Shopping for furniture is never easy, though it can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re looking to fully furnish a new home or simply replace an old piece, it’s difficult to find something that matches the style you want while ticking all the boxes. Good furniture should be sturdy, long-lasting, practical and stylish.
There are loads of available options, especially thanks to flatpack stores and online shopping. However, it’s still a challenge to find the perfect fit. Not only that, but new furniture can be expensive. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find the right piece or pieces for your home.
Making Sure it’s Fit for Purpose
Above all else, your furniture is there for a reason Whether it’s a bed, table, chest of drawers or anything else, it has to be able to provide its function and do what you need it to do. A bed that’s uncomfortable isn’t much use, and neither is a chest of drawers without the right amount of space you need.
When assessing the practicality of the piece, make sure you look at all the details. For example, if you need a strong and sturdy bed capable of holding the weight of two people, it needs to be held together with strong bolts. The coach bolt from RS are the obvious choice, as they’re designed to hold together joints with a lot of force.
Aside from the durability factor, consider the sizing. Is the piece you want the right shape and size for where you want it to go? If you buy a table that doesn’t fit into the room, there’s not much point, is there? Double-check the measurements before you buy anything, and think about how it will look in its intended space.
Finding Inspiration
Often, when we shop for furniture, we’re conditioned to look through the endless pages of the catalogue before finally settling on a piece that we think might look okay. However, there is a much better way. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want before you start shopping.
The best way to do this is to look through magazines and online pictures to find inspiration. Sites like Pinterest are great for putting together ideas on how you want your room to look. You can grab inspiration from here, as well as traditional interior design magazines. Make notes of what you like and what you don’t, and keep cuttings of images if you want.
Consider Second-Hand Pieces
Although buying furniture brand new can often be expensive, there are other options. You can find lots of second-hand pieces, both through local online marketplaces and charity shops in your town and the surrounding areas. You might be surprised at the quality, too.
Second-hand doesn’t have to mean old, dirty and broken. There are plenty of fantastic options available and for much cheaper than you’d normally pay. Of course, make sure you see the piece in person before buying, and check that there’s no major damage that makes it unusable.
The other thing to consider when buying second-hand furniture is that you have to move it yourself. You’ll need a suitable vehicle, and you might need to enlist the help of friends if you’re planning on getting a big sofa or wardrobe.
Matching Your Style to Your Personality
When choosing your furniture and developing your overall style, be sure to match it to your personality and what you like. Don’t go with an option just because it’s in fashion. You want to choose things that you love and will continue to love for a long time.