Imagine that you have got a new place and you are going to move into it. But before you do, you want to have all the necessary things including, for instance, modern tables, more sophisticated or industrial warehouse stools, spacious sofas etc., that are required for comfortable living to the same extent as getting the place painted and having utilities installed.
When you got out to buy furniture for your new home or apartment it can be a lot of fun but it can be really confusing too. As furniture is not only a necessity but it also adds to the overall feel of the home. Are you a minimalist? A modernist? Or a bohemian? Your furniture can say it all. It is recommended to choose goods that exactly meets your requirements, as well as style aesthetic, being comfortable, reasonably priced built solidly to last for a few years at least.
But how do you usually define what that is perfect for your space? What are the most important criteria for quality shopping? To make the process easier for you we have put together 10 principles to keep in mind.
Define the Mood
At first, you should think about the different moods or vibes you want around the house. Consider if you would like your bedroom to be bright and colorful or want to keep it toned down. Do you want your living room to have a more formal vibe or a casual sitting arrangement would do? Deciding the moods for each space will help you pick the furniture for it more easily.
Make a Budget
It is smart to make a budget of the items you need and are willing to spend on. List them according to priority and the expected amounts. This way you will not be inclined towards spending more than you should and keep your expenses in check. You can buy everything you like online and compare prices at different sites then get what is within your budget.
Define your Requirements
Are you going to be sharing this space with a partner? Family members? Or are you going to live alone? Define your requirements and look for necessary items accordingly. If you are a family of two you don’t need that seven-seat couch or that ten seat dining table. You can update your equipment later as your family grows. For now, stick to your requirements.
Know your Measurements
Whether you are shopping at a local home store or are going to buy something via Internet, it is necessary that you take measurements of your rooms and other areas where you want to put furniture and consider the dimensions. It is silly to pick an item and just hope it fits because it looks nice then be disappointed when it does not. Make use of planning and measuring tools and buy furniture accordingly to avoid the hassle of returning items.
Take Your Time
I know you want to move into a home that is finished and has everything you need. But unless you have a lot of time to spare on creating a space that you love and finding pieces that fit in perfectly, you should take your time creating a completed look. Get the basics or the necessary objects that you need on a daily basis like your bed or dresser. But take your time with the small pieces like decorative ones, lamps and other complimentary things you would love to have. Don’t buy furniture just for the sake of filling up space.
Quality
There are plenty of options in the market which are cheap, look nice and can apparently do the job. But if the material used in making that furniture is low quality and probably will not stand the test of time and usage, they are not worth your investment. While complimentary furniture can be compromised on you should invest in quality when it comes to getting furniture items like the china cabinet or your dining table. Making a budget does not mean that you compromise on quality.
Construction
Remember to analyze construction features, the materials used and how well all is made. Go for the solid wooden frames as they are timeless, are a standard for fine and sturdy furniture and also last a lot longer than other materials. Also, check the cushioning of the furniture piece by giving it a sit test. If it does not feel comfortable or feels light but is pretty, it is not worth your investment.
Finishing
When you buy furniture keep in mind that certain details can make it look tacky or cheap like the finishing. A furniture piece with exposed wooden areas has to be properly stained or painted to give it character. The finishing can truly turn a piece around from traditional to something more contemporary by painting the traditional wood stain to black or another dark color. In addition, the upholstery has to be kept in contrast or it will clash with the stain or finishing color.
Shape
Do not underestimate the importance of shape and silhouette of the furniture piece you are likely to buy. It is a long-term investment so it is better to make sure that the shape is trendy yet functional and something that you will not end up hating in the future. Furthermore, check out if it creates a cohesive look with the other furniture pieces and does not end up looking odd. Something unusual and stylish is good but try not to get carried away.
Functionality
There never seems to be enough space around the house to put everything. Especially if you have a small home. It is smart that you keep functionality in mind when you choose furniture. Like a bed that has storage beneath or a couch that can also be used as a make-shift bed when you have guests over.
The skillful combination of at least several techniques enumerated above can create coziness you are looking for.