Buying Furniture for your Home

Are you looking for furniture to furnish your swanky new apartment? Or perhaps you are furniture-shopping because your old furniture no longer support your lifestyle needs. While this is an exciting adventure to embark on, it could also be a costly one if not given proper thought. Here are some questions you should be asking when the time comes.

How much space do you have to fill? The space you have available is the main factor in determining the size of the furniture. Bigger furniture looks better in bigger spaces. For smaller spaces, you have to be careful not to overcrowd. When you go shopping, bring your measuring tape and take down the measurements of the furniture you're interested in. Factor in the different pieces you're putting together so that you won't end up with a sofa that juts out or a dining table that overwhelms the room.

What is the style of the space? The style of the space will be influenced by the fixtures. Marble floorings will be more suited for themes such as modern contemporary and not english country.

The furniture to choose will in turn depend on the look you are going for. A resort theme and a contemporary minimalist look need disparate styles of furniture. Rattan or wood furniture with warm earthy colours would fit perfectly with a resort-themed home. On the other hand, furniture with clean lines made of metal or glass would be more suited to the contemporary minimalist look.

Even if you fancy a piece of furniture, it's likely you'll not really remember how it looks at the end of a long shortlisting trip. Take snapshots of shortlisted furniture so that you have something to refer to.

What are the pros and cons of fabric vs leather vs wood? Leather is hard to beat in terms of durability but can be costly and limited in colours and patterns. It is easy to take care of and tend to look better with age. Although hardwood lasts a long time and can be easily repaired and restored, it takes more effort to be maintained. Wood furniture tends to be less flexible when it comes to design. Fabric trumps the rest in terms of wide availability of colours and prints but doesn't have the longevity and durability of the other two materials. Materials like microfiber and velvet are spectacularly soft and comfortable on the skin.

Should I keep my old furniture or buy second-hand furniture? Do not rush to throw away your sofas and tables just because you're moving to a new place. Assess the furniture you have and see if they can be worked into your new living space. Sometimes all it takes to give an old piece of furniture a new look is a little paint job. Reupholstering can also work wonders!

Going for an eclectic or country look? Flea markets are excellent sources of inspiration. You might find some gems which will better weave into your space than new pieces. And prices tend to be much friendlier too.

What are the care and cleaning recommendations for this furniture? Some furniture, due to the materials and fabric used, require more maintenance than others. Outdoor wood furniture need to be oiled several times a year and velvet upholstery is tedious to maintain. Would you be able to devote the time and effort? Remember to always, always check the manufacturer's care instructions for the furniture before purchasing.

Are there assembly and delivery charges? Does the furniture require any post-purchase assembly? If so, is there any assembly charge or can the furniture be put together DIY? Is there also any delivery charge? These charges may be significant, so it is wise to clarify them upfront. You certainly do not want to get excited over a furniture only to have your spirits doused when you find out it's out of your budget.