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Do you hate furniture shopping? Would you rather hide under the covers of your bed than go out again? Would you prefer to watch paint peel? If so, your problem is likely that you aren’t shopping with knowledge behind you. This article has some simple strategies to make yourself a better shopper.
Open and jiggle any drawers in a piece of furniture before purchasing. You want to know how well those drawers are fitting into the furniture. If they move when jiggled, that’s not a good sign. The furniture may have been poorly built. The same goes if you feel any tension when pulling a drawer out. It should slide out smoothly.
If you are shopping for a new piece of furniture in order to replace an older one, keep the old one in mind. What did you like about your old piece? What didn’t you like that needs improved upon? Don’t just buy the most visually appealing potential replacement you see. If it isn’t comfortable for you personally, you aren’t going to be happy.
Think about where you are going to place a piece of furniture that you are shopping for. If it is going near a heating unit or a vent of some kind, then wood furniture is not a good choice. Dry heat means wood is likely to dry out and shrink over time, which leaves cracks. If you have to, compensate with a humidifier in drier months. You want a moisture level of about 40 percent.
When it comes to wood furniture, make sure to carefully read your manufacturer’s care directions carefully. The finishes, waxes, and other treatments differ by brand, type of furniture, type of wood, etc. Reading these instructions will help you keep your furniture in pristine shape for a long time and help you avoid damage from improper cleaning.
When choosing a new couch, make sure the cushions are firm. Soft cushions will not last for very long. Replacing cushions can be expensive, especially if these cushions are no longer manufactured. It is best to choose a standard size of cushions so you can easily find some replacements in case they wear off.
If the piece of furniture you are buying has doors or drawers, test them out. Drawers should slide smoothly and open completely. When you close them, they should line up evenly. For cabinet doors, once you open them, they should stay open. You should also make sure that they close and latch securely.
The price of furniture can vary a lot from one month to the next. You can usually get some excellent prices if you buy your furniture around the fourth of July or Christmas. Shopping on Memorial Day or on Veterans Day is a good way to find deals too.
These techniques have been used by countless others to make furniture shopping more enjoyable, so put them to use yourself. You’ll find your next trip out is one which doesn’t leave you so frustrated. In the end, you’ll find the furnishings you need and your home will be more comfortable than ever.
