Be Uncompromising
by Kathy Scott
Shopping for furniture can be as daunting as shopping
for the right car and nearly as expensive. The
shopping process often entails lying on dozens
of beds, reclining on hundreds of overstuffed
chairs and upholstered sofas, pulling out numerous
dresser drawers or sitting on an abundance of
decorative wood dining chairs. Choosing the right
furniture piece or room suit is a quest, but the
adventure should be as exciting for you as the
day your new piece of furniture is delivered.
Whether your style is Traditional, Contemporary,
Shaker, French Country or Cottage, each room of
your home has a distinct and dynamic personality.
Your “style” should come from your interests and
tastes; put a little of yourself into designing
each room of your home. More and more furniture
retailers are offering interior design consulting.
Take advantage of an opportunity to hear directly
from an expert.
Some shoppers like to follow furniture trends,
pulling from the latest manufacturer collections.
For those who like to emulate and adapt new styles,
furniture manufacturers rarely disappoint even
the savviest shoppers. If you fall into this category,
the trends for 2006 are awash with color and not
just from the primary color palette; BHG.com claims
that persimmon (1970s’ burnt orange) is back and
showing up in several collections.
Not surprisingly, woods are popular especially
in the form of chests and tables. Many manufacturers
are using different wood products and enhancing
their designs with veneers and inlays. And, the
silent, yet useful ottoman that was once used
simply as a foot rest has been transformed over
the years and now houses hidden storage, fold-out
beds and even pop-up coffee tables. Upholstered
toile is also showing up, and it is no longer
just for the French Country collector. Some new
toile designs are using more modern graphic designs.
Others are incorporating an Asian pattern that
can be used for various design purposes.
Once you’ve decided on your style, the process
of furniture buying comes down to a few key components.
Believe it or not, there are hundreds, probably
thousands of books devoted to the subject of furniture
buying. It shouldn’t be so difficult, but there
are a few things you should consider before beginning
your mission, namely budget, room size and furniture
usability.
There is well-made furniture in nearly every price
range. Once you determine your budget, measure
the size of the room where your new furniture
will rest, especially the dining room. China cabinets,
buffets, tables and chairs take up more room than
you might expect. Tall bookcases can also be challenging
so measure the length, width and height of a room
before making your purchase.
When you find a piece of furniture you like, try
it out. Sit around that dining room or breakfast
table. Wiggle the arms, look under the table for
signs of good craftsmanship. Bounce up and down
on that comfortable sofa, feel the fabric and
ask the salesperson about its construction. What
kind of wood was used to make the frame of the
sofa? Is the fabric stain resistant? Finally,
ask about the manufacturer’s warranty. Most offer
anywhere from one to five years of coverage for
any breaks or cracks.
Don’t overlook accessories when shopping at furniture
stores. Decorative items placed strategically
around a room can easily offer the finishing touch.
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