Furniture can instantly set the tone for any living place and determine how it will be used. Do you want your place to be a relaxation haven or would you prefer a more formal, proper look to the space?
Whether you are buying furniture for the first time or planning to replace your old one, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind.
Measurements
Many furniture buyers tend to pick up furniture on their whim, just because it looks good or comes at a good price. They completely overlook the fact that a piece of furniture that does not fit in with the symmetry of their living room may become an eyesore, or worse, an obstruction. Before you go window shopping for your furniture, take all the necessary measurements keeping in mind any asymmetrical corners or pillars. Your furniture should match the size and shape of your space, and should neither be too big or too small for it.
Quality vs. Value
If you have fallen in love with a piece that is way out of your budget, ask yourself if it is worth making that investment? Is it going to deliver real value in the years to come? That said, it is alright, and in fact recommended, to spend a little extra if it guarantees better quality and longevity. After all, it isn’t every day that you buy new furniture! A cheap piece of furniture may save you some money right away but think of the repair and replacement costs you are going to incur in the future.
Usage
Another factor that will affect your furniture buying decision is the intended use of the furniture.
- Is it going to be used extensively or is it more likely to sit as an embellishment in your living room?
- Do you have any pets or children around?
- Are you going to place it indoors or outdoors?
- How much time and effort can you afford towards cleaning and maintaining it?
Ask yourself these questions before you make a choice. For example, you may want to stay away from leather if your furniture is going to be lying around on the patio. Similarly, you may need sturdier and low-maintenance upholstery if your furniture is going to undergo frequent and rough use.
Color and Design
There are a lot of bright colors and contemporary designs available in the stores but when it comes to furniture that is going to sit in your living room for decades; “clean and classic” should be the mantra. Try to keep the colors neutral so that you are not easily bored of them. It is also easier to move neutral-colored pieces around in the house as they aren’t likely to clash with the décor in other rooms.
Moreover, you can play around with the décor as much as you want without worrying about how your orange couch will look in the new setting. If you still want color, you can always use accent pieces, paintings, vases, lamps and a brightly hued rug to liven up the decor.
Robin Rhode is a part of the team at The Lounge Gallery, leading suppliers of modern furniture in Perth. He is a budding artist and enjoys painting in his spare time.
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