Consider this tip. Sketch a rough layout of the room and input furniture. You don’t need outstanding artistic skills to do this. A simple piece of paper and pencil is enough.
The other alternative is to use some of the software available online. The layout will provide a guideline and provide a mental picture you can use.
2.Decide On a Theme
Coming up with a theme will make it easier for you to choose furniture. It also helps in having cohesiveness in the overall look and feel. There are so many decor styles, depending on what you like. These include:
- Industrial design that leans towards minimalism. The main material here would be steel, copper, or raw wood.
- Bohemian is a combination of Moroccan and hippie styles.
- Asian or Zen is about clean lines, space, and minimal decor. Features that bring peace to the space like water and plants like bamboo will also be part of the theme.
- Contemporary styles are modern. There are a lot of neutrals with pops of colors from cushions or rugs.
- Vintage furniture tends to look distressed or worn. Most people will repurpose old furniture for this look. A trip to the flea market can uncover some interesting gems.
- Rustic Texas back to the days of the pioneers, or country dwellers.
- Eclectic tends not to confine itself to one specific style.
Do not feel like you have to limit yourself to one particular theme. As we shared in the intro, sometimes the best style is a mix of two or three. Think steel furniture (industrial) combined with a distressed table (rustic).
Just find a common thread that links all the pieces together for that cohesive look. Take the example of the table runner matching the throw pillows or rugs.
Another idea is to have one statement piece from a specific era. Imagine a contemporary design with a Victorian corner seat.
3. Allocate a Budget and Get Shopping
You now have 2 critical factors in mind. The space determines how much, and what you can buy. The second is the theme.
It is now time to decide how much you want to spend. Having and sticking to a budget is critical. It helps avoid haphazard spending.
Here is a tip. Good quality furniture may be a bit pricier. But, what you get is quality and durability.
The final step is the hard, yet, exciting part. Be ready to spend quite a bit of time shopping. You will need to do tons of research on the best places to shop.
Compare prices like crazy. Different retailers will have varying prices. The same item could cost much more in one place than another.
Do take time to read customer reviews as well. Such honest feedback can save you money, time, and the stress of buying low-quality pieces.
Also consider the following money-saving tips:
- Buy from the flea market and repurpose. Some people will get rid of furniture, not because they are old. They could just be looking for a way to make money or space for new ones.
- Take time to teach yourself some simple DIYs. Replacing cushion covers, for instance, is a simple sewing job. Platforms like YouTube have so many beginner-friendly tutorials.
- Check out places like eBay for some good deals. There is always someone selling something.
Once you decide to buy, go with a strict mindset. Being indecisive will only slow down the process. Do go with someone whose opinion you trust as well. It doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for furniture can be fun. On the reverse, it can be frustrating and time-consuming if you don’t get the basics right. Let’s not forget the inconvenience and expense of buying the wrong pieces.
See how much space you have, develop a theme, allocate a budget, and then shop. Research the retailers, and take note of customer reviews where they are available.
Good luck with transforming your home with the right furniture.
Authors Bio: Dan Martin
Daniel Martin loves building winning content teams. Over the past few years, he has built high-performance teams that have produced engaging content enjoyed by millions of users. Dani also enjoys photography and playing the carrom board.