If you’re buying furniture, it is essential to invest in good quality items. Whether you’re giving your home a makeover or moving somewhere new, the furniture you choose can have an impact on your comfort as well as the style of your home.
Good quality furniture doesn’t come cheap, so you want to make sure that you get what you’re paying for. There are some things you should consider before you choose a piece to buy and a few things you should be sure to look out for.
Here are our top 8 tips for buying quality furniture.
1. Set a Budget
First things first, before you begin looking for furniture to buy, you need to have a good idea of what your budget is. It’s important to make sure that you are realistic during this step to make sure that you don’t overspend.
Apart from curbing overspending, a budget will help narrow down your options if you find yourself unable to decide which piece or pieces you want. It’s a good idea to allocate more of your funds to to furniture items that are essential, especially if you’re moving into a new home and starting from scratch. Beds, dining tables and chairs, and sofas should be the first things on your list.
2. Research and Compare
Do your research! Take the time to research different furniture stores, brands, and styles before you buy anything. Look for retailers or brands that have a good reputation in the market and that are known for their quality craftsmanship and durable materials.
Make a list and do a comparison of things like prices, styles, and customer reviews (of the retailer and the furniture item) to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Visit multiple stores, do some online shopping and really look around before deciding on the item you want to buy.
3. Check Construction and Materials
This is a little less fun than shopping around, but it’s a good thing to do in any case. When you are deciding on certain furniture pieces, pay close attention to how it is made and what materials they use.
For example, if you’re looking for something like a table or a cabinet, solid wood furniture is a more durable option than something like plywood. However, it is also the more expensive option, so you’ll need to take that into account too. Other things you can look for are sturdy joinery techniques like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints as these will indicate better construction.
What to avoid:
- Furniture with flimsy frames
- Furniture with loose joints
- Furniture with visible signs of poor craftsmanship.
4. Form and Function
When buying furniture, you need to think both aesthetically and practically. Think about how you’ll be using the furniture and prioritize functionality and comfort as these will be important in the long run.
When choosing a sofa, consider things like how deep the seat is, how firm or plush the cushions are, and what material it is covered in. Where possible, test out furniture in person so that you can ensure it is to your liking.
You may even want to get something custom-made, check What’s New Furniture in Portland with custom sofas and more.
5. Evaluate Upholstery and Finishes
Inspect the fabrics, finishes, and surface treatments of all types of furniture items carefully. In terms of fabric, you always want to get fabric that is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, especially if the item is going to be in a high-traffic area like the TV lounge. Check for even stitching, smooth finishes, and consistent coloring without any signs of discoloration or fading.
For other furniture items such as dining or coffee room tables, aim for finishes that are scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and resistant to wear and tear for long-term durability.
6. Assess Brand Reputation and Warranty
Reputation is everything! Choose brands that have a great reputation and that provide excellent customer service. Do your research into the brand’s history, manufacturing processes, and customer reviews so that you can get an idea of its reliability and quality.
Generous warranties are a good sign that the manufacturer is comfortable that their work will stand the test of time, so look out for those. The warranty should cover things like manufacturing defects, structural damage, or premature wear.
7. Measure and Plan Space
This is another thing you should do BEFORE you go on the hunt for the perfect piece of furniture. Measure your space carefully and plan the layout of your furniture.
It is not only important to consider the dimensions of the room they will be in, but also of things like doorways and hallways because it has to get in there somehow.
Whether you use a good old-fashioned tape measure or a new-age online room planner tool, make sure you take measurements and visualize how different furniture configurations will look in your space.
What to avoid:
- Overcrowding
- Blocking pathways
8. Think Long-Term Investment
When buying furniture, think of it as a long-term investment rather than a temporary purchase, so choose timeless styles and classic designs that won’t go out of fashion quickly.
Invest in high-quality pieces that are built to last and withstand everyday use, even if they come with a higher price tag upfront. Consider factors like versatility, durability, and resale value when selecting furniture that will stand the test of time and retain its value for years to come.
Furniture shopping can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a little tricky in some instances and problematic if you choose things that are the wrong size, not fit for purpose, or not durable. These tips will help you make an informed decision when shopping for furniture so that you can make sure that you get the right pieces the first time.
