Thursday 28 February 2013

Tips For Furniture Buying - Think Outside the Set

I mentioned once or twice in the last post how the "set" of furniture at the store isn't always your best choice.  In fact it quite often isn't.


Source: bhg.com via Kirsten on Pinterest


When you go furniture shopping you see a bed you love and it comes with a dresser, mirror, chest of drawers and bedside table.  The sales person tells you he'll give you a great deal to buy them all and it's pretty hard to turn down.  Or you need a new sofa and you think you might as well get the loveseat and oversized chair since they all go together. I get it! I've been there.  But believe me when I say you may have a headache to deal with when you get home and can't fit all those things in your room or you're now completely bound to one awkward arrangement because that's  the only way those piece fit in the room.



My challenge to you is to think outside the box a little when it comes time to buy your next piece of furniture.  Don't feel bound to the "set"!  It does take a little more work and thought to pick pieces individually but in the end you have a room full of pieces of furniture you love, that function well in the room, and a look that's unique.


The living room above is a great example of picking pieces that work together to create the best floorplan possible.  Instead of just buying the matching loveseat and chair with the sofa (which would've meant several less seats and an awkward arrangement) they took full advantage of the room and bought two of the same sofa, two of the same chairs, plus the tables match as well.  Now you have lots of seating, nice flow, and a unique room.  The two chairs in front of the window take advantage of the light and view.  I imagine they would be a great spot for reading or a more intimate area to host a friend for coffee.  The couches are perfect for larger gatherings and the chairs are still close enough to be included in the group.



In fact if you look at your favorite magazine or decorating website you'll probably notice there are lots of matching pieces of furniture, in that they often use two of the same piece, but I can't remember the last time I saw a room featured in a magazine that had a matching couch, loveseat, and chair.  Most decorators and designers realize "sets" don't take best advantage of  most floorplans plus they just don't love the look.  If we have the option of starting from scratch it's doubtful your decorator will ever choose a "set" for you.

Instead of a loveseat, if you have room, get another couch.  If you don't have room, two chairs are much more flexible and most guests enjoy having their own seat as opposed to having to snuggle up beside another guest on the loveseat.

I could go on and on but the point is, when you're thinking about getting some new furniture and you're in the planning stage, don't feel bound to another "set".  Really think about what would fit comfortably and what would best meet your needs.  The bonus is you'll end up with a much more custom look than your neighbour that will function better for your family.

Need some help making the right choice?  I'd love to hear from you! realinteriors@hotmail.com

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for such informative tips. I learned a lot and i'll bookmark it too.Really very appreciating. Keep it up Thanks

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  2. Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for checking out my little blog!

    ReplyDelete