Furniture Shopping April 2, 2008
If you are considering new furniture, yet are leary to do so considering our struggling economy, here are a few notes of encouragement. First, furniture is one of the greatest values available to the American customer today. Based on consumer price index, a mid-price sofa at $299 from over 40 years ago, should be $2,084 in 2008 — but it’s not, it’s $699! Second, you should also consider the cost of other necessities ( yes, we need to consider furniture a necessity, not necessarily a luxury), like the refrigerator, the car, the TV and the computer.
As an interior design consultant I am at times a sort of ’cheerleader’. People need encouragement and confirmation that their investment in new furniture is like investing in their entire home - living in style and comfort, spending time with family and friends, and generally improving their lifestlyes are all great reasons to consider when updating furniture.
Most furniture stores offer in-home consultation services - usually at no charge. Use this special service if it’s offered-it could potentially save you lots of time and worry. You can also hire an independent interior decorator to assist you as well. Usually charging an hourly rate, a decorator can look at your room, discuss your wants and needs, offer suggestions and inspiration, then either shop with you or even pre-shop for styles and fabrics to present to you at a later meeting.
If you are brave and willing to do some of the research yourself, I’ve written a few decorator tips to know before you go!
~Measure the room including ceiling height, door openings and any existing furniture pieces that will stay in the room. Use these measurements to do a simple room layout and take this with you.
~Take photos of room and any furniture pieces that will stay in the room.
~Bring a swatch of the rooms wall color and a sample of the flooring or carpeting ( a photo is OK if you don’t have an actual sample ), and any pillows or upholstery swatches from pieces that will stay in the room.
~Consider arm and leg styles before you go-will you look for a traditional skirted bottom or the more clean open look of a wooden leg, a square or rolled arm, a higher or lower back, - loose, attached, or semi-attached cushions? Also consider the depth of the seat-some sofas and sectionals can be get very deep.
~Think about the scale of the pieces you want to put in your room. There are lots of smaller scaled pieces available now-even in sectionals. Generally, bigger rooms=bigger pieces, but there are ways to use larger scaled furntiure in smaller rooms as well. Furniture stores often have a computer to lay out the furniture pieces you like using the room measurements you brought along.
~Be open to new ways to arrange your sitting area. Don’t think you have to put the sofa in the same place as before. In fact, it’s fun to mix up the furniture layout, especially since you’re getting new pieces. See my notes under Decorating Tips regarding room arranging.
~ Also, where is the TV going? - an important factor in the furniture arrangement. Will you need a new TV cabinet as well? If you move the TVs location, are there outlets in the proper place?
~Don’t forget to include in your furniture budget: a new end table? coffee table? floor lamp? table lamp? ottoman? rug?
~A lot of furniture stores let you ‘build’ your own custom furniture with options for fabrics, finishes, and arm, back and leg styles. I have created pieces for some of my clients with much success and delight to really capture that ‘custom’ look.
Good luck and remember - you deserve a comfortable, warm, welcoming, beautifully furnished room!
