So you got yourself a nice new flat in the heart of Singapore. The view is great. The neighbourhood is awesome. It is accessible to almost everything. Life is good.
Now comes one of the most challenging parts of acquiring a home: furniture hunting.
It is easy to fall into the trap of 0% downpayment deals and clearance sales. Before you buy that nice console for your living room or that exquisite dining table in Singapore, there are a few things you need to know about buying furniture.
7 Things You Should Consider Before Buying Furniture for Your Home
1. Know your needs.
First things first, what are the main pieces of furniture you cannot do without? When you see a piece that you like, ask yourself first if you truly need it.
Your furniture should match your lifestyle. If you don’t watch TV and listen to the radio as much, there is no need for you to buy home entertainment showcase shelves right away.
2. What is your budget?
As much as you want to fill your home up with only the best furniture in the market, your budget does not usually agree with your tastes.
Buy furniture that you need and can afford. If you have your heart set on a particular piece that’s quite expensive, set aside a portion of your income regularly until you have enough to buy it.
While high-quality products are usually expensive, it is recommended you purchase the highest quality furniture you can afford.
3. Consider the size of your space.
Different spaces have different furniture needs. Do you live in a big house with a large floor area or do you have a small one-bedroom condo unit? The type and number of furniture you buy should complement the available space.
Before buying any piece, measure your home and find out the dimensions of the different parts of your home.
4. What are your style preferences?
Your home is an extension of yourself. Your style and preference will show in how you decorate and furnish your home.
Unless you’re the eclectic type of person, it is best to acquire furniture that goes well together to maintain aesthetic harmony in your place. Minimalist, Victorian, Industrialist, Art Deco — whatever your style is, don’t be afraid to let it show in your home.
5. Go green.
More manufacturers are shifting to sustainable furniture designs as their contribution to preserving the environment. It also helps protect, and even enhance, your health.
6. Always go for quality.
As mentioned, top-of-the-line pieces cost more compared to regular furniture. However, the higher the quality, the longer it retains its look and will last many more years with you.
You have to remember that your furniture is also an investment. Do not let your money go to waste just because you chose the cheaper sofa over one that is similar but has better construction quality.
7. Inspect the materials used.
Familiarise yourself with the different materials and fabrics used in the pieces of furniture you like. Learn how to look at wood, leather, polyurethane, fabrics, metal, glass, and other types of raw materials. Find out how durable they are and how they stack up against ageing.
Your house will probably be the biggest investment in your life. Your furniture comes in as a close second. Do not throw away your hard-earned money by buying furniture on impulse.
Know your considerations and options. There are a lot of reputable retailers and manufacturers that produce high-quality furniture fit for any type of home.
