Avoid mistakes people make when buying furniture with these tips and tricks. Purchase the right couches, tables, and beds for your home the first time.
Even if you love shopping, you may not yet be a master at picking out furniture. These are often fairly substantial purchases that can add up quickly if you aren’t paying enough attention. You can avoid most of the common mistakes people make when buying furniture with some experience. Still, if you are a first-time homebuyer or renovating your apartment, these tips will lead you in the right direction.
Measure Your Space Ahead of Time
You don’t want to fall in love with a piece of furniture that will never fit inside your home. Know the dimensions of your space—and entryways—so that you can filter the options that will work for you when online shopping. If you are working with a salesperson, they can use this information to narrow down your options to only those that will work for your space.
The standard queen bed is for people who want more space than a full-sized bed but don’t have enough room for a king-sized bed. It measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, but make sure to measure your space and consider any obstacles before purchasing.
Pro Tip: Consider creating a scaled floorplan of the rooms you want to decorate. This way, you’ll be able to visualize different ways a piece could fit into the space without blocking entryways or foot traffic.
Mind Your Budget
You might want to renovate your entire space or fill a new home with brand-new furniture all at once. However, you can make things easier on your wallet by choosing used furniture or items that are on sale. Do not let salespeople pressure you into making a purchase if you are not ready or cannot afford something. It is not your problem if they need to create more space on their show floors.
Pro Tip: If you are willing to wait for a sale, you might get a good deal around holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Furniture stores often run sales during patriotic holidays.
Choose Practical Furniture
The type of furniture you buy should reflect the lifestyle you lead. Think about how your furniture will fit into your future. If you plan to move, have kids, or adopt pets, you may want to consider purchasing practical furniture. Tables with wings, sectionals, and sturdy shelves are worth your investment if you do not want to replace things in a couple of years—or months!
Pro Tip: Choose fabrics that hold up to your lifestyle, too. The leather vs. fabric debate comes down to whether or not you have pets or kids, as fabric will hide wear and tear better than leather.
Take Your Time
Like buying a home or car, purchasing furniture on impulse is never a good idea. Visit several stores and look at as many different layouts as you can. Whether you want a custom set or a pre-designed one, there is no reason to feel rushed into deciding. Take your time thinking about which options will represent your style, and conduct research to determine which stores and items have the best reviews.
Pro Tip: While you’re visiting furniture stores, do not be afraid to sit or lie down on the display pieces. You might not get another opportunity to make sure your couch is comfortable before you buy it.
Anyone can avoid these common mistakes people make when buying furniture by planning ahead and shopping with confidence. Take your time, and don’t let anyone pressure you to go over your budget. You can design the home of your dreams with these tips and tricks in your toolbelt.
