Furniture is generally the third most expensive collective purchase of a person’s life, after a house and car. This means buying furniture is a balancing act between a price you can afford now and furnishings you’ll still love years from now. Here are five furniture buying tips that can help you get the look you want without running out of cash.
- Use the Internet Carefully:
There’s no doubt about it, buying online can get you the best deals. But can you get the best furniture online, as well? Buy only from reputable sites, and look at user-uploaded photos and reviews whenever possible. The official product photos may not tell the whole story. One good use for the Internet, even if you decide not to buy online, is comparison shopping without the pressure of walking into various stores. - Keep an Eye on Retail Sales:
Retail furniture stores often have sales rivaling online prices when they need to move along old stock to make room for new shipments. Keep an eye on your local shops and check out their clearance section regularly. - Utilize Specialty Stores:
Pick a few areas to splurge and then scour specialty stores for the perfect item. Want a certain look for your dining room chairs? There are dining furniture stores. Have your heart set on a leather couch? There are leather furniture stores. You’ll have plenty to choose from. - Refurbish Realistically:
If you’re moderately handy, it can be tempting to buy a piece knowing it will need a few changes. If it’s just one item—for example, a side table that needs to be sanded and repainted, or a single ottoman that needs a different color of upholstery—then by all means make use of your skills. But don’t overwhelm yourself, and remember that the whole point of buying new furniture is to get something you already like. - Buy Used With Caution:
Here are some furniture buying tips especially aimed at students on a budget: Used furniture may match your budget, but tread carefully since you don’t know where a piece has been. Buying a used mattress, for example, isn’t a good idea. Bed bugs have had a major resurgence in the U.S., and you don’t want that kind of hassle and cost in the aftermath of trying to save a few bucks. On the other hand, items like cool old lamps found at thrift stores can add character to your home and give it a unique look
Do you have any more furniture buying tips to share? Add them in using the comments section! More information like this: www.carolinafactoryoutlet.com
