Moving into a new home or perhaps renovating? Once you’ve settled on the overall décor-look that you love, it’s time to shop for furniture – but it can be daunting. There are so many different brands and products on the market after all, how do you decide what’s right for you? Do you try to shop furniture that fits in with your existing pieces or start from scratch? Where should you shop for furniture? We’ve got some tips below to help you get started.
Look at the items you already have
The first thing you’ll want to do is to take a look at the existing pieces you already have. If you’re just starting out then it might be a lot of cheap, less than stellar items. You might also find that a lot of your pieces now look dated or don’t really fit with your personal style anymore. If you don’t love it and it holds no sentimental value to you then let it go – you’d be surprised at home much a refresh can change the way you feel about your home and your space. It’s time to get rid of the old and bring in the new! If you’re really stuck on whether or not to keep things, why not try putting them in storage temporarily? This will give you time to work out if you can live without it and you won’t need to get rid of it permanently. If you’re still stuck why not speak to an interior designer, they’ll be able to look at your existing items with a fresh eye.
Work out what you need
Before you go shopping for furniture you should work out what you need. This will be a lot easier once you’ve decided what you’re keeping. Identify what you’re missing – do you need a new rug? Perhaps it’s time to update your couch or add a lamp to your space? Making a list of the items you like will make it easier to go shopping with a purpose.
What do I like?
Before you head out to shop for furniture you should also do a little bit of research and consider what you like and what will work in your space. Taking the time to work out whether or not you love leather couches or velvet, marble or timber, will make it much easier to narrow down your choices when shopping.
Where should I go?
It’s also a good idea to look into local stores and suppliers before you start shopping. Are there any local artisans that make beautiful, unique pieces near you? Online suppliers can also be a great source of affordable, quality pieces.
Buying tips
When you head out to shop furniture you should keep in mind that it’s a good idea to buy your biggest pieces first. It’s usually best to keep large pieces relatively understated otherwise they easily dominate your home and you might end up having to organise all your décor around them. When it comes to fabric items, go for neutral shades. You should also keep in mind the importance of comfort and functionality. These are items that you will need to use every single day, so it’s important that they are practical and work for you. You should also consider if they fit with your budget – there is a wide range in pricing for décor items, generally, you get what you pay for.
When you’re shopping make sure you think about quality, be careful to check the authenticity of things like leather before you shell out your hard-earned cash.