The Basics of Home Furniture Shopping: What to Know Before You Buy

Shopping for a new home furniture can be exciting yet overwhelming.​ Before you point your keys at the front door of a home furniture store, there are a few things you should know to ensure you end up making the best decisions for your décor, comfort level and budget.​

When deciding which furniture pieces to purchase, consider the size of the room and how the pieces will fit into it.​ If you choose a large sectional for a small room, it will overwhelm the space and make it less comfortable.​ Not only is comfort important, but also the aesthetic appeal.​ Take inventory of the items you already have in your space, like seating, rugs, lamps, etc.​, and make sure the new pieces will match.​

Pay attention to the details of the furniture you’re buying.​ What kind of materials is it made from? Is it sturdy enough to last through the years? Can it hold up to heavy use if you have pets or small kids in the house? Consider all of these factors to help ensure your pieces not only look great but stand the test of time.​

Take some time to do your research when it comes to furniture stores.​ There’s a lot of competition out there and with that comes a lot of offers like sales, free delivery or discounts.​ Read online reviews to find out about any stores you’re unfamiliar with and see what kind of experience others have had with their transactions.​

Familiarize yourself with the different furniture pieces that are available.​ Know what style you want to go with – classic, contemporary, traditional, etc.​ It’s easy to get confused with all the options, so make a list of your top 3 furniture pieces and then go from there.​

Prioritize your budget.​ Set a comfortable limit for yourself and keep track of your spending so you don’t go over budget.​ Assess which pieces you must have and which are more of a want and adjust your spending accordingly.​

In terms of care, look into the fabric or leather of the pieces you’re considering buying.​ How much maintenance will it require? If it’s a fabric, can it be machine-washed or should you take it to the dry cleaner? If it’s leather, what kind of special cleaners should you use to make sure the furniture lasts for years to come?

Finally, invest in accessories for the furniture you’ve chosen.​ Throw pillows, slipcovers and throws can easily enhance the style of the pieces and pull together any eclectic look you may have.​ Take your time to pick the right accessories and add personality to your room.​

Wooden furniture can last for years if taken care of properly.​ Prior to purchase, check the finish to make sure it’s in good condition.​ Once it is in your home, use furniture polish to keep it looking new.​

Plastic furniture is a great way to add colorful and vibrant décor to any room.​ Choose pieces that have a weather-resistant finish, so pieces won’t fade when exposed to the sun.​ This type of furniture is easy to clean and is perfect for hosting gatherings because of its durability.​

Upholstered furniture can give your space a cozy and inviting feel.​ Before you purchase, inspect the material and the frame construction.​ Ensure that the frame is sound and that the cushioning is thick and plush.​

Leather furniture adds a luxurious touch to any room.​ Be sure to check out the grain pattern and color of the leather to ensure it’s uniform and free of any imperfections.​ Protect or clean your leather with specialized products or sprays to keep it looking great.​

When it comes to outdoor furniture, choose pieces that can stand up to all types of weather.​ Look for pieces with all-weather fabric, tempered glass and powder-coated aluminum frames.​ Also, keep in mind the size of the area so pieces fit perfectly and don’t look lost in the expanse of the outdoor space.​

Before you purchase any type of home furniture, ask yourself what type of look you want to create in your home.​ Do you prefer a modern, industrial feel or a more traditional, homey look? Your furniture can say so much about your aesthetic style, so make sure it conveys the right message.​

Think practically when it comes to your furniture pieces.​ What type of comfort do you want them to provide? What color tones should they have? In what order should they be arranged so your room looks balanced?

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for home furniture so you can create a space that’s stunning, cozy and reflects your personality.​ Don’t forget to research the various types and styles of furniture, compare prices and familiarize yourself with pieces that fit your interests and lifestyle.​ Good luck!