Heading to Your Favorite Furniture Store? Don’t Forget to Do These Three Things Before Shopping

Shopping for furniture: some people love it, others loathe it. No matter where you stand on the issue, it is a necessity when furnishing a home for the first time or revamping your space to give it a much-needed update. The best way to make the process as simple as can be is to know how to prepare for your furniture shopping trip ahead of time.

Before you head to your favorite area furniture stores, make sure to read over these three things to keep in mind as you prepare to make a purchase.

1. Measure your home and furniture. It’s typically a rookie mistake to not measure your home, including the doorways, before heading out to the furniture store. This can create one of two problems: either you end up with a piece that is too big to fit inside your house, or you risk buying something that just won’t fill a space properly. Make sure not only to measure your home and existing furniture, if possible, but the furniture that you plan to buy, too.

2. Look at materials, not price tags. It may be easy to base your entire purchasing decision on the price of an item rather than other factors. However, this is almost always the wrong way to shop for furniture. The cheapest furniture will generally be made from plywood, particle board, and other materials that tend to break down over time. For the best results, look for quality hardwoods and other materials that are guaranteed to last a longer time. Additionally, metal feet on furniture can dig into carpets and scuff floors, so be sure to inspect these parts of your furniture, as well.

3. Get expert advice from an interior designer. Above all, going furniture shopping doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Most quality furniture stores hire experts who can give you interior design advice that’s just right for your home. You can also use this opportunity to ask about custom furniture options for your home.

Have more questions about going furniture shopping and picking out the right pieces for your home? Ask an interior design expert when you go shopping. You can also leave a comment below for more great ideas on choosing the right furniture for any room of the house. More on this.