Furniture plays an incredibly important role in home design. If you think about it, the furniture we choose does a lot more than take up space— it’s what helps make our home feel lived in, welcoming, and complete. Essentially, furniture is the backdrop to our lives.  

Unfortunately, many people buy their furniture without giving much thought to the importance of it. Because of this, they end up with mismatched or wrong furniture for their home, rather than pieces that truly support and enhance their lifestyle. 

When shopping for furniture, it’s important to remember that: 

• Furniture makes your home complete
• Furniture defines the look of your home
• Furniture is an expression of your personality and sense of style
• Furniture influences how your home feels 

By keeping these things in mind, you’re more likely to shop for pieces in a smarter way. 

Furniture Shopping Should Be Fun, Not Stressful

Being that furniture is essential to your home’s overall appeal and functionality, you might feel a bit stressed at the thought of shopping for pieces. Don’t be. Furniture shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle if you know how to do it wisely. So let’s talk a little bit about how to be smart when you go to buy pieces for your home.

1. Sort through your current pieces. 

Chances are you’ve already accumulated some pieces of furniture over the years. That doesn’t mean you should keep all of it, or any of it for that matter. Any dated furniture (unless it has sentimental value) should go. If there are sentimental pieces, consider updating them with a new finish or new upholstery. If you aren’t sure what should go, hire a professional to help show you what should be purged from the space.

2. Work out the entire room. 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not having a plan. Rushing out to buy one item without taking the rest of the room into consideration leaves you with having to design the space around that one piece. Before you buy, layout a plan for the entire room. Once you know what you want and need for the space, surf the web or visit furniture stores to see what’s out there.

3. Take measurements. 

There may be a piece you love but if it doesn’t fit in the room, then you’ve got yourself a problem. Be sure to measure walls and doorways before purchasing anything. Keep in mind that while it’s important the furniture fit through the doorway, it’s equally important that the size of the pieces complement each other while in the room together.

4. Set your budget. 

Think about what you’re willing to spend and why. Some pieces like quality seating are worth a bigger investment but that doesn’t mean you should break the bank. Don’t forget about places like thrift shops or antique stores that can provide you with some quality vintage pieces at a much more reasonable price. Decide what you can afford without using up every penny you have.

5. Examine what you find. 

It’s important that you get your money’s worth, so take the time to thoroughly examine pieces you’re interested in. Check the finish to make sure it’s flawless. Look at the cushions to ensure seams are properly sewn and stuffing is intact. Turn the piece over to see how it’s constructed. Inspect things like screws, springs, and padding. In order to get the quality you want, it’s up to you to scrutinize the details.

Where Should You Buy Your Furniture? 

Honestly, that depends on a variety of factors including your style, budget, and quality expectations.

As mentioned earlier, if you’re on a budget, consider shopping at second-hand stores, consignment shops, antique stores, or even through online communities, such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Places like this often have top-dollar merchandise at bottom-dollar prices.

Brick-and-mortar department stores are another option, but purchase with caution if you go this route— and here’s why. Often times, furniture is not the primary business of the department store, therefore, the quality and styles available vary quite a bit. Instead, consider making purchases from online stores like Wayfair, Hayneedle, and Pottery Barn that will have current styles and abundant product availability. 

Another option, of course, is to have something custom-made. Granted, custom-made pieces can be expensive, but if you have a little wiggle room to splurge, this is the place to do it. And it doesn’t have to be anything big. Even having an ottoman, headboard, or accent chair custom-made is a great way to get a statement piece that’s perfect for your space. 

If you’re in the market for unique furniture pieces, come see us! Visit one of our retail locations near Frisco, TX or shop online for custom pieces to suit any decorating style. We are sure to have something that will look gorgeous in your home!