When it comes to buying furniture, the stakes are much higher than simply ordering a piece of clothing that doesn’t quite fit. You’re investing a lot of money and planning to keep the furniture for several years. It’s important to avoid making mistakes that could lead to dissatisfaction with your purchase.
To help you make the right choices, we’ve gathered some top tips to help you avoid key furniture buying mistakes.
Don’t Forget To Measure
One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing furniture is not measuring properly. This can lead to returns and frustration for both the customer and the seller. To avoid this, it’s important to measure accurately and consider the scale of the piece in relation to the space it will be placed in.
Not measuring correctly is one of the biggest reasons for returns. Customers often don’t consider the size of the furniture in relation to their space, leading to disappointment when the piece doesn’t fit through their front door. Always check the measurements of the furniture and compare it to other items in your house to ensure the scale is appropriate.
It’s not just the height and width of the furniture that need to be considered, but also how it will get into your home. Just because something can fit through the front door doesn’t mean it will make it to its final destination without issue. Don’t forget to consider where the furniture has to go in the house and can you get it to that location without damaging doors, door frames or walls.
Taking accurate measurements and considering the scale of the furniture in relation to your space is crucial to avoid returns and unnecessary expenses, like hoisting the furniture on the outsie of the house to get it in. It’s also important to think about how the furniture will be delivered and if any obstacles may arise. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free furniture buying experience.
Make Sure You Factor In Delivery Times
When shopping for furniture, it’s important to consider delivery timing if you have a specific date in mind. High-quality furniture often requires special freight delivery, which can take three to five weeks alone, not including the order processing time. Many customers shop for furniture with the expectation of receiving it within a few weeks, but this may not be feasible.
It’s essential to have reasonable delivery expectations to ensure that your purchase arrives in one piece without damage. Although it may be frustrating, the long lead times are necessary to ensure that your furniture arrives in pristine condition. If you need new, quality dining chairs by Thanksgiving and it’s already November 2nd, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive them in time.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to factor in delivery times when making your purchase and plan accordingly.
Be Careful When Buying on Social Media
Social media has become a popular platform for retailers to showcase their products. However, it is important to remember that the items displayed on social media may not always be an accurate representation of the product in real life. It can be deceiving to see a beautiful piece of furniture online and then receive a product that is uncomfortable, impractical, or the wrong color.
To avoid this expensive hassle, it is recommended to test out big-ticket items such as sofas, chairs, and mattresses in person, if possible. Many stores also charge a restocking fee and other return charges, which can add to the overall cost of the item.
If you cannot see the product in person before purchasing, it is best to order a swatch or two to get a better feel for the upholstery and accurately choose between colors. Most major retailers offer free or low-cost swatches, which can help you make a more informed decision. By taking these steps, you can avoid being deceived by social media and ensure that you are making a wise investment in your furniture.
Have You Considered the Practicalities?
When shopping for furniture, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and overlook practicality. However, failing to consider your lifestyle needs can lead to regrettable purchases. For example, a white linen sofa may look stunning, but it’s not the best choice if you have young children, pets, or enjoy a nightly glass of red wine. Maintenance is also an important factor to keep in mind. Don’t let the allure of a beautiful piece blind you to its practicality.
How Long Are You Going to Use it For?
When it comes to buying furniture, it’s important to consider how long you plan to use it for. If you’re currently living in an apartment or condo and don’t plan to stay there for a long time, you might not need to worry too much about the quality of your dining table. However, if you’re buying furniture for a home you plan to live in for the next fifteen years, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality item with a timeless aesthetic. While trendy pieces might be tempting, they won’t stand the test of time like a classic, well-made piece of furniture.
