Avoid these four mistakes when buying furniture
Have a room to furnish? For a final result that’s as practical as it is pretty, avoid making these four common mistakes.
1. BUYING WITHOUT MEASURING FIRST
In store, your perception of size can play tricks on you. It’s hard to accurately picture what a given object will look like in a different space. That’s why it’s crucial that you measure the room you’ll be putting the piece of furniture in as well as the width of the doorways it’ll have to pass through. This will allow you to determine whether that couch you’re eying is the right fit for your family room. Keep in mind that just because it can fit doesn’t mean it should — massive furniture in a small space creates an oppressive atmosphere.
2. ONLY CONSIDERING THE LOOKS
Gorgeous chairs that stop being comfortable when you sit on them for more than 20 seconds. An impossible-to-clean designer couch in a household with young children. A beautiful bookcase that’s too delicate to hold your encyclopedia collection. Avoid disappointment by carefully considering the function of each piece of furniture before you break out your wallet.
3. THINKING SHORT-TERM
Does your son have his heart set on a race car shaped bed? Kids grow up fast — you’ll likely end up having to buy new furniture before you know it. For a design that stands the test of time, go with neutral furniture and personalize the room with accessories, which are a lot easier to replace as trends change.
4. OVER-FURNISHING
It’s easy to feel claustrophobic in a cluttered room. Instead of packing too many pieces of furniture into one space, choose items with multiple uses such as futons or tables that double as storage.