Common Mistakes When Buying New Furniture

Sounds like a simple task doesn’t it? Just go to the furniture store and buy something comfy that matches your décor. Easy peasy. Not so fast. From lumpy cushions to the wrong size for the room, there are plenty of chances to blow it when buying furniture. So before you head out to the store or shop online, let’s discuss some common mistakes you might make before you make them.

6 Common Furniture Buying Mistakes

• Mistake #1—Not Thinking Ahead

When you’re looking for furniture for where you live today, you need to consider how your life and living space may change in the next several years. Think about the future when shopping for long-term pieces like the dining room and bedroom furniture. And be careful of committing to a trend. Shop with the present and future in mind.

• Mistake #2—Buying Seating on the Internet

The furniture looks beautiful in the pictures. Reviewers say it's comfortable. But there is a good chance that the construction is not described in detail. So if you want to buy a sofa that will last as well as look good, it's important to know how it's made. 

Many furniture stores attract customer traffic by putting the lower-priced items upfront. But the lowest price is not usually the best choice. That lower price tag typically means lower-quality fabric, frame, or filling. Sometimes it has a decent frame but a cheap cotton upholstery fabric that is going to need to be recovered soon.

What to look for

Natural materials that are naturally durable such as wool or leather do come at a higher price. Instead of cotton, choose a cotton/linen blend with a durable synthetic like nylon or polyester in it. This will be more durable but keep the price more reasonable.

If a sofa is American made, look for kiln-dried hardwood that has been properly joined for the frame. For a more modern or platform look, metal frames a generally suitable. Ask about the fiber content and durability of the fabric. Once again, ask about the fill of the cushions. They might feel good on the showroom floor, but not so much after two years of daily use in the family room.

• Mistake #3—“Great Deal” Case Pieces

Case pieces are the furniture items that aren’t upholstered. That being said, it’s easy to find low-price lamp tables and bedroom pieces on the internet. They’re fine if all you want to do is look at it. But it probably won’t have a lot of stability or durability. 

What to look for

If you plan to use a chest or cabinet daily, be sure the glides under the drawers are made of metal (grooved wood in the case of antiques) not plastic. Dovetail joints in the corners are better than joints that are nailed and glued. 

• Mistake #4—Slipcover Slip-Up

The word is out that slipcovers are back. But be careful. Check the fabric of the slipcover. If it’s 100% cotton you may end up with an unhappy surprise after the first washing.  

What to look for

Once again, ask questions about the fabric’s fiber content and its durability. Look for washable blends with durable synthetic fiber content.

• Mistake #5—Being a Victim of Trends

Discover your style by gathering pictures that speak to you into a collage or an idea board. That’s your aesthetic. Figure that out before you go jumping into any trends. Find your style first, then add the trendy accessories. This is important when you are purchasing investment pieces. They need to last and blend with your aesthetic for years to come.

• Mistake #6—Not Getting Professional Advice

Whether you hire an independent interior designer or ask someone from the on-staff design team, it’s a good idea to talk to the experts before you make any furniture decisions. The experts will ask you questions that will help you see the big picture without getting tied up in small details. Professional staff will help you target your lifestyle and point you toward the pieces with the kind of durability you need and the look that you want. 

Another benefit of working with a designer is that the research for you. When it comes to knowing about the construction, they take on the boring details that might bog you down and become confusing. By doing this, you can focus on getting the most for your money by buying pieces that will last, and that fit your style preferences.

A Few Do’s and Don’ts of Furniture Shopping

• DON’T skip the research

Take time to shop online and in stores. This will help you learn the options and average costs before you decide on something you see on the showroom floor. Rely on reputable reviews to help you determine the quality of the stores and especially if you are considering shopping online. If your favorite chair has mostly negative reviews, it's a good idea not to purchase.

• DO be Practical

Think about your lifestyle before you choose furniture. If you like dinner parties, you may need a table with extra seating or an extension. If you have children and pets, you’ll want upholstery that is easy to clean and will hide wear. If a chair or sofa starts to feel uncomfortable after just a tryout, it won’t be better when you sit in it for a long time.

• DON’T Rush the Process

Furniture in a showroom looks good because it is staged that way. You need to imagine what it will look like in your room. And you need to test every piece you like. Sit in the chairs and sofas for a few minutes, check the sturdiness of the TV stand, and open and close drawers. Take some pictures and bring fabric swatches home with you so you can get an idea of how it will look in your home. Don’t listen to any voices telling you to hurry up.

