What to avoid when buying furniture for the home
Buying home furniture requires a lot of planning and research, especially when redecorating the house. Aside from serving a utility purpose, the furniture adds much character to the house, helping bring the ambiance together. Depending on the theme that is being followed in the interiors, the furniture has to complement the rest of the space. Here are some of the common home furniture mistakes to avoid that can create asymmetry and confusion.
Not measuring right
This is one of the biggest and the most rookie mistakes one can make when buying furniture. Measuring the space and desired furniture is of utmost importance. This is especially crucial when buying big pieces because if they do not fit, one may have to discard them or change the layout altogether. Another important detail to note is that in addition to the furniture and the space measurement, the door measurement is also needed. What if the furniture piece is too big and cannot go through the door? Also, check if the furniture can be reassembled for easier transportation.
Prioritizing the price over other qualities
One must always invest in good furniture. These are often big purchases that do not happen too frequently, so it is important to invest in good pieces rather than buying something cheap and not durable. Instead of buying things that need to be replaced every year or two, buy something that can work for years. Some pieces can also be kept for generations, passed down from parents to children and grandkids. Also, look for quality work and see if you can find unique pieces and showcase artisan work, depending on the prevailing theme of the interiors.
Emphasizing on show alone
Buy things that are not just showpieces but have actual use in the household. Aesthetic appeal is important, but if the looks overpower the utility of the furniture, then there is no use for it. For example, when buying a sofa, think of how big a sofa you need. If only two people will be using it, you can avoid a 5-seater sectional. Consider guests, but don’t make decisions keeping just that in mind. The same goes for the dining table; if only two people are using the dining table most of the time, buying a table for eight people may take up unnecessary space.
Buying things on impulse
Buying furniture on impulse can result in interior mishaps that can easily be avoided. Always do your research when buying a piece. Like something? Make a mental note of it, take pictures if possible, and then look for more options. Go through a mental checklist, such as, “Will it fit the room?” “Will it compliment the rest of the furniture and elements in the room?” “Is it usable?” “Is it in the budget?” and “Will it last long enough?” Questions like these will help in deciding if an item is just pretty or something useful for the house. Shopping can be exhausting, so give yourself some time and space to make the right decisions. If it is proving challenging to do so, one can take the time to consult anyone else in the house with an opinion on this and make a decision collectively.
Matching too much
Following a theme is good, but buying everything that matches each other may look too monochrome and amateurish. When it comes to decorating a room, there should be various elements at play that highlight the different aspects of the space. Buying a bed frame that matches the love seat, or sofa may seem like an easy and convenient option at first, but will soon look boring when setting up. This also limits the other creative possibilities in the room when you do feel like redecorating just a couple of things. So, the advice is to look for coordination but not match everything together.
Overlooking details
Some furniture may look too simple at first glance, but there can be minute details which make the piece unique and extraordinary. Look for these creative pieces in the crowd. When designing a room, visualize if this kind of furniture will fit in with the other choices. For example, a seemingly plain chest drawer with a pop of color on the knob and detailed carvings may be the right fit in the room if it already has a few eclectic pieces. Or if most of the room is done up in neutral tones, then picking up a vibrant carpet may being the space to life.
Not looking for pet-friendly furniture
Anyone with pets in the family should be extra careful with their furniture decisions. Always check how the sofa, chair, table, or furniture will fit into the room with pets. “Is the cushion replaceable?” “Can fur easily be removed?” “Can there be a protective layer on the furniture to avoid scratches?” and so on. These are practical questions that need to be addressed when buying anything new.
Ignoring floor protection
Heavy furniture may leave some marks or scratches on the floor when moved or disturbed, so be sure to add rugs or be careful of the weight of the furniture. Do your research regarding this and learn how to protect the floors when buying big pieces, especially if the floors are made of reflective marble or wood.
Not vetting pieces
Antique pieces add a great essence to the whole room and a sense of gravitas. However, it is essential to be careful of the wear and tear these old pieces have experienced. Thoroughly inspect them for any work that needs to be done, including polishing and such. If a piece is genuine, there is also a certificate of authenticity that can be procured at the time of purchase, so be vigilant about the same.
Consulting an interior designer to help manage furniture shopping will be helpful as they can guide one in procuring the right furniture and also help in putting the whole look together.
