Home Furniture Shopping: What You Need to Know

Shopping for furniture for the home can be an overwhelming experience.​ It’s important to know what you’re looking for and how to best compare prices and deals.​ Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your home furniture shopping experience.​

1.​ Start with a budget.​ Before you start looking, decide how much you can reasonably spend on the furniture.​ This will help you narrow down your options quickly and help you make sure you won’t regret the purchase later.​

2.​ Consider the size of the pieces.​ Chances are you’re shopping for furniture to fit a specific room or space.​ Before you begin shopping, measure the area carefully and keep the measurements handy.​ That’ll help you avoid buying pieces that are too big or too small.​

3.​ Have a style in mind.​ Decide what type of furniture best suits your needs and style.​ This is especially important if you’re shopping for vintage or antique furniture, which may not fit the vibe of your room.​

4.​ Be sure to try it out.​ Many furniture stores let you take furniture for a test drive.​ Use this opportunity to make sure the piece feels comfortable and that it’s something you can live with.​ If you can’t test it in the store, ask if you can return it if it’s not a good fit at home.​

5.​ Read the warranties.​ Some furniture pieces come with warranties, usually in case of an accident.​ Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before you buy the piece.​ That way you won’t be stuck with an expensive repair bill if something should happen.​

6.​ Compare prices.​ As you’re shopping for furniture, use the Internet to compare prices.​ You may be able to find a better deal online or find a coupon that’ll bring the price down even further.​

7.​ Ask questions.​ If you have any questions about the piece or the store’s policies, don’t hesitate to ask.​ You want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money and that you can rely on the store in the case of any issues or questions.​

Section 2

1.​ Check the materials and quality.​ Most furniture stores will provide you with detailed information about the materials used to build the piece.​ Look carefully to ensure that you’re buying high-quality furniture that can stand up to everyday use.​

2.​ Think outside the box.​ You don’t always have to buy brand-new furniture.​ Many antique and used furniture stores carry gently used pieces that can be as functional as more modern counterparts.​ Another option is to buy furniture pieces and refinish them, giving them a new life as a different piece.​

3.​ Take the time to shop around.​ Comparing prices and styles is important when you’re shopping for furniture.​ Taking the time to look around allows you to find the best pieces for the best prices, rather than settling for something you don’t love.​

4.​ Look at delivery fees.​ Delivery fees can really add up.​ Ask the store up front what they charge for delivery, and find out if they offer any discounts if you opt to pick up the piece from the store yourself.​

5.​ Don’t forget about accessories.​ Don’t forget to pick up items to complete your furniture set.​ This can include throw pillows, console tables, lamps, accent pieces, and more.​ These can help transform your furniture from just a piece of furniture to a showcase of your taste and style.​

Section 3

1.​ Take time to care for your furniture.​ New furniture usually comes with instructions on how to care for it properly, so be sure to read them when you purchase items.​ This will help ensure that your furniture lasts as long as possible and keeps it looking good.​

2.​ Don’t be afraid to haggle.​ Many furniture stores may be willing to offer you a better price for a certain piece if you’re willing to take the time to haggle a bit.​ Worst case scenario, you can always walk away if you don’t get the price you were looking for.​

3.​ Don’t forget to accessorize.​ When shopping for furniture, it can be easy to forget about accessorizing the piece.​ Consider items like frames, vases, photo albums, and more that can help show off the piece and make it look even better.​

4.​ Check online reviews.​ Before you purchase from any store, be sure to read online reviews to get a feel for how other customers have been treated.​ Reviews can also tell you a lot about the quality of the furniture and can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of customer service.​

5.​ Get creative when arranging.​ Don’t be afraid to get creative when arranging your furniture.​ Just because pieces come in a certain order doesn’t mean that’s the only way the furniture can be arranged.​ Mix and match pieces to find the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing layout.​

Section 4

1.​ Get creative with paint.​ If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up an old furniture piece, consider giving it a new coat of paint.​ A bright, vibrant color can make a dull piece look new again, and with some sanding and prep work, you can even give an old piece a new finish.​

2.​ Shop antique stores.​ Many antique stores carry gems that can be just as lovely as those sold in furniture stores.​ Antique furniture can add a vintage vibe to a room, and it’s often cheaper than buying brand-new pieces.​

3.​ Mix and match styles.​ Just because a piece of furniture is traditional doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.​ Mixing styles and fabrics can result in some interesting looks that can add unexpected flair to a room.​

4.​ Consider getting upholstery.​ Reupholstering a piece of furniture can give it a new life and make it look like new.​ Many furniture stores offer reupholstery services or can point you toward a local shop that does.​

5.​ Buy the best you can afford.​ While it can be tempting to buy cheaper furniture pieces, it’s important to invest in quality if you can.​ Quality pieces last longer and tend to look better for a longer period of time.​ Plus, sometimes it pays to spend a bit more upfront to save on repairs or replacements later.​