Impulse shopping can wreak havoc on both our wallets and our judgment, especially when it comes to major purchases. Furniture, in particular, should never be bought on a whim due to its high cost and permanence. Interior designers emphasize the importance of taking time to plan and consider various factors before making a decision.
To help you make informed furniture-buying choices, we sought advice from three experienced designers:
– Caroline Agee, Tuckahoe Home, Richmond, Virginia
– Whitney Ray, Wyeth Ray Interiors, Atlanta, Georgia
– Sarah Brannon, Sarah Brannon Interiors, Midland, Texas
Avoiding common mistakes is crucial to ensuring you end up with furniture that suits your space and style preferences. Here are three key errors to steer clear of:
**Mistake #1: Buying Before Planning**
Designers stress the importance of creating a plan for your space before shopping for furniture. Whitney Ray advises that furniture must be the right size, color, and style to harmonize with your room. Caroline Agee suggests determining dimensions and layout beforehand to prevent costly mistakes.
**Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Budget**
Furnishing a home can be costly, but strategic spending is crucial. Invest in key pieces like a dining table or quality sofa that will stand the test of time. Make sure to account for additional costs like reupholstering and shipping when budgeting for furniture.
**Mistake #3: Neglecting Functionality**
Don’t overlook the functionality of furniture pieces. Consider how each item will be used in your daily life to ensure they meet your practical needs in addition to aesthetic preferences.
By heeding these expert tips, you can navigate the furniture-buying process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.
Designers emphasize the importance of prioritizing shopping for furniture with thought and foresight. By considering functionality for a space and identifying the best-suited pieces, one can save time and effort. This principle extends to selecting furniture types and materials that align with one’s needs and preferences. It is recommended to keep a plan handy while shopping, including dimensions and fabric samples, to make confident decisions and avoid buyer’s remorse. Long-term thinking is advised, focusing on quality and timeless design rather than fleeting trends. Patience is key when waiting for furniture to arrive, as quality pieces are worth the wait. Avoid purchasing furniture just to fill a gap, instead opting for pieces that truly capture your interest. Temporary solutions can be accepted while waiting for desired items. Lastly, it’s essential to look beyond the outer appearance of furniture and prioritize quality over design, as aesthetics can be altered over time.
When choosing furniture, it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Instead of solely relying on the appearance of a piece online or in a showroom, take the time to investigate its quality. Look into the materials used, such as whether it is real wood and the type of cushion content. Even if a piece is priced low, it’s worth making sure it will last rather than having to replace it after a short time.
When it comes to upholstery, be cautious of bony furniture construction that may not withstand regular use. To check the quality of upholstery, push on the arm or back of the piece – if you can feel the wood through the fabric, it’s likely not a good choice. Opt for thicker upholstery with ample cushioning to ensure durability.
Avoid one-stop-shopping for furniture items for your room, as it may result in a generic look. Instead, mix and match colors, patterns, and textures from various sources to create a more interesting and personalized space. Shopping around at different stores can also help you find the best piece that suits your style and budget.
Don’t feel compelled to force a specific piece into your space just because it fits the design aesthetic. It’s essential to be creative and mix different design styles to create a unique and cohesive look. Embrace a mix of old and new pieces in various finishes to add depth and character to your room.
Tips for Choosing Furniture Wisely
One important aspect of creating a personalized and cohesive space is by mixing various styles and finishes in your furniture choices, which helps make the space feel unique and tailored to your taste.
Mistake #10: Overlooking the Importance of Good Foundations
When selecting furniture, it’s crucial to pay attention to the foundation of the piece. No matter how appealing the surface features may be, if the basic structure is weak or flawed, the entire furniture piece is compromised. Focus on selecting pieces with solid bones for longevity.
Solution: Prioritize the Structure
Choose furniture with strong, timeless silhouettes that can withstand the test of time. A fresh coat of paint or new fabric can’t compensate for a poorly designed base.
Mistake #11: Missing Out on Sales Opportunities
Many furniture stores host sales events during various holidays, offering significant discounts. Ignoring these sales means potentially missing out on valuable savings.
Solution: Track Sale Schedules
Stay informed about the sales schedules of your favorite stores and take advantage of discounts offered during popular sale periods such as New Year’s, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Also, keep an eye out for clearance sales in January and July.
Mistake #12: Solely Relying on Online Purchases
While online shopping provides convenience and access to a wide range of options, it also comes with risks such as receiving damaged goods or falling victim to scams.
Solution: Exercise Caution When Buying Online
Research thoroughly before making online purchases. Compare prices, read reviews, and understand the store’s return policy. Whenever possible, view the item in person before making a final decision.
Mistake #13: Furnishing Entirely with Flat-Pack Furniture
While flat-pack furniture offers affordability and customization options, it may lack durability and quality compared to solid wood pieces. Building flat-pack furniture can also be a challenging and time-consuming task.
Solution: Mix and Match
Pair flat-pack furniture with preassembled or unique pieces to add depth and character to your room. Consider customizing flat-pack items with paint, new hardware, or decorative elements for a personalized touch.
Mistake #14: Overlooking Secondhand or Vintage Finds
Purchasing everything brand new may limit the character and uniqueness of your space. Embrace the charm of secondhand or vintage pieces to add character and history to your decor.
Solution: Explore Secondhand Options
Consider integrating preloved or vintage furniture into your design scheme to create a more eclectic and inviting space. Mix new and old pieces to achieve a balanced and personalized look.
To avoid overspending and going over your budget, instead of hitting “buy now” for all your space needs, consider the cost-effective option of shopping secondhand for certain items. While it’s advisable to always buy new for things like mattresses, cribs, and appliances, many home furnishings can be found in great condition at thrift stores, charity shops, or online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Secondhand items are often more affordable, well-built, and can add character to your living space. Look out for secondhand furniture pieces such as chests, footstools, dining tables, chairs, and vintage rugs. Prior to purchasing, make sure to thoroughly assess the quality of each item by asking yourself, “is it well made?” Additionally, be cautious of potential scams and do some research before making a buying decision. For more tips and ideas, check out the original article on Southern Living.
