Furniture shopping can be both intimidating and expensive. To ensure you get the most out of your purchases, it pays to know a few insider furniture shopping tips. Here are the essential pieces of advice you need before getting started.
First, set a budget. Decide how much money you have to spend and stick to it. That way you know exactly what you can and can’t purchase. Getting tempted into buying something because it looks great is a rookie mistake. Having a firm budget in place will help you to resist when the urge to splurge strikes.
Second, measure the available space you have. Knowing how much space you have to work with will help you select the right furniture pieces. Buying something too large will make the room look cramped and make it harder to move around. Measuring is vital.
Thirdly, consider the use of the furniture. How much wear will the piece get? For instance, if you’re buying a dining room table, how much entertaining will it have to cope with? Choosing the right material and type for purpose is critical.
Fourth, consider durability. It may be tempting to opt for the cheaper option, but you’ll usually pay more in the long run when it comes to furniture. Investing a little more in quality pieces will save you money in the long run.
Fifth, don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Pillows, throws and artwork can make a space feel more comfortable and inviting. Not to mention, these can be switched out easily when trends and tastes change.
Sixth, keep an eye out for the sales. Furniture stores are always trying to entice customers in with discounts. However, furniture sales occur periodically. Ready yourself for the occasional bargain by keeping an eye on online furniture stores and keeping in touch with local dealers.
Finally, check for customer reviews. Don’t be shy about asking about return policies or warranties. Reading customer comments for the store, and even the piece of furniture you’re looking at, will give you a fair idea of the quality of their service.
Takeaway: Furniture shopping should be an enjoyable experience. Arm yourself with the right knowledge, shop around, and do your research. You’ll be sure to find the right pieces at the right price. Here are some further points worth considering when it comes to furniture shopping.
Take your time: Don’t rush the process. Take your time and consider the purchase. Compare and contrast designs and prices and don’t make a snap decision. It will pay off in the long run.
Be flexible: You may not find the exact piece you’re looking for right away, but remain flexible. You may not think the sofa you thought would be perfect will be the ideal size for your space. Don’t be fooled into thinking there are no alternatives, keep searching.
Think outside the box: Who says furniture has to be of conventional design? Creating something unique and distinct can be achieved with a bit of creativity. That said, when spending money, sometimes quality craftsmanship is worth it.
Compare finishes: Stains, woods, paints, and materials can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types and hues. Again, take your time and choose something that makes your home feel special.
Go within your comfort zone: Don’t buy that wild looking armchair just because it’s cheap. Stick to styles and pieces that you feel comfortable with. Remember, the furniture will feature prominently in your home.
Be smart: Consider the cost of moving any furniture you buy; especially when it comes to heavy sofas and beds. Moving them several times in the future can also be costly. Make sure any furniture you’re looking to buy will fit through the door and won’t be impossible to move.
Look beyond the surface: Make sure you try out any furniture you’re looking to buy if it’s available. That means sitting and lying on it and making sure it’s comfortable and correctly supporting you. Don’t forget, you’re probably going to have this furniture for several years.
Keep it local: Shopping for furniture at a local store allows you to make sure it is the right piece for you. If there are any issues with the furniture, you are able to talk to someone in person about the problem.
Ask questions: Whatever furniture you’re looking to buy, ask questions from the beginnin. Do you provide delivery? What is the return policy? What does your warranty cover? Let the retailer know what you’re looking for so that they can help you find the right piece for your budget.
Be aware of shipping restrictions and delivery costs: Not all furniture companies deliver nationwide, so if you’re living in remote areas make sure your furniture can be shipped to you. Also, be aware of shipping costs and timeframes. Some can be expensive and take weeks.
Go online: Online furniture shopping can help you find great deals you wouldn’t get in stores. Comparing prices is easy, and often delivery can be arranged quickly. Better yet, some online stores even have virtual showrooms that let you visualize what the furniture will look like in your home.
Know when to buy: The end of the summer is often a great time to buy furniture; as is the end of the year when most stores will offer discounts and sales. There is also Black Friday, when discounts and bargains galore are on offer.
Choose comfort over everything: Ultimately, if you’re going for maximum comfort, pay a little more money for the best furniture you can at the time. Comfort is key when it comes to furniture. Buying a high-quality sofa might seem like a costly decision, but it will be worth the investment in offers years of use.
Be willing to negotiate: It never hurts to haggle when it comes to furniture. If you are a returning customer, make sure you negotiate a good deal for yourself. You don’t have to make major compromises – even a small reduction can help you out.
Know your dimensions: Make sure you get the exact measurements of the furniture you are looking to buy. Double-check the dimensions of the space they are going in and make sure you know precisely what to expect. If you can get a detailed description or even better an actual picture, you’ll know that what you’re after will fit, and fit well.
Shop for quality and style: Make sure that you look for both quality and style when it comes to your furniture purchase. Not only is it about how it looks, it’s also important to select something long-lasting and comfortable. Quality furniture will look better, last longer, and provide more value-for-money in the long run.
Invest in furniture protection: Why pay all that money for furniture just to have it stained or ruined? Invest in special protective products that extend the life of your furniture, and make sure you clean up any messes quickly. That way your furniture can stay looking new for longer.
Look for the right fabric: Not only should you ask about the materials used to make the furniture, you should also ask about the fabric or upholstery used. Natural fabrics offer superior comfort, but they can cost more. Synthetic fabrics can be cheaper but may not be as comfortable. Go for a fabric that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
By seeking out the right deal and putting all these pointers into practice, furniture shopping needn’t be daunting. Stick to these tips and you’ll get the best value for money and the perfect pieces for your home.