Want to buy great furniture? We’ve got tips to help you find good quality stuff, work out when it’s the best time to buy, and make sure you get great deals on the pieces you pick up. Read on.
Measure
How much space do you really have? Will the piece you pick up block any door or be likely to become the taker of toes? The right thing to do is to measure the space available more than once. Get the dimensions of the room, the size of the current furniture, and measure the doorways before you buy anything new.
Mockup
After you’re done measuring, draft a plan of how the room’s layout will be arranged and where the furniture will go. You can sketch out the layout on paper or even use tape on the floor to mark where every piece of furniture will go. Do this and minimize the hassle of returning stuff after you’ve bought it.
Swatches
Always get swatches and samples. It doesn’t matter whether you’re getting a loveseat, an ottoman, or couch cushions; always ask for fabric samples. Then, compare the swatches to wall colors, carpets, existing furniture, and home decor before you commit.
Research
If you want to get the best furniture, you should know what materials are used in it. Check if the coffee table is made from pressed wood or if there are flame-retardant materials in the couch and what ingredients are in the wood glue. It helps if anyone at home has allergies and saves the trouble of developing illnesses later.
Quality
Shop at a quality furniture store with staff who share information freely. Instead of veneer or particleboard, choose solid wood. Check for assembly that uses more screws and dowels than glue and nails. Feel how close the springs are to check their quality. Pick up couch cushions that have coils or are reversible. Choose couches with backs and sides that are reinforced. Always ensure that upholstery matches up at the seams.
Timing
January and July tend to be the best months for furniture shopping as most stores get new stock in February and August. They’ll be looking to clear old inventory around that time.