Most of us have seen the pretty pictures in the home and garden magazines of all the most beautiful furniture we could ever dream of. We see the complete living room or the complete dining room set or perhaps the bedroom suite that includes a few lounging chairs to complete the room decor. We have all dreamed of watching television or holding our first big party in such a lovely living room. We pictured our entire family sitting around the dining room table at Thanksgiving. We dared to dream of going into the well furnished bedroom and sitting in the easy chair reading a book before bed.
Those dreams are wonderful. However, most of us will never have a room so large. We must remember that the rooms we see in magazines are either set up just as a model would pose in front of the camera or maybe the elegant room is in the home of a celebrity. Of course, we can all have a beautifully furnished home. Perhaps, it will not be on so grand a scale.
The question is "where do you start?" How do you decide what to buy? Of course, one of the primary constraints on young families just starting out is budget. But, beyond budget the decision on the style we really want can be rather daunting. For example, a new couple may see the ultra modern dining room suite and love the idea of living in the modern world of glass and metal. But, the reality is they may like the appearance but not be comfortable with the design for everyday.
The first thing a young couple should do is to decide on the materials and the style. This is not to say that every piece of furniture must be the exact same style. It is to say that when furnishing a home there should be some continuity. Decide on the style first. Can the couple agree that they want to live with antiques or more formal styles? Or, do they prefer a style that is more comfortable and more casual?
Does the couple prefer chrome and glass? Or, perhaps they like the look of maple and Early American. Maybe they prefer a darker wood.
One of the best ways to make the decisions about investing in furniture is to spend a few Saturdays going to furniture stores. Do not buy the first set of furniture that catches your eye. Even if the salesperson says the set is on sale and will be sold if you don't buy immediately. There is plenty of furniture in the world and there will be more tomorrow. Do not buy the first thing you see. Unlike a dress that is purchased and can be returned the next day, furniture is a one shot deal for the most part. Shop with care.
5 things to keep in mind when shopping for furniture:
- Know the size of your room. Don't guess. Measure it.
- Know the style you prefer and the wood you prefer. Make sure it is a wood and a style you will be comfortable with for a few years at the very least.
- Do not buy furniture you think you like on impulse. There is always more furniture to choose from tomorrow than there is today.
- While furniture stores that sell the entire room as a package seem to be the answer, it may be best to consider purchasing one or two pieces at a time. For example, if shopping for the living room or family room decide on a sofa and perhaps a chair or two. (Again, know the size of your room.)
- Once you have the basics in place you can shop for the end tables and cocktail tables. Just because the store has it set up as a "package" doesn't mean you have to buy the entire package.
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