Let’s face it.
Buying furniture can feel like a daunting task.
The good news? With a few helpful hints, it doesn’t have to be.
By planning ahead and knowing what to look for, you’ll enjoy a successful and stress-free shopping experience. Lifestyles Furniture makes it easy with a showroom filled with gorgeous, customizable furnishings for every room in the house. From spotting signs of quality to balancing style with function, here are our five favorite tips for finding what you’re looking for.
#1: Always Plan Ahead
Knowing what you need before you visit will give you more confidence when exploring your furniture options. The pieces you select must be the right size, color and style to blend in seamlessly with your decor and match your lifestyle.
Take stock of the furniture you already have. Decide what you’d like to keep, what you should toss and what new pieces you need to complete the look. If you’re furnishing a room from scratch, choose your essentials first, such as a gorgeous sofa for the living room and a comfortable bed for the master suite. Then choose complementary pieces to accent the space.
Always measure before you shop! You need to know the size of the room, the doorway and the furniture itself. Use painter’s tape on the floor to mark off the area where your new furniture will go. Bring your measuring tape to the store to make sure your new furniture is the right fit.
Save some pictures on your phone and gather swatches of the upholstery fabrics you’re considering. Bring them home to make sure they will complement the rest of your decor.
#2: Focus on Form & Function
Let’s say you’ve just fallen in love with a fabulous couch on the showroom floor.
Before you take it home, take a closer look to make sure it fits as closely with your lifestyle as it does your decor. Examine the upholstery fabric carefully. Look for durable fabrics that are easy to clean and stand up to stains and scratches. Choose a reputable brand that’s free of toxins or allergens.
Sit on couches and chairs in the store. Are they comfortable enough for enjoying a meal, watching a movie or entertaining friends? If you’re short on space, consider a coffee table or bench with extra storage underneath.
#3: Learn to Spot Quality
Think of furniture as a long-term investment in the beauty and function of your home. Before you buy, ask yourself if you’ll still love that fabulous new dining set five or 10 years from now. Timeless, quality furniture may cost a little more up front, but will save you money if it lasts longer.
Pay close attention to the materials it’s made of, from upholstery fabric to cushion contents to wood or metal framing. Here are a few more tips for spotting quality furniture on the showroom floor:
- Solid wood is generally sturdier than veneer or particleboard.
- Solid joints usually hold up better than screws, staples or glue.
- Springs should be close together.
- Look for reversible couch cushions.
- Choose performance fabrics that tolerate everyday wear and tear.
- Check for a reinforced back and sides for couches and chairs.
- Be sure the upholstery matches at the seams.
#4: Mix & Match Styles
Look through magazines and websites to get a sense of what appeals to you. Jot down your favorite looks and save a few photos on your phone to bring to the store. Consider what pairs well with the furniture you already have.
A stylish living, dining or bedroom set is a great way to create a cohesive look. You can also mix things up by cleverly mixing and matching looks from different styles and finishes. If you’ve got an antique table, for example, purchase a set of chic modern chairs for an instant update.
#5: Set a Budget
Research prices online before you shop. Setting a budget ahead of time helps you narrow down your options and make the right choice.
One helpful strategy is to prioritize which home furnishings you need the most. If you need to furnish an empty house, begin with some basics like a comfortable couch, a dining set and bed. Then you can gradually add new pieces over time to keep from spending too much all at once.
Another good way to spend wisely is to choose one or two upscale showpieces – such as a sturdy sofa and coffee table – and fill in the rest of your space with less expensive accents.
Finally, ask about your financing options when you visit our showroom. At Lifestyles Furniture, we offer a convenient 12-month plan that makes it easy to take home your brand new furniture today!
Visit Lifestyles for Fabulous New Home Furnishings
When it’s time to purchase high quality furnishings from reputable manufacturers, drop by Lifestyles Furniture. Our showroom offers you a wide range of styles to suit any taste and budget.
You can also give us a call at 573-874-1550 or reach out online at any time!
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