Woman looking at buying some furniture

Shopping for New Furniture? Use These Tips

Updated January 3, 2019 . AmFam Team

Whether you’re completing revamping the look of your living room or adding an accessory to your den, furniture shopping is both exciting and overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of tips to make the process enjoyable and successful.

Whether you’re moving in somewhere new or sprucing up your current digs, furniture shopping is an exciting process! But with all the styles, fabrics, colors and categories, it can get pretty overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips to help you avoid having second thoughts once your new furniture gets to your house.

Check them out to stay on budget and in style while you shop — you’ll find the perfect pieces for your home in no time!

Preparing to Buy New Furniture

Getting yourself, your home and your bank account ready to purchase new furniture will help make the process seamless. Take these tips into consideration and have a plan before you head to the showroom:

Measure your space. You don’t want to make the mistake of buying furniture that’s just too big for an area. So, before all else, measure the room you’re working with and write it down. Be mindful of doors, too — you’ll want to make sure your new furniture and your walls survive the move-in process. Having an idea of your layout will help you decide what styles of furniture will work best for your floor plan, too.

Define your wants. Are you looking for a sectional or maybe a couch and loveseat set? Or are you just adding a coffee table, side table or an ottoman? It’s important to know ahead of time exactly what you’re looking for so you don’t waste time wandering the showroom floor aimlessly. You’ll thank yourself later!

Wait for sales. Most furniture will eventually go on sale or become part of a promotion, so make it a priority to get the best deal by waiting for the right time of year. A good time to look is in July — sales are normally down so stores are looking to get your business. Otherwise check out post-holiday sales to save some pennies.

Keep your eye out for special promotions, overstock sales or special financing offers, too. Make sure to discuss all the details of a promotion or special offer before closing the deal so you know exactly what you’re responsible for financially.

Set a budget. Another way to save time at the furniture store? Setting a budget and defining the absolute most you can afford to pay. You can rule out the more expensive furnishings and focus on realistic options.

Look for furniture that fits your way of life. Some furniture holds up better than others, so if you’ve got an active, young family or dogs that you just can’t keep off the couch, you probably shouldn’t go with a lighter colored material or sensitive leather fabric. Keep in mind what your new pieces will be used for and be smart while you shop.

To save your bank account, consider second-hand and used furniture shops. You can find plenty of well-taken-care-of furniture that could easily pass as new to your guests.

Tips for Shopping for Furniture

After you’ve set a budget and determined your wants and needs, it’s time to hit the road and head to a furniture store. Use these tips to make a smart buying decision and get the perfect new piece for your home:

Shop in person. As tempting as it might be to avoid the big furniture stores and shop online, this is one purchase you’ll want to seek out in person. It’s the only way to get a real idea of the size, style and quality of a purchase. No matter how good the deal may seem, you’re better off getting a good look and testing its comfortability yourself.

Search for quality. This is a big purchase, and it’s one you’ll want to last for years to come. So it’s essential that you find pieces that are high-quality — even if they do cost a bit more. Look for sturdy seams, well-constructed legs, top-notch materials and reasonable warranties. Research brands and models with high reviews and ask your friends and family about their recent furniture additions.

You don’t have to buy on the first trip. As painful as multiple trips to a furniture showroom might sound, it’s a great way to avoid making an impulsive decision you’ll regret. Not sure if that color of fabric will match your living room? Ask a salesman for a swatch or take a picture and test it out. If it works just as well as you thought it would, sleep on your decision, then head back at a later date and make your purchase.

Talk to the employees. No matter how big of a furniture expert you might find yourself, ask employees for recommendations and advice. Let them know your price range and see what kinds of warranties and financing they offer. Even though they’re there to make sales, they also want you to take home a piece of furniture that’ll have you recommending their store to your friends over and over again.

Opt for delivery. Transporting furniture isn’t as easy as it sounds. Even if you can fit it into your vehicle, it’s heavy, awkward and hard to maneuver. So spend a little extra to have the retailer deliver it right to your front door. They’ll get it set up just the way you want it without you having to break a sweat! Plus, they’re skilled at moving your furniture — you get rid of the risk of injuring yourself or damaging the furniture. And if they do damage it, they’ll be responsible for it.

Once you’ve found, bought and moved your new furniture into your home, make sure it’s protected from unexpected with personal property insurance. And while you’re at it, talk to your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) to make sure your homeowners coverage is giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

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