Upholstered furniture is what I consider a major purchase when it comes to furnishing your home. It’s important to consider several factors when deciding what pieces you want to bring into your home. You want to know that what you choose is going to last and also be something that you can actually live with for a long time. I’ve compiled a list of things to consider when you head out to shop. If you’re wondering what items to splurge on and when to save, take a look at the blog post, When to Splurge and When to save, Living Room Edition.
Here are 8 tips to consider when shopping for upholstered furniture.
*This post may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I will never recommend something that I haven't personally bought or would buy myself.*
Is it comfortable?
- Are the cushions deep enough to curl up on and watch a movie? Is the fabric soft to the touch?
- Is the back too high or too low to lean back comfortably?
Is it well constructed?
- Check the inner frame and the cushion fill. Look for kiln-dried hardwood (typically oak, maple or walnut) frames for a durability.
- Next consider the cushion fill. The most popular choice is a fiber wrapped foam cushion, which provides both softness and support.
What is your style?
- Are you traditional, transitional or modern? When buying investment pieces, its best to go with transitional pieces that will work with more specific style choices for décor. Do you like pieces that are skirted or wrapped to show decorative legs?
- *Tip: Think of your upholstered furniture as foundational pieces to support your style when incorporating décor items like pillows and rugs. They should serve as a backdrop to more decorative items.
Does the fabric seem like it will stand the test of time?
- Consider finding pieces with performance fabrics that are stain resistant, easily cleanable, and will withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
- Neutral fabrics (think white, beige, gray, navy, black) and a subtle pattern/texture will more easily stand the test of time.
Choose a neutral pattern or textured upholstery fabric.
- This will ensure that as your style changes or evolves, your upholstered pieces will continue to serve as backdrops to decorative items that you may switch out from time to time or seasonally.
- *Tip: If you tire of the fabric, consider having your furniture reupholstered. This is sometimes a more cost-effective solution to allow you to reuse investment pieces.
Measure, measure, measure!
- Before you begin shopping, decide on the layout for your furniture.
- A quick sketch on a piece of paper noting doorways and window is a great place to start. Note the overall room measurements as well as specific wall measurements where you want a piece to go.
- Also note any oddly sized or placed doorways that should be considered for delivery and installation.There’s nothing worse that not being able to get a sofa into a room because of a narrow doorway!
- Be sure there is space to walk around the room comfortably and allow for side/end/coffee tables when possible. You should have a general idea of the length and depth of each piece as well as the height to avoid placing furniture in front of windows or visually cutting a room in half.
- *Tip: To get the most accurate scale of furniture for a room, try placing painter’s tape on the floor where you would like each piece to go. This is the best way to really see how your furniture can fit into the room. Click here for detailed info on measuring.
Shop local
- Whenever possible, seek out larger pieces locally so you can see and feel the quality of the furniture. There is no better way to know if you like a piece than seeing it in person. Plus it is always a great idea to support a local business!
- Often times, showroom floor samples are discounted to make room for newer pieces, so you may even be able to negotiate a better deal.
- If you have exhausted your options locally, and you’ve turned to searching online, be sure to read the reviews on any pieces you’re considering purchasing as you get the truest read on quality, comfort and customer service.
Can I return it?
- Check to see if the store/websites have a fair return policy. There will most likely be a restocking fee, but it will be minimal versus a commitment to an expensive purchase that you don’t absolutely love.
Finally,
- if all of this seems too overwhelming, consider hiring a designer to assist you on the layout and selection of furniture.
- Any cost incurred for design services is worth the expertise a designer can provide when it comes to design decisions.
