Do you hate furniture shopping? Would you rather hide under the covers of your bed than go out again? Would you prefer to watch paint peel? If so, your problem is likely that you aren’t shopping with knowledge behind you. This article has some simple strategies to make yourself a better shopper.
Before buying any cabinets, open all of the drawers and look inside. You’re not only making sure that all of the drawers are built to last and open without any hitches, you also want to make sure that the interior of the drawers have some sort of finishing as well.
Really think about your lifestyle prior to purchasing any type of furniture. If you’ve got young kids with a hyperactive streak or a dog with a big floppy tail, then a delicate piece that’s easily tipped over probably isn’t right for your home. Let your situation help determine what you need.
Look over the warranty on any prospective furniture purchase very carefully. What may look like adequate coverage at first glance could turn out to be a lot of pomp and circumstance. For example, you want a fabric-guard guarantee that is without limitations and a good warranty on manufacturer’s defects. Quality furniture should come with a written promise of excellence and be backed-up with a clear warranty.
Always check the springs of the furniture you want to buy. It is important to choose a chair or a sofa that feels comfortable to you. If you like firm chairs and sofas, make sure the springs are coiled properly and do not hesitate to replace them regularly to keep your furniture comfortable.
Make color choice a priority when looking for furniture. If you buy something too bright, it might not go with the rest of your furniture. Try to stay with neutral colors you can match to any interior design for the larger furniture pieces and keep the bold colors in the smaller items.
When it comes to obtaining high-quality leather furniture, try going with top grain leather. This type of leather comes from the highest portion of the hide, which makes it a great material for furniture. It is the most expensive leather that you can buy, but with proper maintenance, your pieces will last for many years.
Always test the size of chairs and sofas before buying. You may not feel comfortable sitting and lounging on furniture in the store, but go ahead anyway. Sit or lay as you normally would on these pieces before you buy. This ensures the depth is good, and the comfort is there for the different ways you may use it.
Build quality is important when you’re buying furniture. When choosing wood furniture, buy solid wood pieces rather than veneer or pressed pieces. Cardboard and composite wood backs should be avoided; instead, go with plywood backs. Really take your time inspecting the furniture to ensure it is exactly what you want and well built.
When shopping for furniture, don’t forget to look at thrift stores. These stores generally have good quality pieces for a fraction of the full sales price. Additionally, these stores will allow you to haggle and purchase in bulk which can save you money. Some thrift stores even offer free delivery.
Examine each pillow on your sofa and chair before buying. Look to see if the covers are removable. If the covers are removable, read the laundering instructions to see if the piece must be dry cleaned. This is something that should be taken into consideration when purchasing living room furniture.
Before you buy a piece of furniture, always look inside the cabinets and drawers. You are checking for a few things. First, make sure the drawer extends out and closes properly. Look to see whether or not the doors open all the way and close tightly. Also, check to ensure that knobs and handles are firmly affixed to the furniture.
Measure your space before you buy a piece of furniture. When you see a piece of furniture in the showroom, it can hard to determine if it will fit into your space. Once you’ve gotten a piece ordered you may have to do a lot of work just to get it returned. Measure beforehand, and you won’t need to worry.
Always look at the legs of the furniture you are buying. First, they should be made out of wood and also should be fairly heavy. In addition to looking better than the alternatives, wood legs are much sturdier. You also want to avoid legs that were nailed into the piece because they won’t hold together as well.
Consider how long you typically keep your furniture when deciding what to buy. If you like to completely change your look every two or three years, spend less on each piece. If you typically keep things until they wear out, splurge and buy higher quality pieces. Getting your money’s worth is important when making such a big buying decision.
Drop by the discount stores, liquidators, and wholesalers. Check online for a variety of stores in your area and then go see in person what kinds of prices and the type of furniture they offer. By looking at several stores, you can compare prices and see a huge variety of furniture pieces.
Look at used furniture from all angles prior to a purchase. What looks good from outside, can be pretty bad on further inspection. Flip the furniture over. Look at the joints. Judge the condition of the fabric, wood, and metals used. As used furniture is often an “as-is” purchase, it’s up to you to do the work up front on your buy.
These techniques have been used by countless others to make furniture shopping more enjoyable, so put them to use yourself. You’ll find your next trip out is one which doesn’t leave you so frustrated. In the end, you’ll find the furnishings you need and your home will be more comfortable than ever.
