Table of Contents
Decorating your first home is an exciting process that can leave your head swirling with all the seemingly endless possibilities. Furniture is a staple in homes of all sizes and will greatly affect the appearance of the room. However, trying to choose the right furniture for your new home can be a daunting task. There are a few tips, however, that you should consider when furniture shopping to help you pick the right piece for your needs.
The Construction
Choose furniture that has a solid and heavy feel to them. Try to avoid pieces made from particleboard or light aluminum and instead stick with furniture featuring a solid wood construction. Furniture with wood construction typically last longer and are considered the standard for high-quality furniture. However, you should also keep your budget in mind when choosing your furniture. Remember that even though the solid wood piece may be a bit more expensive than the particleboard model, it should withstand years of use without damaging or requiring replacement. If the furniture has a cushion, always inspect the quality and test it out by sitting on it. No matter how stunning the upholstery looks, you won’t enjoy one minute of it if it’s not comfortable to sit in.
The Silhouette
Always consider the general shape of the furniture. Is it trendy? Will its shape stand the constant changing of tastes? Your furniture is not only an investment in your home. It says a lot about you, your taste and your style, so choose a shape that you will love for years to come. A few common silhouette themes include traditional and contemporary.
The Theme
Furniture manufacturers and designers have several common themes that they generally use when designing and creating the furniture. These themes generally include casual, contemporary, country, traditional and eclectic. Casual furniture tends to have a comfy-look to it with earthy colors, while contemporary pieces have angular designs with metallic colors. Country furniture features painted wood, soft colors and floral prints. Traditional pieces typically have dark red woods and damask or chintz fabric, while eclectic furniture includes artisan or ethnic pieces and are highly individualized.
The Finish
The wood finish is extremely important if the furniture has any areas of exposed wood. The color of the stain or finish can greatly affect the entire look of the piece. For example, you can make a traditional piece of furniture have a contemporary look by painting the stained wood black. Another option is to paint a mahogany piece of furniture white to appear more feminine.
The Fabric
Fabric plays a major role in the entire design of the furniture. Furniture with light-colored fabrics are a good choice for a foyer, bedroom or formal living room. However, if the furniture will be used on a regular basis, consider darker fabrics, which hide stains better.
No matter what type of furniture you choose make sure it is something you love, that will lasts for years and not break your budget.
