What You Should Do Before You Shop for Your New Home: Tips & Tricks

You just got your hands on the keys to your new place and the excitement to start shopping immediately is almost uncontrollably…that gorgeous cream leather sofa that is on 50% off today, it should fit, right?

Hold on.

Purchasing a furniture piece is unlike buying a pack of chips in new flavor. Furniture are considered huge ticket items that are going to be placed in your space for a significant period of time. Do not forget the logistic nightmare when you have to get rid of them. So, here is what you should do to avoid the buyer’s remorse:

Consider the Lifestyles & Preferences

While it would be a dream come true to have everything your way, the chances are that you are probably not the only inhabitant at home. Who is going to use the space most often? Who is going to be the couch potato & who is going to be the seat warmer at the dining table? Do you have pets?

Carefully consider the size of your family and their needs. This is important in determining the type of furniture you need, its length, height, width and even the depth of a seat. It should be a consideration in choosing colours, fabrics, finishes and material as well. For instance, a delicate colour or fabric would not work well in a room where small children play.

Finding Your Theme

A new house is a like blank canvas and the possibilities are endless. While the idea of starting from scratch can be daunting, what can possibly be more exhilarating than furnishing your own space the way you want to?

Choose a style that complements your home. Go through Pinterest, magazines, catalogues and more to collect pictures that appeal to you. It will soon help you determine your own personal style if you don’t know it already

Start Measuring

The first step to planning out a layout is to determine its size. Use a tape measure or refer to your floor plan for dimensions. Or, a quick tip: Walk heel to toe across the room and count the number of steps. This is an easy way to replicate the dimensions anytime and anywhere to get a sense of space and size.

Then, check the dimensions of the hallways, stairs and door width leading to the space. This is the eternal challenge for all homeowner, being sure the entrances of the rooms are large enough for potential purchases.

& If you live in a high-rise building, do not forget the lift too! Most lifts in Singapore are able to fit up furniture to 2.1m but if you are looking for a longer sofa or table…check first! Nonetheless, there should be solutions to getting that 3m sofa piece into your space, check with the sales reps for more information.

Start Snapping Away

Perhaps you brought along the coffee table from your previous place or you are looking to replace sofa set for your home. You would want all your furniture to match, right?

Prepare colour samples, take measurements and snap some photos of existing furniture and your space to remind you of the items already in the room when shopping. You may love how a piece looks in the store, only to find it does not match once you get it in your home. You want to avoid this.

Furthermore, with the images and colour samples, the sales rep will be able to help you better in recommending the most suitable design for your home. Here at etch&bolts, you can actually customise your solid wood furniture in the different colour that we provide:

Budgeting

Now that you have your shopping list, here comes the question: What is your budget for everything on the list? Is money no object or do you have a limited budget? Even if it is the latter, you can find a variety of furniture within your means. However, that does not mean having to compromise on design and quality for everything.

Put aside more budget for high-use furniture such as your sofa, you would want to invest in a piece that is most frequently used and the most outstanding in your space.

Do Your Research: How Do You Judge Quality?

How do you tell if the piece is going to last and worth the amount you are going to put in?

We would say that material is the key to a lasting piece. Nonetheless, do consider the pros & cons of each material to find one that matches your lifestyle.

Plan Your Time: Don’t Be a Last-Minute Shopper

Furniture that is custom made for your place is definitely going to take more time. Want your furniture to arrive after renovations but get them in place before your housewarming party? Check for the production lead time with the stores and give enough allowance. You can avoid the unnecessary worrying by planning ahead.

Bring Your Team Along

More the merrier? Or too many cooks spoil the broth? While it helps to have someone to share the burden of major decision-making (comfort, dimensions or colour), too many opinions may only confuse you.

Seek the company of the wise ones, or the people who are going to use the furniture the most, and leave the rest at home.

Ask For Help

If you are still unsure if the furniture would fit your interior theme, ask the store. Feel free to ask how to maintain the furniture as well. Always speak to the sales rep as they often can give you more insights of the furniture.