Furniture

Furniture: Shopping Tips

Furniture is an essential part of transforming any space, from a studio apartment to a multi-story house, into a cozy and welcoming home. Furniture brings comfort and function to our daily lives and adds to the overall style and decor of our living spaces. There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for furniture, whether you're looking for a big new sectional sofa or a compact nightstand.

Budget

High-quality furniture can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. Keeping your price range in mind will help you narrow down your options and protect you from overspending.

Space

The size and shape of the furniture you choose will depend on the space you have available in the room where it will live. If you're refreshing a small room in a city apartment you can search for furniture that is compact, space-saving and multi-functional. If you're blessed with a larger space, you're free to be more flexible with your choices and can allow the style of your future furniture guide your choices.

Style

Furniture comes in a variety of styles, so it's important to choose pieces that match the overall style of your home. If you've already cultivated a classical style in your home, then choosing timeless traditional furniture will complement your decor. If your design focus is minimalist and clean, you'll find those same characteristics in mid-century modern furniture.

Materials

Furniture is crafted with a variety of basic materials, including wood, metal and plastic. It's important to choose durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Hardwoods like pine, oak and acacia are a popular choice for furniture because they're naturally strong and can be made more beautiful with wood finishes. Iron, aluminum and other metals are also a popular choice for furniture because they're durable and can be made to look sleek and modern. Plastic is a good choice for weather-resistant outdoor furniture or furniture that needs to withstand heavy use.

Quality

It's wise to make an investment in well-made furniture that will last for years. When shopping for furniture, check its fabrication details to find pieces that are durably crafted from high-quality materials. Avoid pieces that are made from cheap materials or that are poorly constructed.

Design and Styles of Furniture

There are many different styles of furniture available, from traditional and rustic to farmhouse, mid-century modern and contemporary. Some popular styles include:

• Traditional: Traditional furniture is often made of wood and has a classic look, ornate detailing and timeless designs that pull from pre-20th century European aesthetics.
• Modern: Functional modern furniture is frequently made of metal or plastic and has a sleek, clean and streamlined look.
• Contemporary: Contemporary furniture is typically made with unusual materials, such as glass, natural fiber or stone, that results in a unique look that reflects the latest fashions.

Additional Considerations When Shopping for Furniture

When you're shopping for furniture, it may be useful to consider these important additional questions:

• What is the main purpose of the furniture? Will it be used for sitting, sleeping, storage or something else entirely?
• What is the size of the room you're furnishing? Your furniture should be proportional to the space where it will be placed.
• What is the overall design style of your home? You'll likely want your new furniture to complement the overall decor you've cultivated.
• What is your budget? Furniture can range in price from less than a hundred to several thousand dollars.
• What is the material of the furniture you're considering? Furniture can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic, and feature a wide range of designs and styles.
• What is the quality of the furniture you imagine buying? It is important to choose furniture that is well-made and will last for years within the confines of your budget.