Best Tips for Furnishing a New Home

If you’ve recently purchased a home or moved into a new apartment, you’ll often be faced with the challenge of furnishing it. While filling empty rooms and covering blank walls may feel daunting, there are steps you can take that will save your time, money and sanity. Here are 5 tips to help the furnishing process go smoothly.

1. Shop online

To tap into a larger selection than you could find in stores, search through furniture websites such as Lumens for instant access to thousands of brands, including international products. The online store often snags exclusive deals and teams up with renowned designers to create collections such as the Lumens Kartell Furniture line with the innovative Italian Kartell design family, which isn’t available in stores. By shopping online you’ll expand your choices beyond what’s only available in driving distance from your home and you’ll save yourself time by immediately being able to compare prices and consult customer reviews. The convenience of shopping online takes the guesswork out of what could otherwise be a stressful process.

2. Skip the 0% Deals

While 0% interest or 0% down deals may sound like a great way to acquire a complete furniture set for your home in one purchase, the items are often significantly marked up. The store will build the financing into the price tag, which means you’ll be paying more in the long run and possibly ruining your credit score in the process. According to BankRate.com, these deals also come with hefty fines for any late payments. While you may have every intention of making the payments in the future, you won’t be able to predict unforeseen circumstances years in advance. Late or incomplete payments will cause the interest rateto skyrocket and retroactive interest will be tacked onto your debt. Credit.com notes that even if you are making the minimum payment each month, it may not be enough to pay off the full balance during the set payment period. Look closely at the fine print of any long term payment deal but if you’re able to, it’s best to skip them altogether.

3. Quality

Everyone loves a bargain but when it comes to furniture, you want to ensure you’re not sacrificing quality just for a low price tag. You can save yourself time and money in the long run by investing in quality, built to last items now. Shoddy pieces can’t stand up to the stress of daily use. Wear and tear will show quickly and you’ll be required to fix or replace them sooner than your wallet may allow. You are not only using the furniture every day, but you will be seeing it every day as well. It’s easy to spot poor workmanship and cheap design. Your furniture’s true value is not only in its quality but also in its ability to create a beautiful and comfortable home.

4. Make a plan

Before you start buying, make a list of the furniture you need immediately, the pieces you will want down the line and the items you dream of owning one day. This list will help you keep your priorities organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed with options or burning through your budget too quickly. Make sure you carefully measure your space to guarantee you will still comfortably be able to walk through the room or open cabinets and drawers once your furniture is in place. Browse magazines, Pinterest boards, Instagram hashtags and design websites to figure out which styles and items will create the perfect ambience for each room. Don’t forget to include lighting, accessories and window treatments on your list. These smaller items can go a long way to complementing your furniture and crafting a lovely atmosphere in your home.

5. Consider buying second hand

Don’t be afraid to purchase gently used furniture for your home. High quality items and brands can last for decades. It’s likely you know people who have inherited furniture from their parents or grandparents, items thathave survived generations and multiple moves while still being functional and classically designed. To ensure the item is of high quality, the design experts at Apartment Therapy recommend checking that it is solid wood instead of veneer and that joints are dovetailed rather than just secured with hardware.Search thrift stores, consignment shops, estate sales, online marketplaces and flea markets for unique finds at a steep discount. This is also a great way to discover vintage pieces to fit a specific design aesthetic you may have. If you’re the crafty type, here is your opportunity to upcycle furniture that may only need a fresh coat of paint, reupholstering or a sanding to look brand new and match your home’s style.

While you may be anxious to get your home perfectly set up as soon as possible, remember that it’s not necessary to buy all your furniture at once. Save yourself time by make a plan that will keep you organized and expand your options by shopping online or second hand. Save yourself money by aiming for items that are built to last and be wary of 0% deals, which can cost you more in the long run. With these simple steps, you can create a beautifully furnished home.