11 May 2013

Tips For Buying New Furniture For Your Home

So, you want to learn about furniture shopping. You have totally come to the right place! This article was written to help those who need to buy furniture do so without blowing their budget to smithereens. The helpful hints below will really change your outlook on how you shop for furniture.

If you are trying to shop for furniture made in either fully or at least partially environmentally responsible manners, look out for three possible certifications. Scientific Certification Systems uses an SCS label. Also look for SmartWood certification by the Rainforest Alliance. The Green Seal organization also verifies furniture, simply saying Green Seal on the label.

Used furniture is a great way to save money. It is important to inspect used furniture very carefully before you buy it. Test all the doors and drawers, look for scratches and make sure the piece is sturdy enough. It is usually best to choose solid wood furniture if you are buying second hand items.

If you want a new piece of furniture and already have a piece similar, consider altering the piece. There are many different ways you can alter furniture. If you want a new color, you can paint it or add a nice slipcover. If you aren't comfortable doing it, there are a lot of people who enjoy this type of project.

Thoroughly check any cushions on the furniture you are buying. Cushions should be firm, and have a cover that can be removed for cleaning. Try to find ones that have the same fabric on both sides. It will cost a bit more than one-sided cushions with a backing, but they will last longer and wear more evenly because you can flip them over every few months.

Prior to heading out to the store, think through what you need. Write down the items you have to buy and which room they are going to be in. Also make note if you think any colors or patterns would be nice. The list can help save you a lot of time and money once you actually get to the store.

If you are looking into used furniture, be sure to look under cushions and even do a smell test. The furniture may look great from a few feet away, but there can be hidden mold and even wood rot that will make the choice a poor investment. Just a little extra time and diligence is needed.

When you decide to purchase used furniture, do not let small scratches scare you away. Usually, these small flaws can easily be fixed from the comfort of your own home. It will be much cheaper to fix these little issues on your own rather than purchasing brand new furniture altogether.

Measure the space in your home very carefully before purchasing furniture. If you go shopping for furniture without having a precise idea of how much room you have, you might end up with an item that does not fit in your home. Measure doors and windows to make sure you can bring new furniture in your home.

If you need outdoor furniture, go shopping in August. Since fall is growing closer at that point, many people have already bought the items they needed for the summer. Therefore, the pieces you want are much more likely to be available at a discounted rate, and they will be all ready to go for you when May rolls around again.

Do not hesitate to haggle with the salesperson. Furniture is much like cars in the sense that they are drastically marked up. You will be able to get a lower price on the furniture if you just speak up. Do not let them tell you that they cannot give it to you at a lesser price because they can take as much as twenty percent off of retail cost.

Though it may not look nice, it would be wise to purchase a sofa cover when you purchase a new sofa. Let's face it, sofas can be quite pricy and it would be a shame to have it ruined by stains. You can purchase a neutral color to match with everything else.

Don't forget your local thrift store when looking for furniture. People often get rid of really great furniture at thrift stores because their style changes or they are moving and cannot take pieces with them. The stores then sell them to people like you for a great price. Just make sure to inspect the pieces first so there is no damage.

You should be taking proper care of your wooden furniture. You should regularly dust and wax wood furnishings if you want them to last. There are many available products that will help you keep your wood looking great for years to come.

Take care of your wood furniture by dusting the pieces regularly, and avoid placing them under direct sunlight. The accumulation of dust can dull the finish, and direct sunlight can also fade the finish. Regular dusting with a soft cloth can keep your wood furniture looking like new for years to come.

Check the cushions when you are buying a sofa. Good cushions are very important. Firm cushions will last longer. Try to look for fully covered cushions with covers that you can wash. You can flip these over every few months so that they wear out evenly and stay comfortable for longer.

When you are buying a sofa, make sure you inspect the springs. Coiled springs will lead to a firmer surface. If that isn't your style, check out zigzag coils instead. You can inspect the coils by removing the cushions and pushing down into the sofa. If the coils are in good working order, they will bounce right back up after you push them down.

The time is now to craft a shopping strategy which will bring you success. You have to use these tips to ensure you get the exact piece you need for less. All it takes is your determination and a little bit of knowledge to be able to buy furniture on budget and without hassle.

No comments: