Buying furniture can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons including the high cost, the perceived permanence of it, and the wide variety of choices available. Once you’ve bought that couch, you’re stuck with it for a while before you can replace it. Plus, the price point of average furniture demands you be pleased with it. You literally cannot afford to have buyer’s remorse. Here are common mistakes people make when buying furniture that you should look out for to be on the safe side.
Not measuring the room and doorways
The furniture must be able to get into your house. People often forget to measure not just their new purchase but also the room and the doorways. Only after computing the dimensions of the room should you select and buy furniture. You should also consider the dimensions of the stairway and elevator dimensions if your furniture is going to a higher level. The last thing you want is to complete the process of buying furniture only to find that there’s no way to get it into your house. Take your time.
Buying everything at once
Don’t buy everything all at once from the same place. If you do it all at once from the same place, you deny yourself the flexibility of finding something great elsewhere. Mixing and matching furniture from different places can lead to something beautiful that’s more reflective of your personal style. This is one of the reasons why buying matching sets is discouraged.
Overlooking lifestyle
Select furniture based on your present lifestyle while also considering any potential future changes. If you fail to factor in children or pets while buying furniture and then end up getting them, you may end up crying premium tears. If you anticipate having children or putting the piece in a high-traffic area, buy pieces that are sensible and able to withstand such use.
Forgetting maintenance
People often forget to factor in the maintenance of the furniture. Fluffy fabric and pale colours are not likely to stand the test of time without significant TLC which is not only time-consuming but costly to boot. Be realistic about the wear and tear the piece(s) will be subject to as well as your own willingness to clean or pay for professional cleaning.
Following trends and fads
The thing about trends is they change, sometimes really fast. What you should go for is furniture that will look and feel great for a considerable amount of time. Pick something because you truly like it, not because it’s currently in vogue. When it comes to colour, it’s best to play it safe with neutrals then add a pop of colour through rugs or pillows. If your heart is really set on a bright coloured sofa, choose a solid colour rather than patterns. A solid colour is easier to style even as trends change.
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Ignoring your budget
Decide on a budget and stick to it. Once you see all the different options out there, the temptation to break your budget will be strong. As much as it is a long-term decision, that doesn’t justify getting into debt to buy furniture. In the grand scheme of things, it’s really not that deep. Find something good that fits your budget and allow yourself to be satisfied with that.
Check out
Lifestyle: 6 Tips to save money when furniture shopping
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