SmartHomeOwners

Selecting furniture is just one of the many exciting tasks to look forward to when buying a new home.  You'll want to make your new home fit your style while providing comfort for your family and guests.  How you choose to furnish your new home will make all the difference.  Here are some quick furniture selection tips to make the task go smoothly.

Complete All Remodeling and Finishing Touches

Homes that are incomplete or that need a little work should be completely ready before choosing furniture. Why?  Because it's difficult to furnish a room without visualization.  You'll need to see the room after it has been finished and painted, or after the last piece of wallpaper has been hung.  This allows you to imagine how the furniture will look in the room.  So don't pick out your furniture until you're actually ready to move in.

Use Color Swatches

Avoid guessing at color matches for your furniture and room colors.  Take samples or swatches of your room colors with you to the furniture store.  Keep in mind that colors don't always look the same under various types of lighting.

Measurements

Measure the space available in each room for your furnishings.  The available space will determine the length, width and shape of items such as your couch or love seat, dining room table and chairs, bedroom suits, etc.

Buy Smaller Accessories Later

Buy the large furniture items first to see how each piece will fit in your room.  Then add accessories as needed to complete your ensemble.  This allows you to gradually decorate your room without buying too many items at once.  You can accessorize with plants (live or fake), tables, lamps, wall paintings, wall sconces, magazine tables, bookshelves, vases, etc. in the living areas.  In the bedroom, a simple table and lamp will do with a couple of wall paintings.  For the kitchen, create a theme and scour yard sales for matching kitchen decor. You can easily add a few items here and there if you're on a tight budget.  If you posses antique tables or dressers, consider refinishing them to match your new furniture.  This is much less costly than replacing them with new ones, and you can use them for many years to come!

Opt for High Quality

When buying furniture, avoid brands that are cheaply made.  These will likely fall apart after just a few years of use.  Ideally, a couch, chair and love seat should last at least 10 years or more.  The same goes for a kitchen table or bed frame.  Don't be allured by very low prices.  Do some research on furniture brands, and be willing to pay more for quality workmanship.  You'll end up saving money for the long haul.  Also, consider the features being offered.  Do you want a reclining chair or sofa?  What about built in storage or a sleeper sofa?

Choose furniture that makes your home feel welcoming and comfortable.  Be sure to provide adequate seating for guests if you often entertain others.  Look for the features that will make you happy for years to come!