You’ve probably bought furniture many times before, but buying quality furniture isn’t easy. There are so many designs, materials, and prices to choose from. What’s more, it’s easy to get swept up by the excitement of a sale or a big discount only to realize later that you bought something that doesn’t work for you or that you don’t need at all. The following tips will help you find high-quality furnishings at great prices.
Research Before You Buy
Whether you’re buying new or used furniture, never buy something without first researching the market. Learn about styles of furniture that are in vogue; browse online review sites for information on retailers and manufacturers, and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you’re purchasing used goods, learn about their history by checking out reviews, researching manufacturer details, and contacting prior owners to ask any questions you have.
Set a Budget Before Shopping
Before you even start looking at furniture, sit down and figure out how much money you’re willing to spend on new pieces. Don’t forget extra costs like delivery fees and assembly charges if you need them. Setting limits beforehand will help you prevent overspending on impulse purchases. You’ll also want to make sure that what you buy will actually fit in your home, so measure the spaces where the items will go before buying anything.
Measure Your Space
Before you buy any piece of furniture, measure the space where it’s going to go. Don’t assume that just because you’ve bought a full-size bed before that, all full-size beds will fit in your bedroom — they vary in width and length from manufacturer to manufacturer. The same goes for sofas, dining tables, etc. If you’re purchasing online, be sure to look up the seller’s return policy in case your purchase doesn’t fit.
Get Creative with Your Strategy
Look beyond the obvious retail options for places where you can find great furniture at affordable prices. For example, consider consignment shops, thrift stores, and Craigslist. Avoid buying furniture just because it’s cheap, though; make sure that you’ll be happy with it in the long run or have plans to reupholster or refinish it later.
Make Sure that The Furniture Works with Your Lifestyle
Before purchasing any piece of furniture, ask yourself if it will fit in your home or apartment and whether it will be used regularly. If you’re not sure whether something is practical, find someone who will give you an honest opinion before making a purchase.
