Create Your Own Bedroom Furniture

10 Tips for Furniture Shoppers

CC0/ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

Furniture purchases can involve important decisions. Knowledge is power in situations like that, so it's helpful to know what to look for and how to get the best possible deal before you start shopping. These tips should help you make a smart decision when you shop for furniture.

Shop Around

With the exception of one-of-a-kind pieces, comparison shopping is an absolute must for all furniture buyers. Don't just shop online, either — look at local retailers, including family-owned businesses who might be willing to cut you a deal.

CC0/Skitterphoto/Pixabay

Haggle

One major mistake people make is to take price tags at face value. While it may not always work, especially with online retailers or big-box stores, it never hurts to try to talk yourself into a good deal. If you've done your comparison shopping research, you'll have plenty of fuel for a good haggling argument.

CC0/Pexels/Pixabay

Buy Used When It Makes Sense

While it makes sense to shop used to get a bargain, there are some instances in which this isn't the right move. High chairs, cribs and other baby furniture, for example, tends to evolve quickly aCC0rding to new safety research, meaning you could be putting your child in danger if you buy used. Bed bugs and other hygiene concerns mean it's never a good idea to buy a used mattress or upholstered furniture piece.

CC0/StockSnap/Pixabay

Diagram the Dimensions

Don't just use a tape measure to see if the furniture you're considering will fit into your space. Use removable painter's tape to create outlines on the floor so you can see how everything will fit together. If you don't have access to the space yet, you can use a hand-drawn scale diagram or create one using a computerized interior design tool.

CC0/JamesDeMers/Pixabay

Measure Entryways and Other Narrow Spaces

Don't just measure individual rooms to see how the furniture will fit when it's in place. You should also measure doorways, hallways, stairways and other entry or passage points to make sure the furniture you've selected can fit into your home.

CC0/maciej_05/Pixabay

Coordinate, But Don't Clone

If you want to give your rooms some personality and avoid making them look too boring and cookie-cutter, avoid getting too many matching pieces. It's nice to buy a matching set of furniture and call it done, but if you put too many repeating shapes and colors in the same room, it can look overwhelming. Try to mix it up a little bit.

CC0/Hans/Pixabay

Plan for Delivery Costs

Even if you own a large vehicle or think it'll be no sweat to rent a truck, delivering furniture can be tough, and there's a reason why delivery is such a common option. However, delivery can also be expensive, so make sure you know what a store wants to charge before you make a purchase.

CC0/StockSnap/Pixabay

Test It First

Online shopping can be so much more convenient than going to a large furniture showroom, but it leaves some questions unanswered. When possible, do online research first and then see a furniture piece in person so you can make sure you love the way it looks.

CC0/Pexels/Pixabay

Read the Fine Print When Dealing With Financing

Buying a lot of furniture at once can be expensive, and some furniture stores offer financing as a way of making big purchases more accessible. However, it's important to understand the details of any financing deal before you sign a contract. Make sure you understand the terms, including potential penalties for nonpayment.

CC0/ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

Read Reviews

When they're available, you should check out reviews for specific furniture pieces. It can also be helpful to look into recall notices and other reports that can indicate quality. It could be that a piece you initially thought was sturdy has glass shelf support hardware problems.

CC0/12019/Pixabay

Proactive Home Design

Create Your Own Bedroom Furniture