Factors To Consider When Buying Living Room Furniture

You moved to a new apartment and you are wondering what kind of furniture you should buy for your living room? Well, you are right to think about it as the living room furniture is the first thing that your guests notice when entering your home. The overall décor of your living room should be a good representation of your personality. 

Let’s have a look at what you should consider when buying living room furniture.

Take your time.

Many people furnishing their space tend to rush and consequently “fill” the room without thinking about how they use the space first. Spend a significant amount of time in your living room and watch how you use the area. Is it a place for lounging or working? How you spend your time in your living room will dictate which pieces of furniture are most appropriate for the room.

Maintenance

Do not opt for high-maintenance furniture unless you have the resources to take care of it. Go for the kind of furniture that complements your lifestyle. For example, a faux leather chair is ideal for heavy use and easy to clean, while a chenille fabric is delicate and easier to stain. If you’re someone with a highly involved job and no one to look after your home, more easy-going and low maintenance furniture may serve you well. However, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time at home and has someone who can closely look after the upkeep of the furniture, you may want to splurge on it. 

Work with the room, not against it

Look at the constraints of the space and plan accordingly. For instance, a small living room is no place for a giant sectional. Before you buy a piece of furniture, know it’s designed space in your living room. You don’t want to be saddled with a beautiful piece of furniture that is just lying around simply because you bought it on a whim. 

Measure.

The old adage states measure twice, cut once. The same could be applied to the process of furniture buying. Measure your space carefully before making a furniture purchase or you might end up with “too big” or “too small” pieces.

If your budget allows it, consider built-ins.

Custom built-in units, while expensive, offer tremendous storage capacity with much less of a space footprint than furniture such as bookcases, armoires or chests. If your budget allows, consider having shelving and drawers built right into the wall.

Troll design blogs and shelter magazines for inspiration

Home design websites, blogs and a host of other decor magazines offer a wealth of inspiration for smart, creative interior design. Examine the home tours of these sites and mags, with a focus on the living rooms. See which ideas you can adapt for your own living room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right mix

Try experimenting with different pieces of furniture in different arrangements, and keep arranging until the positioning feels right. Don’t be afraid of pieces from different eras in different styles. 

The living room is where you spend the most time with your family and house guests. Now that you know how to select your furniture wisely, go-ahead to furnish your ideal living room!