• DON’T Forget to Measure

Before you go to the stores, measure your space and the dimensions of the furniture you already have, whether it’s staying in the room or not. You may not be planning to buy another piece the same size as what you have now, but it gives a basis for comparison.

Before you decide on an item, go home and map out possible new furniture arrangements. A good way to do this is to put painter’s tape on the floor to show the dimensions of the new piece you’re considering. Also, don’t forget to measure doorways and passageways you’ll need to move the new furniture through.

• DON’T Ignore Your Budget

Decide on a budget before you shop and then actually stick to it. If you can, put money aside for the purchase so you can pay cash for it and not be tempted to spend more than you planned. Many stores will want you to open a credit card but don’t feel pressured. 

• DON’T Buy the Whole Set

When you get tired of shopping for bedroom or living room furniture, it can be tempting to just buy the whole set and get it over with. But if you don’t love every piece and know exactly how it will work for you, don’t give in to the temptation. Your home should show your personality and be customized to your life. A matching set doesn’t do either of those things. You can buy more pieces from the same store at different times or buy from several stores.  Once again, do take your time.

Common Furniture Layout Mistakes

Now you have the do’s and don’ts of buying your furniture, so let’s take a quick look at how you might like to arrange it. Even harder than buying your furniture, is deciding how to arrange the room. It’s tempting just to place it against the walls or arrange it the way your parents did, but little changes in placement can make a big difference in the way a room feels. Here are 4 common mistakes you might have in your home now, and how to fix them.

1. Eyeline Movement

Keeping the view across a room and out the windows clear heightens the feeling of space. So think low in the center of the space and high around the boundary. That’s why coffee tables and low chairs look good in the center of a room, but bookshelves and high-backed chairs need to be at the edges.

2. Frustrating Flow

The most common furniture layout mistake is poor flow. All of the commonly used pathways within the space (to closets, other rooms, outside doors, etc.) should be clear to comfortably pass through. Occasionally, you can improve this by simply switching out an item. Curvier, smaller pieces are easier to get around than bulky square pieces.

A good rule is to keep 3 feet of space open for flow.

3. Wallflower Syndrome

“Wallflower syndrome” affects living rooms everywhere. If your room is a difficult size and arranging everything against the walls looks like a dance party about to start, you may have it. But even though you don’t think there’s quite enough room to pull everything into the center, it can be done.

You only need a foot of space between the furniture and the walls to enjoy the benefits of floating your furniture. You don't need the full 3 feet of path mentioned previously. Try pulling the sofa away from the wall for a week. If the empty wall behind you bothers you, put up a large piece of artwork to take up that newly opened up space.

4. Too Much Seating

Like most people, you probably can’t remember the last time you needed all those occasional chairs. Try removing one chair and see what happens. It should improve the flow of the room and give a greater sense of spaciousness. Try double-duty pieces for extra seating like an ottoman with a tray on top or a coffee table with a cushion that can be used to sit on.

Let’s Go Shopping

Okay, now you are ready. You have checked out the stores, done your measuring, and decided how to layout your space. We have professionals at Badcock Furniture of South Florida looking forward to helping you create your home according to your tastes and lifestyle. We have stores from West Palm Beach to the Florida Keys. 

You can shop online before you ever come in and even apply for credit. Contact us here. Find a store near you and even check out the electronics and appliances.

References:

www.styleblueprint.com

www.bobvila.com

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Buying Furniture on a Budget

Congratulations, you have a new place to live or you’re redecorating. But you have no furniture, or you want to replace your furnishings, and now your budget is limited. Relax, you don’t have to buy everything all at once. And it also doesn’t mean you have to give up on quality to stick to the budget. 

Whether you’re looking at an upgrade here and there or planning to furnish a new home or apartment, buying new furniture can be an intimidating task. There are so many shopping options, it can be easy to get pulled into a spending pit. But you don’t have to. There are ways to save money and furnish your home the way you envisioned.

Better Quality vs Budget Friendly

In fact, emphasizing budget-friendly pieces might lead you to buy better quality furniture. When sticking to a budget, you may be more careful about the items you buy and how much you use you’ll be able to get out of them. Thinking about the price, and then divide by the number of years you’ll probably use the piece. This gives you the cost per year. This gives you a whole new way to look at your purchases.

