10 Tips for Buying Furniture in 2024
Buying furniture doesn't have to be difficult. Here is how to make this process a lot easier.
Shopping for furniture can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know what to look for. Considering multiple factors such as style, comfort, durability, and price can empower you to make a well-informed decision. You want to make sure you find pieces you'll love for years without breaking the bank, and understanding these factors can help you achieve that.
Most people look for hand-me-downs and cheap furniture when furnishing their first home or apartment. While it can be tempting to skimp on quality to stay within your budget, there are ways to get high-quality furniture without spending all your savings. In this post, we share tips that will help you find high-quality furniture within your budget.
Measure your space
Before you head out to buy furniture, measure your space. Start with assessing the furniture you currently own for size comparison. This step will help you avoid getting pieces that are too big or too small for your rooms. If you’re starting with an empty room, look for different furniture sizes online and use masking tape to mark the space on the floor to give you an idea of how that piece might look in your room.
Don't forget to measure the spaces between windows and doors, as well as the entry to your home. It's important to consider these measurements to ensure that the furniture you choose doesn't block the doorway or become a logistical nightmare during delivery. If you live in an apartment, it's also crucial to ensure that the furniture can fit in the elevator or the staircase, making the process of bringing it home a breeze.
Set a budget
Before you dive headfirst into furniture shopping, establish a clear budget. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Consider how much you can realistically allocate towards furniture, factoring in the number of pieces you need and their expected quality.
Here's a pro tip: divide your overall budget into categories for each room or type of furniture. This approach allows you to prioritize essential pieces like a sofa or bed while allocating a specific amount for accent chairs or decorative items. Remember, exceeding your budget can lead to buyer's remorse, so plan strategically.
Pick quality furniture
When buying furniture, it's important to identify quality pieces. After all, you want your furniture to last for many years. Here are a few things to look for when assessing the quality of the furniture:
- Craftsmanship: The hallmark of well-made furniture is its clean lines and smooth finishes. Signs of inferior craftsmanship, such as loose joints or poorly applied paint or stains, can be red flags.
- Materials: Quality furniture is typically made from solid wood rather than engineered wood products or particle board. In addition, higher-end furniture is likely to have veneers that add beauty and durability.
- Construction: Look closely at the piece's structure and finishes. Are the drawers properly aligned? Are the cabinet doors flush with the frame? If not, then the piece is likely of poor quality.
Consider your lifestyle
When buying furniture, it's important to be practical. That pristine white suede couch might be a visual delight in a catalog, but it's not the most practical choice if you have young children or pets. The same goes for fabrics and decor. Opt for furniture that can withstand the challenges of your lifestyle, such as pieces with plenty of built-in storage, stain-resistant fabrics, and darker colors if you have pets or young kids.
If you entertain often, you might need extra seating and storage space. If you move frequently, choose furniture that is easy to transport and assemble. When assessing the durability of furniture, consider the material, construction and warranty. Ultimately, the best way to pick furniture that fits your lifestyle is to take the time to think about your needs and then find pieces that meet those needs.
Think about the design style of your home
Your furniture should complement your existing décor and create a cohesive look in your home. Do you gravitate towards a classic and timeless aesthetic, or are you drawn to bold, modern pieces? Consider the colors, textures, and finishes that already dominate your space. Don't be afraid to mix and match styles, but ensure the overall feel remains harmonious.
Take some time to identify your design style – is it modern and minimalist, or perhaps warm and traditional? Maybe you crave a touch of mid-century modern flair. Once you have a sense of your aesthetic direction, select furniture pieces that resonate with that style. This doesn't mean everything needs to match perfectly. Embrace a curated look by incorporating statement pieces that add personality.
Look for sales when buying furniture
Buying furniture can get expensive, but there are ways you can save money. Look for seasonal sales and discounts. Many furniture stores have clearance sales in January and July to make space for new stock. Don't forget to ask about floor models as they can often be bought at a discount. You can take advantage of this and save money on furniture.
Another way to cut costs is to buy your furniture second-hand. Yard sales, flea markets, antique stores and online sites like Craigslist or Kijiji are great places to look for used furniture at a fraction of the cost.
Consider getting second-hand furniture
Second-hand furniture stores and online marketplaces are treasure troves for unique and affordable finds. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and estate sales offer an opportunity to acquire pre-loved pieces at a fraction of the retail cost. You might find high-quality vintage gems or gently used modern pieces that perfectly suit your taste.
Second-hand furniture is also a sustainable choice, giving pre-existing pieces a new life and reducing environmental impact. While some require a bit of TLC, a fresh coat of paint or reupholstery can transform a second-hand find into a cherished item for your home.
Don't be afraid to negotiate
Don't be shy about negotiating, especially when shopping at consignment stores, flea markets, or even some smaller furniture stores. While large chain stores may have fixed prices, smaller retailers often have more wiggle room. Research average prices for similar furniture pieces beforehand.
Politely inquire about discounts, especially for multiple purchases or slightly damaged items. You might be able to negotiate a lower delivery fee or have it waived. The worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised at the savings you can score with a little negotiation.
Don't jump on all the latest trends
Furniture trends come and go, but classic styles have enduring appeal. While incorporating trendy accents can add a touch of personality, avoid basing your entire furniture selection on fleeting fads. Opt for timeless pieces that you'll love for years to come.
Think about it this way – a well-made sofa in a neutral color will adapt to changing trends more easily than a trendy patterned one. Invest in core furniture pieces that offer long-term style and functionality. You can always add trendy accents later, allowing you to embrace new trends without completely overhauling your furniture.
Shop online
Shopping for furniture doesn't have to be stressful. Once you know what style and design you're looking for, you can search for the right pieces online. That way, you don't have to worry about going to endless stores to find what you want. You can even save time by browsing your favorite brands and shops in our furniture shop. Find the perfect furniture for your home without leaving your house.
Conclusion
We hope these tips have helped make the furniture-buying process less daunting. As with any other large purchases, take your time, consider your needs, set a budget, and do your research before making any major decisions. After all, this is something that will hopefully be in your home for years (or even decades) to come.
