It seems simple at first—you know what you like, right? But buying new furniture, whether it’s the quest for a statement piece or completely equipping a brand-new home, is rarely cut and dry.
However, when it comes to buying furniture, it is important to ask yourself and a salesperson some very important questions as you consider your investment. Take your time, and do not buy furniture in a hurry. You don’t want to be stuck with an impulse buy.
Here are a list of questions to ask yourself and a store as you begin the furniture buying process.
When you are buying new furniture, you have many questions in mind related to its quality, design, life, warranty, cost, service and much more. You need to make sure before purchasing furniture that it fits your needs, budget, aesthetic and also gives you the best quality and value your space.
Just as our clients are very selective with whom they purchase furniture from, we are also very selective in terms of the manufacturers we choose to work with.
Here are some of the most important questions you should ask before buying furniture:
- Do you understand the size of your space? If there is one key rule, it’s that proportion should trump all else. A rug that is too small will ruin a room. A couch pushed into a corner to accommodate another piece is not worth the cramped look. The first thing to do is take a good look at the space you are furnishing and taking precise measurements. Look at how you and your family use the space, as well as how often this piece of furniture will be used. Gathering these details will help you and your sales associate find the best selection of furniture for your home.
- What items should you buy first vs. last?Starting with a beloved throw pillow and attempting to build a room around it could be a recipe for disaster.
- Are you rushing a purchase just to feel like you are done? Yes, you want to be settled, we understand. But it’s better to take your time than live with regret. “Go slow.”
- Which colours do I gravitate towards? Take a look at the current colors of your space, as well as the colors that make you happy. If you plan to update the colours of the room, what colours are in the running and what furniture colours would complement them?
- Does your colour scheme fit the mood you want the room to reflect? Blacks and greys may be chic and dramatic, but can close in a space and feel a bit gloomy when taken to far. On the other end of the spectrum, light and bright colours can make a space feel cheerful, but all-white can feel too stark.
- What other furniture and home decor accessories are already in the room? It’s important for the room to feel cohesive in style, so take a good look at the items already in the room that you plan to keep. What style, colours and texture will complement the existing elements?
- What kind of budget do I have? This is especially important if you are working with a limited budget. Unless money is no object, it is important to look at pieces within your price range. You will also want to inquire about financing options, as this can be helpful when you find a piece you love, but prefer to pay over time.
- Is this piece a good investment? Aim to buy the highest-quality piece of furniture you can afford, within reason. A bargain sofa now might not feel like such a bargain when the fabric rips or the springs give way next year.
- How long will this furniture last? Understanding the materials used to create a piece of furniture will help you determine its longevity, but it is important to ask the salesperson the average or expected lifespan of the furniture. If you are looking to invest in high-quality furniture made from top-of-the-line materials, the answer should always be that this piece of furniture will last you generations.
- Do you have similar products available in this price range? Think you’ve found the one? Have your salesperson show you similar products in your style and price range just to make sure. There’s no reason to hurry so one more browse through the store won’t hurt anyone!
- What guarantees and warranties do you have? Find out what guarantees and warranties are available for the furniture you are looking to purchase. This will help you understand what guarantees and warranties are available not only from the store but also from the manufacturer of the product if they are different. These could pertain to price-matching, customer satisfaction, malfunctions, return policies and more.
- Is any maintenance required? To keep your furniture looking new for years to come, it’s important to understand maintenance and on-going care is needed. Be sure to ask cleaning best practices, suggested cleaning products, how often it needs to be cleaned or polished, etc.
- Is this piece kid and/or pet-friendly? Make sure the piece of furniture you are investing in matches your lifestyle needs, be it kids, pets, a clumsy spouse or all of the above. If durability is a key factor, see what options are available in stain-resistant fabrics and more.
- What happens if something goes wrong or I change my mind? While this should be covered in your guarantee and warranty information, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the fine print. Be sure you get clarification on any concerns you have throughout the purchasing process.
- Will I still like this piece in 5 years? While trends are fun, they can sometimes fade. When making an investment in high-quality furniture, make sure the piece has both style and a timeless appeal that you will love for years to come.
- Do you deliver and how many days does it take to receive my furniture at my home after I order the purchase?
- What are the colour options are available for this furniture?
- Are there any customization options are available for this furniture?
- Is this furniture the right size of the room where the furniture will be placed?
- Do you have similar products available in this category and price range?
- Are there any customization options available if we need to customize as per our requirements?
- Why to purchase from one company over another?
