Planning Your Next Furniture Shopping Trip

Ever fell in love with a piece of furniture and brought it home only to realise it doesn’t fit through your door or doesn’t go with the rest of your furniture? Shopping for furniture can be exciting and daunting at the same time. There is so much to consider, from the style of the piece to the colour, whether it will fit in the layout you are working with or if it suits your unique needs. Whether you are looking to furnish a new space or upgrade your existing furniture, here are some tips to help you plan your next furniture shopping trip.

1. Set a Budget

Before you head to the furniture store, set a budget. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don’t overspend. Consider your overall budget for the room you’re furnishing and allocate a portion of it to furniture. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to your budget.

• Differentiate Between Your Wants and Needs

We often buy furniture just because it looks good or because we saw it on social media. When buying furniture, it’s important to differentiate between your wants and needs. Make a list of the essential pieces you need for the room and prioritise them. For example, a bed is a need, while a decorative side table is a want. A sofa for the living room is a need, while a console table for the entryway is a want. Think carefully about what pieces are absolutely essential and what pieces can wait. This will help you stay focused and avoid making unnecessary purchases.

• Measure Your Space

We have said it before, and we will say it again: NEVER go furniture shopping without measuring the space you are planning to put the furniture in. Doing so will help you determine what size and type of furniture will fit and suit your  space. You don’t want to buy a bed that is too big for your bedroom or a sofa that is too small for your living room.

Don’t forget to measure all the areas the furniture will have to travel through to make it to its final space. While flat packs are easy to get in through the doorway, assembled furniture may not fit through your corridor or up a spiral staircase, so be sure to know the space you are working with before bringing your new furniture home.

Hot tip: Make the most of our tailored floor plan service in three easy steps. Upload or bring your floor plan to our store, and our interior design experts can provide advice. You will also be receiving a floor plan with your favourite Gainsville furniture scaled in place to make sure your beloved pieces fit in your living spaces.

• Research Different Styles and Designs

Research different furniture styles and designs before you go shopping. This will give you an idea of what you like and what’s available. Look for inspiration online, in magazines, and in furniture showrooms. This will help you narrow down your options and make the shopping process easier.

That being said, don’t set your preferences in stone and be flexible. You may not find a piece exactly like the one you saw on Pinterest, so being open about your options will help you avoid disappointment.

• Buy From a Single Store

Buying all of your furniture from a single store can help you strike better deals. Many furniture stores offer discounts if you buy multiple pieces of furniture at the same time. It also ensures that all of your furniture will match in style and design (especially when matching the colours of fabrics and finishes). If you’re looking for cohesion and coordinated furniture, try looking at different pieces from the same range.

For example, Gainsville’s Tuscan range comes in a ceramic dining table, hall table, rectangle or square coffee table, and side table, all coming together to give your living/dining room a sense of harmony.

• Ask About Ready-to-Ship Furniture

If you’re on a tight timeline or budget, ask the furniture store if they have any ready-to-ship furniture available. This is furniture that is already in stock and can be delivered to your home within a few days. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you need furniture quickly.

Ready to take your next Gainsville piece home? Check out our Gainsville Express Clearance Sale for some of our signature pieces at a fraction of the original price!

• Check the Furniture’s Construction and Materials

Look for furniture made with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. This will ensure your furniture lasts longer and doesn’t break or wear out easily.

All Gainsville furniture is made with the highest quality imported and Australian materials and comes with Gainsville’s 5-15 Year Warranty, so you know you are getting the best there is.

• Sit on the Furniture and Test it Out

Before you buy any furniture, sit on it and test it out. This will help you determine if it’s comfortable and meets your needs. For example, if you’re buying a sofa, make sure it’s comfortable to sit on, if it’s a bed make sure you test the mattress. Comfort and utility takes precedence over style in this case..

• Consider the Colour and Fabric

Ensure the colour and fabric of the furniture you choose match your existing decor and fit your lifestyle. If you have pets or children, consider buying furniture that is durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean and maintain. A timber coffee table, like our Alaska Coffee Table, will look incredible in a modern home but may not work too well in an Art-deco-style living room.

1. Don’t Rush Your Decision

Take your time and consider all of your options before making a purchase. This will ensure that you make the best decision for your needs and budget. If you’re unsure about a particular piece of furniture, take a break and return to it later. You may have a different perspective after some time has passed.

In conclusion, shopping for furniture can be a fun and rewarding experience if you plan ahead and take the time to consider all your options. Whether you’re looking for modular lounges with recliners or queen bedroom furniture, by following these tips, you can find the perfect furniture for your home.