When it is time to purchase home furniture and all the home furnishings we all too often realize that we do not know our style.
A few things to keep in mind before purchasing furniture:
- Decide on your style.
- Decide on your colors.
- Decide on the shade of wood that you prefer.
That all seems easy enough until it is time to buy. Many of us go furniture shopping for the styles we grew up with. Others will purchase anything but what they grew up with. Furniture is an investment. It should be purchased with care and consideration for what you really like.
Admittedly, I am a fan of good or great quality. This does not mean antiques or overly expensive. If there is one suggestion it would be to buy solid wood pieces. That is a given. But, beyond that everyone should try to buy the best quality he can afford on his budget.
How to Decide on Your Home Furniture Style
Almost everyone has a cell phone today. Use it to take pictures of pieces of furniture that catch your eye. Walk through the furniture stores and look. Browse. It isn't time to buy until you know what you really want. So, browse --- and take pictures.
Upload the pictures to a folder on your computer. And, keep browsing. Once a week or every two weeks go through the pictures you have snapped and review them. Make a separate folder for your favorites.
I always suggest auctions and thrift stores or used furniture stores as another source. I have discovered some of my most favorite pieces at auction or in used furniture stores. Of course, for those who are inclined to enjoy shabby chic or cottage style, there is no need to shop anywhere else. There are great buys for the man or woman --- or couple --- who don't mind getting a little creative.
Back to the pictures. Separate the pictures into categories such as bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture and so on. After a month or so a pattern should be developing. You will find yourself gravitating towards certain styles and certain colors.
As the collection grows think of your present lifestyle. Do you enjoy hiking and camping? Or, would you prefer a night at the symphony? Consider your interests. We may admire the fine lines of the Louis XVI style but in fact we really wouldn't be comfortable living with it. Remember, your house is for living. You and your family should be comfortable in the house and with the furniture.
For example, I personally think the sofa to the left is beautiful. But, to be honest, as dainty and pretty as it may be, I have no use for it. It doesn't look all that comfortable and it definitely does not suit my casual lifestyle. I would never buy the sofa, but I can admire it.
I recently heard one new husband tell his wife that he just wanted a "sectional sofa" and that she could pick it out. He said it as if there was only ONE sectional sofa style in the entire world.
Unfortunately, the new wife was at a loss as to what her husband wanted or really likes. This is one of those times when patience and lots of pictures would have come in handy. The husband was looking for something casual as it turns out. However, as seen from the pictures of sectional sofas, there are a myriad of choices and styles.
The wife spent some time with a cell phone taking pictures of sectional sofas. The couple decided on a sofa that suited their tastes and their needs. Additionally, the couple decided that they did not have to live with Navajo White walls, something both had grown up with. Taking time to decide on their style and their color scheme was worth it for them. Both have been completely happy with all the choices they have made since they first bought the sofa.
One thing to bear in mind is that just because you may select Queen Anne dining room furntiure, you do not have to do every other room in the house in the Queen Anne style. In fact, no one house is done completely in a single style. There is usually a dominant style, but there are always pieces that complement the predominant furniture style and fit in very nicely.
When determining the style for your home furniture and home furnishings begin with pictures. Always "window shop" before taking the credit card or debit card to the store. Determine if you like dark wood or lighter wood. Determine if you are more comfortable with Danish modern or Early American, or whatever primary style you choose. Begin to get a feel for the colors that create that warm and homey feel in your house. We do not have to live with Navajo White on every wall.
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