Home Furniture: Making Sure You Shop Right
Purchasing furniture need not be the complex and perilous affair some may make it out be. Sure, furniture is not bought the same way you buy a laptop or a TV since you’re not the one to carry it out of the furniture store and get it to your living room. Fortunately, the online shopping has made shopping easier because you have a wider variety of furniture stores to compare.
Here, we look at some of the most important considerations to make in order to be sure you’ve made the right purchasing decision.
- Gain some knowledge on types of wood
Wood used to make furniture falls under three categories: particle board (or composite wood), veneers, and solid wood.
Composite wood and particle board pieces are a combination of resin, plastics, and wood pulp; in other words, scraps from the process of manufacturing furniture. They look okay and are quite affordable, but may not last for decades.
Veneers have a medium-quality base of wood that is covered by multiple thin layers of wood that is of better quality. The cheaper core means they are not as expensive as pure high-quality wood pieces. Solid wood is the most expensive of the three types. It’s also the best looking. It can, however, be susceptible to water rings and scratches.
- Check cabinets and drawers
Open cabinets and drawers. Ascertain that the drawers shut evenly, latch properly, and pull all the way out. For cabinets, make sure the doors open, remain in position and shut fine. They shouldn’t snap shut when you’re trying to get something out. Ensure that knobs and handles fit tightly and do not turn or jiggle.
- If possible, steer clear of glue and nails
Look for corners and ends that are wood joined, not nailed or glued in. Generally, wood-joined pieces are stronger and can support more weight.
- Consider your lifestyle when choosing fabric and colors
The fabrics and colors you choose should be determined by your lifestyle. For instance, you should probably stay away from the white suede pieces if you have hyper pets such as dogs. They are likely to climb on the Homecouture furniture and ruin it. Instead, you can go with darker shades of colors and fabrics such as linen, which is tough and stain resistant.
- Inspect the legs
The best legs should be solid wood, heavy, and joined – rather that nailed – to the chair or sofa. Metal, rubber, or plastics legs don’t look as good. Metal legs may damage the floor and rubber or plastics legs may not be durable. If you’re going for a high-end sofa, it might be a good idea to find one with a fifth leg in the middle to provide extra support.
- Haggle
Like with cars, haggling is usually a given when it comes to buying furniture. Because of the big markups in furniture, you will probably be able to negotiate. With some patience and good haggling skills, you can get up to 20% off.
Bio:
Furniture makes up a large part of your home décor. Therefore, when shopping for home furniture, it is important that you take time to ensure that you not only buy the best furniture from online stores such as Homecouture, but that you also get it at the best prices.