Shopping for Furniture Does Not Have to Be Challenging or Unnerving

We've all been here: we have a bare room... a canvas waiting to be painted on, yet, instead of excitement at the prospect of creating a thing of beauty, most people are filled with dread at the mere thought of shopping for furniture. For some, shopping for furniture is akin to shopping for a bathing suit, and a feeling of despair may over take them.

Funny enough, if we adhere to the rules of finding that dream bathing suit, we will be successful in finding the right furniture!

~Try it on for size: when you try on a bathing suit, you make sure it fits well. The same goes for furniture, it must fit you well. For example, your legs shouldn't dangle while sitting on the couch, if you are a short person. Conversely, if you're a tall person, you want to purchase furniture that fits your body.

~ The Material Must not Sag: Just like the perfect bathing suit, the fabric stays in place, no matter which way you move.

~ Fits Perfectly - if not, don't buy it!: A properly-fitting bathing suit feels comfortable all around, and best of all, it makes you look good. The same goes for furniture, you must feel good in it, whether you're sitting in a chair or sofasizing!

Some issues to consider before buying furniture:

Money Issues:

1. Be honest with yourself regarding the amount of money you actually have to spend. It's not a good idea to become heavily indebted when furnishing a room of the house or your entire home.

2. If you wish to buy timeless pieces from a well-known furniture maker, but they do not fit your budget, consider buying the pieces over a period of time. Ask the salesperson if the maker plans to retire the specific model you are yearning for, if not, you're in luck!

For example, a dear friend of mine has very expensive taste but had a small budget when shopping for her dream dining set. First she purchased the table, and a few months later she started to add one chair every couple of months. It took her almost two years to complete table for eight set, but she is thrilled that she did not become indebted to get it.

3. When shopping around, agree with yourself or your significant other not to make on-the-spot decisions.

4. Don't let the salesperson pressure you into buying something before you've shopped around.

5. In-store credit makes it so easy to get into debt during a weak moment. Don't give in. In-store credit in not always the best option!

6. Negotiate as if you were buying a car. Surprisingly, many places will give you a discount if you ask for one. Don't be shy!

When you're ready to buy, consider the size of your space: very important

You've shopped around and you already know the type of furniture you'd like to get but have no idea how it will fit in your space. Go to the store and measure each piece you wish to purchase. Once armed with measurements, back home you can create a room-layout on paper to see how things will fit.

If you are just starting to shop for furniture, carry with you your room measurements, and a tape measure, as it is difficult to judge perspective in a large-room setting, such as the showroom.

Selecting top-quality furniture

Understanding that top quality is not the same as high-price furniture, here are some tips to help you select the best you can afford.

Materials:

Inquire about the type of woods used and ascertain all woods have been properly treated, etc. If the wallet allows it, select hardwoods such as cherry, maple, and oak, as these are more durable. Pine is softer and may be less durable.

Give the upholstery and cushion foam the "bounce" and "pinch" test to see how fast the furniture regains its look. If a manufacturer uses top-quality foams and fabrics, there should be no visible indentations a minute or so after you get up.

Joinery:

Don't be afraid to look under the table, or flipping that chair over to check the joints. Look for pieces with dovetail construction, as this type of joint keeps the furniture together better than any other type of joint.

Check the back:

Poorly made furniture will have stapled backs. Look for pieces that are fully-finished and are fastened with screws.

Inspect your drawers:

Drawers should be aligned when mounted, and move freely without sticking. Consider buying a bedroom dresser with cedar-lined drawers to keep your fine clothing protected.

Hardware quality:

Are the pieces solid or hollow? Reputable companies use only solid metal pieces that are free of dings and scratches.

Wood finish:

When buying hardwoods you want it to last and remain beautiful for years to come. Inspect the finish and make sure the sheen is uniform throughout the piece. If you are buying a painted item, ascertain the paint used is lead-free.

Closing Thoughts

Once you've decided what type of furniture you will get and how much money you are willing to spend, shopping for furniture should be fun and exciting.

There are no hard-and-fast rules to follow when selecting furniture. Be creative and open to the idea of mixing up styles, and don't think you have to buy a "set" as displayed in the store. It may cost a little bit more to mix and match, but you'll end up with furniture that pleases you, and will bring you many years of happiness.

Have fun when selecting your furniture and remember: your home is your sanctuary!