So, you moved into a new space and are ready to dress it up. Here comes the fun, yet sometimes challenging part: furniture shopping. Where do you get the pieces that you need? How do you make sure you’re investing in the right pieces? Here are some practical furniture shopping tips from The Linen Duck, a boutique furniture store that also offers interior design services in Nashville TN and surrounding cities.
First thing’s first: Take a look at the furniture you already have
As a well-known organizing consultant would say, let go of things that don’t bring you joy. Edit down the pieces to the essentials and chuck out those that look dated or have seen better days. For pieces that have sentimental value, consider giving them an update – perhaps they need to be reupholstered or get a fresh coat of paint.
Work with an interior designer if you’re still unsure of what to toss or keep. He or she can objectively sift through your belongings and tell you what’s worth saving or improving.
If you need more design advice, sit down with one of The Linen Duck’s in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a room you are working on. This 90-minute session is a complimentary service; just book a schedule 3 to 5 days in advance.
Create a mood board
A mood board is a collection of images, materials, color swatches, text, and other design elements. Articulating your design vision can be a challenge; a mood board can help you visualize the look and feel you’re aiming to achieve for your home.
See what’s out there
Browse online furniture stores to get a sense of the latest furniture trends, see what’s available, and check if there’s anything that appeals to you. Interior design magazines are also a great source of decorating inspiration.
Drop by a local furniture store to see furniture pieces in real life. A furniture store in Columbia TN, The Linen Duck, offers a unique blend of transitional and French-inspired furniture, home accessories, and even gifts. Walk right in and browse through a thoughtfully-curated selection of unique lighting, wall decor, rugs, and custom upholstery lines in solids, patterns, neutrals, and color; there’s something for every style.
Invest in the best sofa you can afford
As the focal point of the living room, the sofa should be comfortable and sturdy enough to last you a long time. If you have the budget for it, upgrade your cushions from solid foam to foam wrapped in down.
Choose a sofa with clean lines and understated fabric to keep it timeless; just use throw pillows to add pops of color as seasons change.
Pro Tip: Lift up a corner of the sofa and shake it; if it feels light or wobbly, look for another piece.
Steer clear of department stores
Many interior designers are not fans of buying furniture in department stores because this is not their core business; the quality is not consistent and the styles available might not be current. It’s best to stick to boutique furniture stores instead.
Size matters
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when shopping for furniture is misjudging the size of the piece in relation to the room they’re planning to put it in. A bed that looks perfect in a spacious showroom may not look the same in your apartment. Before you buy anything, mark out the piece’s dimensions on the floor with newspaper or painter’s tape; you can also use cardboard boxes to approximate its size. Measure every opening between the curb and the piece’s final destination to make sure it’ll fit through doorways and elevators and around corners.
The Linen Duck offers interior design services in Nashville TN and surrounding areas. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Call (931) 548-2422 or visit their website to learn more.