The Adventurer's Guide to Buying Furniture

Not many of us are very knowlegeable about furniture (unless you're a decorator or manufacturer). Consequently, shopping for furniture and home accessories can often be a tiresome chore. But if you approach the task knowing what you want as well as what you need, it can become an exciting adventure.

Not many of us are very knowlegeable about furniture (unless you're a decorator or manufacturer). Consequently, shopping for furniture and home accessories can often be a tiresome chore. But if you approach the task knowing what you want as well as what you need, it can become an exciting adventure.

Consider these important tips before shopping for furniture or home accessories:

Know What You Need

Go in with a plan. Decide what it is you absolutely need to buy, then make a list. If you put it all down writing, you won't forget anything. One note of caution: unless you've had a major accident, like a flood or smoke damage, don't junk ALL of your old furniture and replace everything. For most of us, this is unnecessary and impractical. Not to mention expensive.

Before you go shopping, look around your house to see exactly what kinds of furniture or accessories you really need. Does your sofa sag so much it's become uncomfortable? It may be time for a new one. But just because there's an incredible sale at the furniture store, that doesn't mean it's time to replace your sturdy old dining table. Don't get carried away with spur-of-the-moment impulse buys when it comes to furniture.

As you're deciding what to buy (before going shopping), remember to measure the space where you're planning to put the new furniture! Also, be sure to leave ample space between the new piece and your existing furniture to leave enough room for the free flow of traffic in and out of the room.

Know Your Theme

Choosing a general theme or look for your furniture will help keep everything in sync. Without a coherent theme you'll likely wind up with a clashing, cluttered room that won't allow you to relax. To simplify things, consider choosing from one of these five major styles:

1. Casual - earth tones, with materials like oak, pine, ash and maple woods (think: overstuffed sofas, casual tables and chairs)

2. Contemporary - bold colors, sharp lines, metal and glass (think: contemporary metal wall art and metal wall sculptures)

3. Country - rustic designs including floral prints, painted woods and soft cushions

4. Traditional - antiques, vintage furniture styles made of woods like mahogany

5. Eclectic - ethnic or artisan decorative ornaments and furniture

Going in knowing your theme will make the furniture-buying experience much easier. Of course, if your home or the particular room you're decorating already has a theme, just buy the furniture or home accessories that fit in with your current look.

Know Your Lifestyle

Consider your family's lifestyle and find furniture that will fit in and complement the way you live. That means, for example, if you have kids or pets, don't buy a white silk sofa or a white leather barcalounger and expect it to stay clean for long.

Inspiration

Look at interior design magazines, talk to interior decorators, search the Internet and read books on this topic. Study about home designing so it will be easier for you to find pieces of furniture and home accessories that will suit your preferences and taste.

Budgeting

Know what you can afford. Then once you set you budget, stick to it. That way you'll be sure to stay within your means. You shouldn't have to break the bank just to buy new furniture or a piece of wall art.

Quality and Durability

Keep in mind that value involves more than simply price. Whatever furniture you purchase should last a long time, so look for quality and durability as well. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. So if you buy furniture based simply on the lowest price, chances are you'll be buying the lowest quality as well. Sometimes spending a little more upfront for higher quality can actually save you money by avoiding costly repairs later.

Adding new furniture and accessories to your home décor is a sure way to liven up your living quarters.