When getting a new home, the first enjoyable task is to get new furniture. If you are forced to downsize, you usually must trade your larger furniture pieces for smaller pieces. Whatever your reason for buying new furniture, this article will give you tips to make the process easier.
If you’re trying to buy furniture that’s wooden, or antique furniture, don’t just try to look at the surface on the outside. Check bottom to top, inside and out, including drawers. In many cases, this type of inspection can help you see the true condition of the piece beyond its surface wood. Often referred to as the secondary wood, these areas can tell you a great deal about quality of construction and how the piece has aged.
When you’re purchasing a sofa, make sure that you ask about the springs. Ask to speak with someone that has knowledge about the springs. Apply pressure to the sofa and feel for the springs to determine whether or not they run front to back.
Buy outdoor furniture later in the year. At this time, retailers need to clear out summer furniture to make room for fall items. Stores will give you a discount to get rid of older pieces.
When looking for furniture, opt for pieces that are made of durable material. Your investment needs to last a long time. Furniture costs a lot of money and you have to select things that will last you. Both metal and hardwood are good choices if you are looking for durability.
Better quality means spending a little more. Your budget is critical, but don’t be afraid to expand the budget for true quality. You can easily find cheap furniture everywhere, but you will find it falls apart easily and is usually uncomfortable, as well. Spend a bit more and get a quality piece that will last.
Make sure you think about the condition of furniture if offered from a friend. Don’t accept a piece of furniture that will not be something you actually want to use. You may find yourself also trying to give it away. You might hope to avoid spending money on something new, but a disappointing piece in your house that you don’t like is not going to make it better.
Never hesitate to negotiate on furniture prices. Remember that the markup on home furnishings is usually about 20%, so there should always be wiggle-room in the price. If you are not comfortable with haggling, find a friend or a relative who can come shopping with you.
Be sure that your furniture is comfortable; you’re going to be spending a great deal of time using it. After all, you spend a third of your life in bed and countless hours on the sofa with loved ones, so it is a good idea to invest in something that is comfortable and welcoming, rather than pretty but uncomfortable.
Junk Mail
Make sure that you look through any junk mail you receive. You may be getting furniture circulars that you usually toss out. You can use these circulars to learn about local furniture deals. Oftentimes, these particular deals can be found in your junk mail that you simply throw away without bothering to read.
Neutral is the color palette to choose. Neutral pieces are easier to change and accessorize. Neutral pieces give you the ability to match them up with your decor, so you have more options. You will find a wide choice of furniture in a simple, basic style which will fit in with your overall decor.
Check out the classifieds for free items. You may be able to score a fantastic deal if you are diligent about checking. Some people throw out furniture that just needs repaired. A little bit of elbow grease can turn these furniture pieces into a great deal.
When it comes to furniture buying, certain holidays result in lower prices. For example, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day are good furniture sales days. The smartest time for buying is around Christmas and July 4th. Most stores offer some interesting payment plans and have a lot of marked down items.
Shop at resale establishments to find high-quality furniture at great prices. Many different pieces will be offered at low prices. You may see that resale items are better quality than what you find when shopping at discount stores.
Take measurements in any spoot you will be putting new furniture in. Whether buying a sofa, table or bed, the amount of space should be measured to make sure it fits your needs. Playing guessing games can lead to failure. This step is very important when buying expanding pieces such as recliners or sleeper sofas.
Think about your choices when it comes to “green” furniture. Still, some companies aren’t always completely honest where this topic is concerned. If you want this to be a little more easy speak with someone to see if that piece of furniture has FSC certifications or Oeko Tek ones. They can quickly answer any questions you have so you know that your purchase is in fact a green one.
You can have a much more successful furniture buying experience now that you’ve read this article. Whether you are purchasing new or gently used furniture, these tips will help you. Enjoy the process of buying furniture and improving your home’s decor.
