6 Factors to Consider When Buying Homewares
Guest post by Anna Wrench from Life and Experiences
Whether you are purchasing a new house or renovating your home, there are many decisions you have to make – especially when it comes to choosing homeware. From the type of material and size of the furniture to your budget, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Instead of rushing through the process, take your time to do some research.
Browse through online stores, visit local furniture stores, check out interior design blogs, or consult an interior designer. If you’re still unsure about the best homeware for you, talk to your friends and family members about their home remodel. How did it go? What did they wish they would’ve done differently? What problems did they run into? Any advice you can get will help you down the line.
To get started, check out these six factors to help you buy the right homeware for you.
Consider the Ergonomics
When choosing furniture, it shouldn’t just match the aesthetic of your home but it should also be comfortable. For example, choose a sofa that has enough legroom and comfortable cushions as well. For your home office, find an adjustable chair with a soft cushion that you can use comfortably for many hours at a time. How high is your desk? Do you like to stand while you work? Think about what gives you the most comfort before starting your research. If you really want to customize the home office, you might also consider an ergonomic keyboard or mouse.
Consider the Proportions of Your Room
Have you ever browsed through home catalogs filled with beautiful luxurious furniture and amazing home decor? The truth is, these catalogs can be quite deceiving. They often don’t include the exact dimensions and size of the homeware. So, always look for dimensions before you buy. You don’t want to end up with anything that’s the wrong size!
You can also sketch the layout of your home and map out the dimensions that you want for each piece of homeware. This will help you understand the layout better; you’ll avoid wasting money or spending time processing returns down the road.
Consider the Durability
Buying something just because it looks good may come back to haunt you. Appearance is important, but so is durability. Would you rather buy a cheaper piece of furniture three times over the course of three years, or find a high-quality piece of homeware that lasts for three years?
If you end up buying flimsy furniture, it will break down easily and then you would be back to where you started. To find a reliable piece of furniture, choose brands that are known for producing premium-quality homeware to ensure it will last for years.
Choose a Style or Theme
Every house has a particular style and that style shapes the type of homeware you buy, too. Don’t just go purchasing items at random.
Do you like the bright and rustic feeling of farmhouse design? Or maybe you want to go bold and bright with boho design. You can even combine the two styles too. The possibilities are endless.
If you’re not set on a theme for your home yet, your first purchase is the perfect time to establish a look that you love.
Or, you can think about what might have practical use in your home. Do you need a coat or hat rack? Maybe a shelf for your shoes? An extra set of chairs for the guests you have over every Sunday? You’d be surprised at how homeware can make your life easier!
Pick Materials that Work Best for You
The material of your homeware is largely up to your personal preference. But, sometimes the choice matters. If you buy a leather couch rather than a fabric couch, the fabric couch will be much tougher to clean. If you choose plastic dishware over a porcelain set, it will be easier to clean and less fragile, but not as versatile or modern.
If you are finding it difficult to find the best homeware, seek guidance from experts who will guide you through every step of the buying process.
Double-Check Your Budget
Don’t rush into buying pieces that your budget doesn’t allow. Instead, have a clear idea of your budget and stick to it. It is a good idea to give yourself a cushion of anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in case you come across new homeware that you want to purchase.
Sticking to a budget doesn’t mean that you shop for the most inexpensive furniture you come across. You don’t want to compromise quality. Instead, think about your priorities in the home. What appliances are more important to you?
If you work at home, you might want to consider an ergonomic desk first and foremost. If you’re an avid cook, maybe a range hood is the most important appliance for you. Or perhaps you want to make your living room a warm and inviting place for guests.
Once you have your priorities straightened out, you’ll be well on your way to decorating your new home completing your renovation.
If you liked this article, take a look at more of our home improvement guides for some helpful tips and tricks.