Image Source | Pinterest
You’ve finished your renovations and organised your decor - now it’s time to go shopping! Furniture shopping is one of my favourite parts of interior design. While it’s easy to go all out on every piece of furniture imaginable, it’s important to select pieces that will stand the test of time in both style and longevity. Here’s my checklist on how to get the most bang for your buck when furniture shopping.
Make a list and check it twice
Image Source | Brian and Anissa Zajac via Camille Styles
Before you set foot into any store, make a list of what you need for each room in your house. Think of the basics first, and then any extras that you might like to add on. For example, a bedroom shopping list might include:
Bed frame & mattress
Bedside tables or drawers
Wardrobe(s)
Chest of drawers/vanity
Full-length mirror
With optional add ons:
Lounge chair
Footstool
Vanity chair
Shelving
Rug
Image Source | Lotta Agaton via frenchyfancy
The basics of your lounge room might include:
Lounge
Recliners/Armchairs
Coffee table
TV cabinet
Shelves/storage space
If you go in with a list, you’re less likely to succumb to trend fever - sure, you might like to include some room in your budget for anything extra you see while shopping, but make sure the basics are covered first! I usually tell clients to add a buffer of 10-15% to any project, and that includes furniture shopping.
Go window shopping
Image Source | Brian Paquette
Before you go in to purchase, take the time to shop around. Look online, make a pinterest board with your desired aesthetic and spend some time looking through local shops to see their range before making any decisions. Make sure you make notes on your pins regarding exactly what you like, and don't like about each image to keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Keep in mind that some furniture can be real investment pieces, so if you’re going to be sitting at the same dining table for the next ten years, make sure you like it!
Image Source | Kathryn of House of Hawkes via Coco Kelley
It’s important when you’re choosing your furnishings to weigh up cost, style and longevity. Think about the pieces that you want to last longest or make the biggest impact, and budget more cash for them than other pieces. You might not care about the plushness of your foot stool, for example, but you’ll definitely care if your bed creaks every time you roll over, or you feel like your kitchen chair’s about to break beneath you.
Have a look at rough prices for the pieces you like, and then make a budget to suit. A lounge room budget, for example, might look like this:
Image Source | Krista Collard Interiors
Think outside the box
Image Source | Krista Collard Interiors
While Ikea or Furniture One might be your first thought for furniture shopping, there’s plenty of other options out there. Don’t get me wrong, I like Ikea as much as the next gal- (the dining table and chairs above were a limited edition sourced from the scandi giant) but you’ll be surprised by how much else is out there.
Image Source | Christina Roughan
Don't be afraid to mix high and low. Just because you're going high end on some pieces, it doesn't mean you have to on all. If you are planning to get a few pieces from Ikea, spend a bit more for quality and you'll still be saving in the long run.
Image Source | Pinterest
For timeless, unique pieces, consider going vintage. Search your local antique and vintage shops before buying new, and keep an eye on sites like Etsy, 1st Dibs and Chairish. While some of these stores can be a bit hit and miss, I’ve found some of my favourite pieces by scouring vintage shops and online stores - the perfect, unexpected item you’ve been looking for could be just a shop away.
If you’re really unsure when it comes to picking the best furniture for your home, consider hiring an Interior Designer to do the hard work for you. You can book a complimentary discovery call with me right here!
