How to be 100% Ready to Buy Furniture
Written by Alyssa Moreno
Set a goal.
Whether you are starting with a single room or you have a whole project, set yourself an attainable goal and a timeline. “I need my living room completed by [insert date here]. This will not only allow you to know whether you should buy off the floor or custom order, it will also stop you from getting stuck in the “forever shopping” rut. I’ve personally fallen victim to this. I spent 6 months “shopping” waiting for something better, when if I had gone with my gut, I would have been completely satisfied and had a completed space within 2 months of starting my process.
2. Measure your WHOLE space.
Don't waste your precious time. Measure the space before you step out the door. Having an accurate measurement of the space takes the guesswork out of finding furniture that fits properly in the space. Even if you are just starting to look, you never know what gems you might find. You won't have to run back and forth, or run the risk of getting something too large (or too small) for the room.
3. Let us see it!
Bring photos or a short video of your space. I even like to see photos of other rooms in your home that you are happy with. Describing a space is more difficult than you might think. Save yourself the headache and let your photos share your details.
Types of photos that are helpful:
Full room shots
Up-close of finishes such as flooring, fireplace surrounds, cabinetry etc.
Lighting in the space
Things you have that you would like to keep in the space.
4. Budget $$$$$
This one can be hard to figure out if you don't shop for furniture very often. An informed shopper, is a smart shopper. Do some research on that sofa you like from pinterest. Know what it's made out of, what the reviews are, how long it lasts. These things will help you know what options fit best in your budget. Figure out what is the most important piece for you, splurge on that and be thrifty on the other pieces. More expensive dining table? Go with less expensive chairs that are easily replaced with use.
5. Inspiration
Bring photos of spaces, colors, fabric, art that you would like to work from. Sometimes it can be hard to grasp exactly what you want from a space. GET INSPIRED. Magazines, Pinterest, or even a friends home can be great inspiration. As decorators, these types of items can help us get into your brain and help you create a space that you LOVE.
-A