When you invest in a piece of furniture, you expect it to last for a long time. Good quality furniture lasts through the different stages of your life before getting handed down to future generations. Learning how to buy furniture before you go shopping can keep you from wasting your money on something that doesn’t hold up or that goes out of style.
Investing in high-end furniture that costs a little more can end up saving you money in the long run. Some furniture becomes even more valuable over time, especially when you consider the sentimental value it gains with repeated use. The following furniture buying tips will help you learn what to look for so that you get furniture that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
1. You get what you pay for
Price isn’t the only indicator of the quality of furniture, but it’s a good place to start. Furniture that looks good on the surface might be hiding inferior materials underneath the surface. If a piece of furniture seems like an unbelievable bargain, it probably is.
2. Consider the materials
Identifying the material as wood isn’t good enough. Some types of wood aren’t as strong and durable as others. Ash, cherry, oak, walnut, birch, mahogany, and maple are all hardwoods that resist cracking. Cheaper woods like redwood and pine won’t stand the test of time. Also, make sure any leather furniture uses real leather and not synthetic imitations. The same is true for any human-made materials.
If the furniture is upholstered, look closely at the fabric. It should be tightly-woven without spaces in-between the threads. It also needs to be consistent throughout the piece. Some good choices include wool, cotton, and linen.
3. Take a good look at the craftsmanship
Check the areas where separate pieces are joined together. Do they fit together firmly without creaking or wobbling when you move it or apply weight? Make sure everything operates as intended. Drawers should open and close smoothly without getting stuck or jerking.
4. Where to buy furniture
People buy everything online these days. But when it comes to buying furniture, you should stick with Australian companies that you can visit in person. It’s impossible to put the furniture to the test based on a picture alone. Avoid the hassle of having to return a purchase and the cost of shipping it back to where you got it.
5. Test the screws, padding, cushions, and seams
Make sure the screws don’t stick out and that all of the seams are sewn together securely. Look for areas that are out of sight where there may be signs of poor craftsmanship. The cushions should have tight seams that are finished and the foam thick enough to keep you from feeling any hard surfaces from underneath.
6. Give it a try
Sit on it, bounce on it, put all of its parts to use as intended. If it can’t hold up to a little pressure in the store, it isn’t going to stand up to repeated use when you take it home.
Contact Willow Home & Living for ideas on new cushions for your old furniture.
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