Picking out new furniture for your home is fun and exciting, but it can also be hectic. There are so many things you have to keep in mind and so many ways things can go wrong. By familiarizing yourself with these four common furniture buying mistakes and how to avoid them, you can keep your next furniture shopping trip as stress-free as possible.
Not Measuring
You should never guesstimate when it comes to furniture. Before you buy, measure the room you plan to place the piece in, plus the dimensions of your doorways and any stairs to ensure you can fit the furniture in your home and into its intended space.
Not Considering Your Lifestyle
You should always consider your way of life when purchasing furniture. Do you have kids or pets? Make sure you look for easy to clean, stain-resistant pieces. Love to host parties? Ensure the sofa and dining table can seat all your family members and friends. Essentially, before you buy a new piece, ask yourself how you will use it and whether it will work with your circumstances.
Not Considering the Maintenance
That silk accent chair looks lovely, but have you considered how much time you'll need to spend maintaining the upholstery? Before you buy a piece, consider the materials and how much care they need. If you don't have the time to spend on that care, you should move on, as hard as it may be.
Buying Big Online
Online shopping is convenient, but it also comes with its fair share of downsides. You can never tell if the posted pictures are real, nor can you accurately gauge size or quality. For these reasons—plus more—we recommend viewing big-ticket items in person to ensure they meet your needs and standards. In-person furniture viewing may seem outdated, but it's more crucial than you think!
Fortunately, most of these common furniture buying mistakes are perfectly avoidable if you know what to look for. Don't fear furniture shopping—with your new knowledge, you can go about it confidently.