Preparing to move into a new place? Having the right pieces in combination will instantly transform the space into a haven that meets your needs and embodies your style. Follow this guide to make choosing your new furniture an effortless experience from start to finish.
- Planning room-by-room
Especially with new build homes that come unfurnished, planning your furniture room-by-room will help you ensure you have all the essentials. Assessing the layout of the rooms and measuring the space is also a must, to avoid overcrowding or ordering furniture that simply will not fit!
Using paper or tape to map out the furniture and your walkways is an effective way to get a good sense of how the room will come together.
- Picking out priorities
Given that you’ve just splashed out on a new home, chances are you don’t have the budget to buy all the furniture you need. Create a list of priorities and start at the top with key items like a bed, sofa, dining table and chairs.
Bear in mind that sofas and beds can take weeks – if not months – to be made, so order as far in advance as possible once you have an idea of dimensions. Be prepared to pay premium delivery charges, especially if assembly is required.
- Defining your style
Before you start browsing furniture, take time to consider what style you’d like for your home. This will stop you getting lost in the options because you’re sure to be spoiled for choice! It will also ensure a cohesive look for your new home.
Research interior design styles online and in magazines, identifying which you like and dislike. Take note of exactly what draws you to a certain style, such as clean minimalist lines or ornate embellishments, and seek out matching pieces.
- Ensuring quality
Now we all want to make our money go further, especially with the recent rise in inflation exacerbating the current cost of living crisis but be wary of choosing cheap over everything else when shopping for your furniture. Poorly made pieces are prone to bending and breaking so you’ll end up spending more in the long run, and they won’t necessarily meet the image you have in your head.
You don’t have to go to luxury homeware stores to find quality options. You can find some amazing options at a fraction of the price in local charity shops!
- Adding your personality
Finally, make sure your furniture is exactly right for you by finding ways to add your personality. Some pieces can be personalised at the point of sale with certain woods or fabric colours, or you can simply decorate with throws and cushions in your favourite colours and patterns.
There are endless affordable ways upcycle second-hand pieces and put your stamp on them! Sanding and varnishing give wood a new lease of life, or you could paint pieces to ensure everything coordinates perfectly.