10 Tips for Buying Furniture on a Budget

1. Decide what needs to be updated. 

In the case of replacing furniture, think about why you want to replace it. You may want to replace your sofa because you are tired of the design or pattern. But that is probably not your best investment if your kitchen table is falling apart. Start with replacing the things that are in the worst condition.

2. Decorate with pillows, blankets, and accessories. 

When you use accessories, you can make more noticeable updates than if you go out and buy expensive furniture pieces. By making use of new accessories, you can see what needs to be replaced and what may only need to be spruced up inexpensively. This frees up your budget for the items that really need to be replaced.

3. Buy furniture pieces separately.

It might seem like the best option to buy a living room set when you can get several pieces of furniture for a discounted price. Think about whether you need and like all the items in the set. If you can’t picture the entire set working in your space, with your plan and preferences, it is not your best buy.

4. Watch out for discounts and the best sales.

Furniture stores will typically advertise their sales, but these are mainly just an artificial way to increase traffic. But watching for major price reductions on the pieces you really want can save hundreds of dollars. If you have enough furniture to hold you over for a short time, consider waiting to buy until you can time it with the best sales. The holidays offer big savings, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. 

Also keep in mind that new furniture designs tend to be introduced in the spring, so experts claim February as a good time to go furniture shopping. Store owners need to clear their showrooms for new products so they will offer discounts on the old styles and they need to entice people to spend tax refunds.

5. Compare deals for the best price.

Don't just buy at the first store you see. To get the best deals on high-quality furniture, compare deals from several stores. This will help you find the pieces you need for the best price. The only exception is if you find an item you love in the first store and it is within your budget. Sometimes it is worth buying an item you genuinely love rather than just buying whatever you find for the lowest price.

6. Be smart about using cards.

Although it’s never smart to frivolously spend on your credit cards, opening a store credit card can be a great idea. Using a store card and purchasing all your furniture at once can get you a big discount. As long as you pay it off immediately and not use it again, it is a budget-friendly way to buy. Plus, you may be able to combine using the store card discount with a big sale.

7. Think simple

If you can live with it, think about buying smaller, more neutral large items (like sofas and chairs) because they tend to cost less. Then use the accessory tricks to spice things up with accent colors.

8. Don’t purchase without haggling

Some people don’t like asking for a discount. But consider that haggling a bit could save you a lot of cash, depending on how much you’re buying. Ask if there’s a discount for buying multiple items. Maybe you can get a discount on the delivery fee. It never hurts to ask and the salespeople expect it.

Besides the regular sale prices, you may qualify for a special discount. Stores will sometimes offer discounts to educators and students. Always ask what additional promotions they have going on. 

9. Don’t be afraid of floor samples

If you have your eye on a floor model, ignore the special sale price and start haggling at 50% off the price it would usually sell at, not the regular price. If you can end up at 30-to 40% off. That means you’re paying a little more than the store paid for it.

However, be sure to look at the floor samples thoroughly. Make sure tables don't wobble, check those drawers open and close smoothly, and look at the quality of the finish. Check that the upholstery seams are straight and there are no holes in the fabric. Ask how long it’s been on the floor and whether it’s a customer return. If it’s a customer return, be especially careful.

10.  Consider buying a replica

You can get a high-end looking item without the major expense. They may not be heirloom quality, but, depending on the use, they can last a long time. And if you decide later that it no longer works for your style, you won’t feel bad about selling it or giving it away.

Always Consider Your Lifestyle

Always, always consider your lifestyle. If you have kids or pets or both and you’re choosing furniture for a high-traffic area, keep in mind the fabrics and how they’ll be used. Some decorators recommend indoor/outdoor fabrics because of durability. 

Generally, if a piece is lightweight, then it is probably not going to be sturdy. If you need furniture to hold up to a lot of use, make sure it is sturdy enough. Even furniture made from wood products like medium density fiberboard is heavy if they are of good quality. Solid wood is preferable.

Natural fibers and fabrics are preferred for durability, but most do have synthetics blended in to help control the cost. However, if someone in your home has allergies, synthetic fabrics may be what you need. Ultra suede and microsuede are soft and don't collect dust like thicker fabrics. 

Where’s a Good Place to Go with My Budget?

