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Top 10 Furniture Buying Mistakes

Your Guide to Preventing Mistakes When Buying Furniture

By , About.com Guide

Ever wonder what the top 10 furniture buying mistakes are, and what qualifies them as the top 10? I've seen people make them over and over, but the good news is that these potentially costly furniture buying mistakes are entirely preventable if you do a little preparation ahead of time.

  1. Forgetting to Measure Your Furniture:

    Don't neglect to measure the room ahead of buying to see if your new furniture will fit. You will be amazed at the number of furniture purchases that never make it into a home because the buyer neglected to measure the furniture or forgot to take into account hallways, doors, elevators and stairs.
  2. Ignoring Scale:

    A sofa that looks just right in the store, might look too big in your room or not big enough. It is hard to judge when you’re looking at a picture or seeing it in a showroom. Also measure to make sure that your new piece matches the scale of the furniture you already own.
    Interior Design Basics - Scale
  3. Not Paying Enough Attention to Color:

    A color that doesn’t look very overpowering in the showroom, could do so in your home. You should also bring home a color swatch or a pillow to see how it would look in your own home. Also, when buying on the internet, be aware that the color on a monitor looks different on a real sofa. Request a fabric swatch as many companies will provide one if asked.
  4. Paying Too Much attention to Fads:

    It is best to buy a piece of furniture that you will feel comfortable with for years to come. That goes for color as well as style. Fads can come and go very quickly, so look beyond a few months of excitement. Instead, buy furniture that truly appeals to you and will look good even years later.
    Timeless and Classic Home Decor from Century Furniture
    Paula Deen Home Collection from Universal Furniture
  5. Ignoring Who Will Really Be Using Your Furniture:

    Before you buy furniture, make sure that you know how it will be used, and who will be using it. If you forget to factor in small children, pets, and snacking while watching TV, you could be heading for disaster. Your fabulous cream colored sofa will be no match for grubby hands, or muddy paws. An absolutely gorgeous coffee table with a delicate finish will not last too long when you have people putting up their feet on it.
    8 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Furniture
    3 Tips on How to Buy Stylish, Kid-Friendly Furniture
    Selecting the Best Upholstery for Cat and Dog Owners

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