, but can get pricey; searching auctions, garage sales and thrift stores can uncover hidden gems that often come with labels that are much lesser.
At the same time, don’t forget the outdoor space. It’s a great option – investing in some furniture for a garden, patio or balcony can help bring new life to the area; from comfortable seating, to accent pieces, home furnishings for outdoor zones can be a great addition and one that will be enjoyed by everyone.
Furniture should bring joy, style and practicality to your home. And with the right choices, you can make an exciting statement and a great investment. So, be inspired and start picking today; the perfect furniture is out there, waiting for its forever home.