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We’ve rounded up six expert tips for you to follow when choosing new living room furniture. Read on!
The living room is a key location in any home because it’s where people relax and unwind with family or friends.
Perhaps you’re in search of some fresh modern living room ideas or a brand-new set of furniture. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to find the right pieces that fit your space, and that match the rest of your home’s decor.
In this article, you’ll discover 6 expert tips you should follow when buying living room furniture.
Establish a Budget
If you decide on a budget before you go shopping, it’ll help you determine which options fit within your price range. When considering the amount you’re willing to spend on each item, factor in any additional costs, such as delivery and assembly.
Make sure you set a maximum budget so you don’t go over your financial limit. If possible, try to bundle items together to save money on multiple purchases.
Look for discounts or sales when shopping online or at local stores, so you can purchase quality furniture at affordable prices.
Multi-purpose furniture is great when there’s limited space and budget. If you go online in search of a corner sofa bed for guests you can view prices and savings, and view financing options. It’s often possible to search by size and color, view best sellers and request free samples.
Assess the Layout
When measuring the room you need to include the floor and all windows, doors, walls, and other objects that can’t be moved or eliminated from the space. This will provide a good foundation for determining what type of furniture can fit in the room, and how much space it’ll take up.
If you have a small living room, avoid buying oversized couches or bulky armchairs as these can take up too much valuable floor space. Instead, opt for smaller-scale items such as loveseats or club chairs with ottomans.
It’s also important to consider where the furniture will be placed in relation to other pieces, such as wall art and plants. The seating should face each other (for conversation) and provide views out of any windows or doors.
Consider traffic patterns around the room. If there’s an entryway door or hallways leading into other rooms, make sure your furniture placement won’t impede movement around them.
Match the Decor and Style
If your new items match the existing decor it’ll create continuity and a cohesive look. Start by taking inventory of your current décor and assess what type of style is present.
Is it modern, contemporary or something more traditional? Knowing this will make it easier to find complementary styles when shopping for furniture.
Choose a few colors from your existing décor as a guide when shopping for matching pieces. Pick colors that complement each other, such as neutrals and muted tones.
For instance, if you’ve got an earthy pastel color scheme in your living area, steer towards sofas and accent chairs in muted tones like grey or cream. You may also wish to consider adding an accent color (like navy blue or dark green) if you want to add some visual interest and contrast with the neutral backdrop.
If you’re tired of your existing decor and style, however, you may decide to completely upgrade your room. In this case, you’ll have fresh options when buying furniture.
Choose Quality Materials
Quality materials are a long-term investment that will save you money in the long run. It’s wise to pick furniture that features durable fabrics, solid wood, or metal frames. They’ll be able to withstand wear and tear from everyday use. Look for pieces with details like dovetailed drawers or mortise-and-tenon joints.
Avoid any materials that seem cheap or flimsy – such as particle board, plastic, or vinyl. These types of materials lack strength, and won’t add any value to the look or feel of your home. If possible, try out different pieces when shopping in stores, so you can get an idea of how strong they’ll be for everyday use.
Focus on Comfort
Comfortable couches and chairs are key to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Another benefit of trying out the furniture before you buy is that you can discover how comfy it feels when you sit on it.
If possible, look for items with adjustable backrests so you can easily find the right angle to relax. Consider adding ottomans or footstools as well for extra leg support.
Having the right cushions and pillows can make a world of difference. Finally, don’t forget about blankets and throws. These are great for adding some extra warmth and texture during colder months, and for snuggling up with a good book.
Prioritize Functionality
When considering pieces that can be used in multiple ways, you could buy an ottoman that serves as both extra seating and a coffee table. It’s also a good idea to look for sofas with removable covers that can easily be washed or replaced.
You may additionally wish to Invest in furniture with built-in storage solutions. If they contain drawers or shelves they’ll help you maximize the space of your room.
Accessories like side tables should also have practical storage uses if possible (e.g. hidden compartments or slots for books or magazines).
You may also consider using stackable pieces like bookshelves instead of large cabinets. This way, you can customize the height without taking up floor space.
Take into account any electronics (such as gaming systems or televisions). This is because the wires and cords will need to be accommodated in order to keep everything looking neat and tidy. Plus you don’t want anything trailing across the floor and creating a trip hazard.
You may also wish to research some reputable brands and read a selection of online reviews. With some wise shopping and financial decisions, you’ll be able to enhance your living room as never before.
It’ll be cozy, relaxing and stylish, yet functional and practical at the same time. In turn, it’ll serve you and your household for many years to come.
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