The dizzying array of furniture available today is enough to make you frustrated. Shopping in a store with a salesman down your neck can be infuriating. Would you rather furniture shopping be exhilarating? Turn your frown upside down by reading the tips below, all provided by experts in the field.
Check the corners of any wood furniture for how the wood is attached together. A quality piece of furniture should be what’s called “wood joined” where the two pieces are literally jointed for a solid attachment. If instead you’re met with nails or glue, look for a better option. The furniture may not last long when joined in that way.
Always test out your furniture fully if you’re thinking of buying it. Purchasing a chair online, sight unseen, is convenient, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll love it once it actually arrives. You may not like the firmness or the way the material feels. You are better off not making a purchase until you know it is what you want.
When determining your budget for furniture, consider the expected lifespan of the piece. Light aluminum frames or particleboard pieces are likely far lower in price, but also lower in life expectancy. Heavy wood, solid furniture lasts a lot longer, albeit at a higher initial investment. How long you plan to be in a home can factor in too.
When shopping for home office furniture, consider how much actual surface area you need. Do you like to have room to spread out papers? Or are you more minimalist, with just a laptop and all-in-one multifunction printer? Length of cords or wireless connections also factor into the size and number of pieces you need.
You may find furniture at a bargain price but if the quality of it isn’t good then you could be wasting money. It is a better idea to invest a little more to buy furniture that will last rather than something that will break and need to be replaced many times.
Look for furniture pieces that are solidly built. You want the dressers and chest to be made from solid wood, instead of pressed. Check for a plywood backing vs heavy cardboard or composite wood. Gently apply pressure to the backing to ensure it is firmly in place.
If you are moving into an apartment as a young single person, do not purchase heavy and expensive furniture. It is likely you will eventually marry and possibly purchase a home. A few quality pieces in a classic style is probably best since that makes moving easier, and your style preferences may change.
When you are buying a sofa, you need to make sure that you inspect the materials and especially the frame. If the couch you want has a hardwood frame, then you need to ask whether it has been kiln-dried or not. If it has, then it will last much longer without warping, especially when it comes to changes in humidity.
If someone offers you free furniture check out the condition prior to accepting it. You don’t want a piece of furniture that is in poor condition just because someone no longer wants it. While you might not have the budget for brand new pieces, it is important to make sure you’re not taking a piece that really won’t meet your needs or last.
Measure your space before shopping for furniture. An “eyeballed” measurement won’t cut it here. You need to be exact as even a few inches can be a big deal for how your home design will work out. You’ll be a much more confident shopper when you know the exact dimensions that you need.
Avoid high maintenance furniture unless you have the time to take good care of it. If you do not want to constantly clean your furniture, look for pieces with a quality finish. Do not hesitate to purchase some fabric protection so you do not have to worry about stains on your sofa.
Pay close attention to the warranty, including length of time as well as what is covered. For example, on a sofa, there might be a one year warranty only covering the frame. Or, with another sofa you’re looking to purchase, you might find a five year warranty that covers the frame, springs and cushions.
Before shopping for furniture, think of how you will transport the piece of furniture. Many furniture stores only offer limited delivery and may charge for delivery. By borrowing a friend’s truck, you can pick out your furniture and save a lot of money by transporting it yourself rather than paying delivery charges.
If you don’t have too much money, but you need new furniture, know that you can get it for free. Freecycle and Craigslist are two online sites where people posting just want to get rid of their furniture, so they will offer it for free. Even if the furniture is not in the best shape, at least you did not spend any money!
Keep UV rays and light away from antique furniture. It can damage your pieces. Direct sunlight degrades early woods, finishes, and fabrics. Try placing these pieces out of the sunlight and using drapes or curtains to block or diffuse sunlight when you can. Clear finishes that are exposed to sunlight can turn opaque or start to yellow.
Take care of your wood furniture by dusting the pieces regularly, and avoid placing them under direct sunlight. The accumulation of dust can dull the finish, and direct sunlight can also fade the finish. Regular dusting with a soft cloth can keep your wood furniture looking like new for years to come.
If you are looking for a furniture piece for your office that can convert from seating to a sleeping space for guests, consider a futon. Futons are very comfortable, and they serve multiple purposes too. They are also easy to change out if your style changes, as you can always add a new cover or a few decorative pillows.
Furniture shopping is sometimes really difficult to do. So much selection, so little time and so much pressure from the staff at the store can all hold you back. With the great advice found here, furniture shopping will become enjoyable. You will have fun doing it and get exactly what you need.
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