Badcock Furniture of South Florida has furnishings for every room. We can help you figure out where you want to start and what your lifestyle demands. Feel free to come in, look around, and ask questions. Our staff is friendly and ready to help. We also offer a newsletter so you can watch for our special discounts and promotions. 

Check us out online at www.badcocksfl.com. Find our closest location, shop, sign up for the newsletter, or apply for credit, all in one place. 

References: 

www.igrad.com/articles

www.clark.com/shopping-retail

www.huffpost.com

www.decoraid.com

Top Fall Decor Ideas for Your Bedroom and Living Space

With the fall weather rolling around it's time to cozy up, slow down, and take in the scenery. For most of us, that means putting away the flip flops and busting out the slippers and fall room decor. What better way to commence the upcoming seasons than to add texture and a little spice, into your favorite spaces. 

Mix, Match, and Blend

Shopping around for creative ideas can get time consuming and expensive. Consider instead just a few new highlights blended into what you already own. Match some of your traditional favorites with a new season inspiring rug, to start from the ground up.

Mixing in a new floor base of fall room decor can illuminate and draw warmth into any space. To spruce up comfort and elegance, play to the deeper tones and fuzzy textures, just below your feet. Brown and burgundy will have you feeling cozy and autumn-ready, while white and tan, can individualize polished and contemporary. 

Any room that you make your own is the perfect place to relax as the days become shorter. Blending a little old with some fluffy new groundwork may be all you need to embrace the new season crawling in. Indulge in the desire to snuggle up in any corner, with a book and blanket, relishing your fall room decor. Then you can relax and enjoy the scenery within, being reminded of your home’s luxury in every step. 

Playing with Nature and Contrasting Colors 

One of the hottest trends of fall room decor this year, is embracing summer’s colors and bringing the warmth inside. Consider opposing tradition, utilizing bright sunny colors, instead of letting classics stand stagnant through the fall. Having grown accustomed to nature's charm, embrace the intricate colors of flowers and indoor planters to lighten the tone. 

Just because the outside is cooling off, doesn’t mean you can't maintain a sense of tropical paradise, while trendsetting indoors. Play around with dark greens, bright oranges, or even deep red leaves and petals that draw the eye. For more neutral-toned rooms, that pop of organic outdoor color will have visitors gossiping about your fine eye for authenticity. 

The adventure-inspired indoor florals will show off your love of outdoor elegance, and dedication to a welcoming environment. Opt for even more tranquility by harnessing the captivation of marble or pearl planters, heightening the extra attention-grasping allure. The scene is in your hands, portraying tropical paradise, or invoking the peace and comfort, inspired by mother nature. 

Setting the Mood in Style

As the sun begins to rest, and the light becomes much softer, set the mood within to reflect contentment. Lighting and shadows can be used to your benefit, illuminating areas that can easily become forgotten. It can be as simple as incorporating a new tabletop fixture or floor lamp to achieve the desired effect. 

Embracing corners that may be lacking adequate light can change the entire atmosphere of a room. The best fall room decor can be achieved by harnessing the element of light to set the tone. Try out a conversation piece made of stone or mirror, sparking curiosity and interest were once shaded. Or even keeping it simple with a glass or metallic base, can entice a glimpse in any direction. Showcasing your most fabulous tabletop fall room decor is easy with just a bit of light diffusion.

For a unique contemporary appeal, utilize shapes or even multi-bulb lamps for added effect. Fall room decor lighting in the bedroom, living room, or even entranceway, is a tantalizing way to highlight subtle marvels. The right lighting can set up the area for a new outlook without the complete renovation of your beloved space. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words 

Preparing your space for the new season does not have to require a complete alteration of your fashionable interior. Instead, change the theme aesthetically, while adorning your upward and unused space. Worth a thousand words envision the impact of some exquisite wall art to infuse within your fall room decor.

Especially valuable for small spaces, metallic, mirror, or colorful wall art can be your muse, drawing the eye higher. Reflective pieces will refract light and color giving an effortless appeal to any blank area. Intricate pieces can bring together and enlighten any space that is beginning to feel drab, or deprived of excitement. Even matte collections can add color or accentuate color schemes, worthy of being pulled forward. The bigger the room, the more vast canvas is available to highlight your favorite keepsakes.  

