What To Look For When Buying Furniture
Furniture is a big investment. Not only does it make a big impact on the look of your home but it’s expensive too, so you’ll want to get it right to avoid costly mistakes. Here are just a few of the things to look out for when buying furniture.
The Material
Furniture might look just like real wood but is actually made out of a cheaper MDF covered in veneer. This is fine in some cases, but if you think you’re buying a solid piece, it will lead to disappointment. The same applies to things like coverings on three piece suites. To touch or to look at something could appear to be genuine leather but is actually a cheaper ‘bonded leather’ which will wear much more quickly. If you’re buying online, read the description carefully and if you’re buying from a store ask the salesperson. If you’re on a budget, these cheaper materials could be an option. However, you don’t want to buy them thinking that they’re genuine when they’re not, or worse still realize later down the line when the items start looking worn and tired before its years.
The Quality
If you’re buying a second-hand item, for example, you’ll need to check for signs of damage. Anything showing signs of rot or pests should be avoided as it will be difficult to repair. Even if you’re buying new, take a careful look at the piece. For furniture with large drawers such as wardrobes, heavy duty drawer slides are an indication that it will last well. Make sure that pieces feel sturdy with no rocking or wobble in them. When you’re unpacking your new furniture, give everything a good check over. Make sure there are no dents, scratches or damage.
The Size
Things can look deceivingly large or small when you’re ordering online. Sometimes this is a shady sales tactic used by websites to make their products appear better. Although often it’s just because it’s difficult to gauge sizes of things without any context. Always look at the measurements, never just assume. Carefully measure the place where it will be going too to make sure the new item will fit. This applies if you’re ordering online or buying from a store. Don’t just eyeball it and say ‘it will be okay,’ take the time to make sure. If you live in a home with an awkward layout, or in apartments, then you’ll also need to take into consideration how it will fit through the door. Large sofas or mattresses, for example, might be an issue going up flights of stairs. You may need to look into buying furniture which can be taken apart in order to get it in.
The Reviews
A quick way to find out if there are any issues with items is to read the reviews. This will give you an indication if you’re likely to notice a problem with it later down the line. It will give you information about what to look out for when you’re buying it too.
What key things do you look out for when you’re buying furniture?
