Buying brand-new furniture is an exciting adventure. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, upgrading from hand-me-downs, or got a sudden urge to give your place a makeover, new furniture is going to make your space feel fresh, fun, and comfortable.
When you finally walk into your local furniture store and see all of the attractive displays and variety of options, you can feel a lot of pressure to choose the right new pieces for your home. Use these furniture shopping tips from the pros to help make your experience fun and fruitful!
Set a budget.
Before you start shopping and get mesmerized by all the beautiful pieces, give yourself a set range for what you are able and want to spend on furniture. Having a budget will keep you from wasting time considering pieces you can’t afford and focus on those that are feasible for you. When you arrive at the store, let your consultant know what your budget it is, so they can point you in the right direction.
Determine your wants and needs.
After you’ve set your budget, make a list of the furniture pieces you want to buy. Then, divide them into categories of what you absolutely need and what you can live without for the foreseeable future. Your list will help you stay focused as you shop and allocate your budget appropriately (here are some helpful tips for when to splurge and when to save on furniture). As you distinguish between what you want and what you need, really take the time to consider your priorities. Remember; you don’t have to get everything all at once.
Assess your current space.
New furniture pieces must suit the size, style, and needs of your home as it is now. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on a couch, have it delivered, and then discover it clashes with your other living room furniture or doesn’t fit through the door. Taking a photo of the rooms you’re buying furniture for can serve as a good reference for style, size, and layout at the store. It’s also a good idea to take measurements of the space where you expect your new pieces to go and the pathways they will need to make it through to get there.
Consider your lifestyle.
Your furniture needs to be functional, which means you need to be thinking about how you’re going to use it as you’re shopping. Do you have kids or pets running around? You should probably be looking at pieces made with sturdier materials and stain-resistant fabrics and colors. Are you the one in your friend group who’s always hosting get-togethers? Then you’ll want pieces that allow for good traffic flow and comfortable, conversational setups. Picture how you plan to use your new furniture and let that guide you in your selections.
Check the quality.
Furniture that won’t last is a waste of money. Before you decide on a piece, inspect it thoroughly to ensure it’s built sturdy and with lasting quality. Don’t be afraid to really move it around and get a good look at it from all angles. It will be helpful to conduct some research ahead of time about what to look for when evaluating furniture quality. Reading reviews of brands or specific pieces you’re interested in is another good research tool as well.
Ready to get started on your furniture shopping endeavor? Check out the amazing selection of home furniture at Sherwood Studios! We have pieces for every room in your house, at a variety of price points and in a broad spectrum of styles. What’s more, if you prefer to leave the big decisions to a pro, we offer full interior design services to homeowners in the West Bloomfield area.
Give us a call today at 248-855-1600, so we can help you furnish the home of your dreams!
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