Creativity is an endless option when it comes to this year's fall room decor. Making use of available space, especially skyward, will increase the appearance of size and appeal in any room. Ascending designs complement the negative space, inspiring connections between existing momentos, and future ambitious arrangements. Make your wall art an interim aspect to look forward to, when arranging your fall room decor each year. Or, even a transcending staple piece, to be admired year-round. 

Fall Decor for a Bedroom You’ll Love

Becoming particularly fond of a color scheme doesn't mean having to forgo the enjoyment of fall room decor modifications. It is a very prominent direction opted for this year!  

Adopting a specific color or hue is a very popular fall room decor interest this season, with unlimited potential to individualize. Especially to brighten up a bedroom with an invigorating appeal, block pattern comforters and large stripes are in. Whether neutrals or intensity inspires a look, your choice of bedroom comforter palette design will designate the tone.  

Play to your love of coral, hints of red, or even easy-going yellow, for a modern flare of the convention. Rooms with limited windows or light can benefit from the uplifting colors, inviting a charming sense of optimism within. To entice a soothing atmosphere, neutral tones can offset a busy day's events, creating a gratifying venue to retire every evening. This fall, blues, and metallic grays are taking over fall room decor in the bedroom, for a fairytale design of your dreams. 

A bedroom is the domain of sanctuary, and the bed, a favorite luxury to adore. Dress it up or down with your most intimate ideas, making it your masterpiece for relaxation. Of course, comfort is key, a soothing night's sleep in a dreamy setting sets the stage for an enlightened beginning to each day. 

A Little Here and a Little There

Adding a little fall room decor can be easier than you think. A few accents here and there will do the trick, setting the perfect mood for a blissful holiday season. Working with a budget? No problem at all. A few accent pillows will make it happen.  

Despite what color or pattern is regularly incorporated, a festive pillow will make a difference from blah to ta-da! Just enough to be in the spirit, adding something to snuggle in or look at will get you in the mood. The options are endless, and luckily, interchangeable! 

As the days begin to alternate into dark more quickly, a candle and pillow that calls attention can inspire serene humor. Coming home or finishing up a long day, thinking about luxurious downtime is enhanced. Especially, when the mood is already set for you. 

A little here and there can add to your space in the sense of fall room decor. Graphic, rustic, and geometric combinations will give you the look you desire while remaining cost-effective and easy for any season. Both visually appealing and functional, guests will be yearning to uncover the inspiration behind your fall home decoration. 

The Finishing Touch 

There is always that one thing that sets a room apart. When it comes to fall room decor, a classy and easy awe-inspiring trick is to add in a “wow piece.” It can be anything from a tapestry to a throw. Yet to ensure your statement is not abbreviated, consider a slice of furniture that cannot be ignored. More likely, creating a room to be envied. 

Adding contrast to an already stunning landscape brings attention to your fall room decor that is irrefutable. Showing off an elegant and seasonally stunning end table or cabinet will be sure to have the neighbors talking. Studded and hammered furniture is taking first place this season, and finding affordable treasures are few and far between. Take advantage of seasonal pricing, as it will not last forever, being a select time offer, with limited availability. 

Your knack for surprising elegance, with a noteworthy piece, is sure to be a showstopper on any holiday function. Looking as though you’ve gone above and beyond, shows classy dedication and a keen eye for artistic grace. Once again, with a little inspiration, you’ll have the “talk of the town” living space within your private paradise.  

Achieving a Look That All Others Desire

Noticing an area, full of exceptionally placed fall room decor, sets the stage for others to desire. With little effort or on a budget, transform your living space into one that others adore and admire. No matter how big or small, fashion and comfort do not have to suffer. Shop around and select your favorites, creating the perfect combination of fall room decor. Have your friends and family seeing to believe... and maybe even, dropping them a helpful hint. 

Tia Starr 

References: 

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g2716/fall-decorations/

https://www.oprahmag.com/fall-ideas/

Have you, or are you in the process of remodeling your home? Doing new things to your house is a massive undertaking at times, so how do you go about doing it? Where are you supposed to even begin? The cost, labor, and creative energy it takes to remodel your home is immensely intimidating and draining.

In the last year, organizing guru Marie Kondo has taught us all the beauty of decluttering and minimalism. Today’s trends are all about maximizing the space you have and getting rid of anything you don’t need. Picking out multifunctional pieces of furniture — that is, furniture that can serve multiple purposes — doesn’t have to be difficult.