Think furniture shopping is just about style? Here are 5 important things you should consider before making your next big purchase:
If you’re embarking on a home décor makeover, buying new furniture might be at the top of your to-do list.
While important to your overall décor scheme, style, trend and color aren’t the only elements to consider when choosing a new accent piece.
For instance, will your new accent chair fit properly in your home? Will its quality uphold to your chaotic family life? Can its style stand the test of time?
If you’re still hmm-ing and haw-ing over a new purchase, here are 5 important things to do before you buy:
Before You Buy Tip #1: Sit On It
Unless you’re buying online, you’re likely to sit on your furniture to test it out before buying; but it’s important to look for more than just comfort.
How does the piece fit your body? Is the seat deep enough to sit back and enjoy movies with the family? Is the armrest at the right height for your arm?
Small-scale problems may not seem like a deal breaker at the store, but they can quickly become bothersome once you get the furniture home.
!nspire tip: If you’re buying furniture online, it’s best to read customer reviews and do your own research about the materials used before you buy!
Before You Buy Tip #2: Look Underneath
Looking underneath your furniture might seem unusual (don’t be surprised if you get odd glances from the salesperson working with you) but it’s important to get perspective on how well the piece is made before you buy.
Be sure to look at the joints, fabric fastenings and glued areas underneath. Does the construction look shoddy? If you see protruding staples and excess glue lines, it might be a sign of poor quality.
The inner construction should look just as put together as the outward construction; and chances are, if you’re already questioning its sturdiness before you buy, it’s not the right piece for you.
Before You Buy Tip #3: Lift It
In many cases, the weight of your furniture is a good indicator of its quality. If it feels overly light, it may not be as solid as you think.
This is okay if you’re interested in a short term, trendy piece that you might swap out next season or move around frequently to create new looks, but if you’re looking for a solid, long-lasting sofa or accent chair, it should have some weight behind it.
!nspire tip: Lightweight accent tables make great entertaining pieces! The Kayla Accent Table in white can be moved anywhere on a whim, making it the perfect spot to place cocktails at your next gathering.
Move this table around for easy entertaining!
Before You Buy Tip #4: Consider Colors, Trends And Maintenance
Choosing color, fabric and pattern is the most exciting part of buying new furniture, but you should also consider how it’ll work and evolve in your space over time.
Though you may love that trendy Houndstooth print today, what about three years from now? Will it still work in your space if you decide to switch up the theme?
Sometimes, neutral pieces like the Nora Accent Chair in grey work best because you can mix and match them with new styles for years to come.
Neutral accent chairs stand the test of time!
Maintenance is another important factor to consider if you want to keep your space looking good.
For example, faux leather pieces might not be the best option if you have cats. The same can be said for white accent pieces if you have kids.
Always factor in your lifestyle when choosing your furniture rather than jumping on what immediately pleases the eye.
Before You Buy Tip #5: Measure It Twice
There’s nothing worse than falling head over heels with new furniture only to find out it doesn’t fit properly into your space once you get it home.
Before you hit the showroom, measure your surroundings to get a solid idea of what can and can’t fit when it comes to new pieces. Don’t forget to bring these measurements with you before you shop.
When you do hit the shops, carry a measuring tape with you. It might seem overly cautious, but this allows you to double-check the measurements and be certain you have the space for your new piece (and wiggle room) to be comfortable in your home.
!nspire tip: Shopping online? Most (if not all) home furniture websites give detailed descriptions and measurements of their accent pieces to ensure a seamless fit upon arrival.
What other factors do YOU consider when shopping for new furniture? We’d love to hear your answers in the comments below.