If you’re in the market for some new furniture, there are a few key things to keep in mind before buying anything. Frequently, homeowners buy something they loved from a showroom or online photo, only to find that it doesn’t quite work in their home the way they thought it would. Or maybe you’ve just moved to a new home, and your old furniture doesn’t feel right in the new space. Here are a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their furniture:

The Size

Let’s begin with the goldilocks problem. Having furniture that is too big or too small for a space can both make the space feel not quite right. This frequently happens when homeowners move to a new home and bring their furniture with them. They might find that their comfortable, oversized couch doesn’t work in their downsized living room, for instance. It can also happen when you order online without really understanding what the dimensions will mean in your own space. When you’re shopping for furniture, try to start with an idea of the size piece you’d like. Take some measurements, and use your current furniture as a guide to tell you whether you need to go bigger or smaller.

The Color

Your furniture can make a real impact on the overall aesthetic of the room. It’s important for homeowners to consider their overall color palette and how the furniture will fit into that. Are you wanting quieter furniture that blends in, or are you wanting to make a statement with something that pops? This is about personal preference. There’s no right answer for the colors you choose – the real mistake is not thinking it through before you purchase.

The Style

Style is also important here. What is the overall design you’re going for in the space? Maybe you like the mid-century modern vibe, or perhaps you like a farmhouse style. Again, the style itself is up to you. The key is to take this into consideration before making a furniture purchase. Your furniture is a real opportunity to pull the look together, so it’s important to take advantage of that.

The Accents

Homeowners also need to consider how they’ll accent their pieces. In a living room, for example, will you include some throw pillows or blankets on the couch and chairs? Determining how you like to use accents will also inform the style of furniture you buy. For example, if accents really aren’t your thing, you might really go bold with the furniture piece itself. If you love all those smaller details and the ability to change up your design without changing the furniture, you might go for a more neutral furniture piece and play around with fun accents.

 

If you have any additional questions about making furniture work in your home, or if I can be of assistance with another matter, please reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.