Choosing the Right Furniture

Will it last? Will it be hard to take care of? How much should I spend?

Like the move process, the task of properly furnishing your home can be an anxiety- inducing experience, especially since a furniture purchase can seem so very final. But if you follow some smart shopping basics, you’ll reduce your stress and make the right decisions without panicking.

1. Decide what you like

• Casual (comfy-looking, earthy, woods)
• Contemporary (sharp, angular, metallic)
• Country (soft, floral, painted woods)
• Traditional (antiques, dark red woods, damask and chintz)
• Eclectic (ethnic or artisan pieces, highly individualized)

2. Evaluate your existing décor

If you’ll be mixing old and new furniture, add samples of your existing colors, textures and styles to your scrapbook so you can evaluate a good match when you are shopping. If you are painting, dip a popsicle stick in the paint, let it dry and add it to your scrapbook so you can be sure your furniture will complement the room. You don’t want to rely merely on your own judgment when confronted with 20 shades of blue.

3 .Be honest about your lifestyle

4.Decide what’s most important

There’s no rule that you have to buy everything at once. Start with items that need replacing first, and build the room (slowly if necessary) around pieces you love.

5.Set a price limit ahead of time Look for the best values in your price range. Be patient and shop around.

6.Take advantage of free services where you can Many stores have free interior design consulting, product brochures and room- planning guides. Learn to be an expert on the look you’re going for.

7.Don’t let anyone rush you Trust your own judgment. Don’t buy furniture you don’t like, no matter what others recommend. Remember, it’s your home.