Buying furniture is an exciting yet challenging task. Whether you're furnishing your first apartment in Amsterdam or upgrading your living space in Rotterdam, making the right choices can save you money, time, and regret. Unfortunately, many people fall into common traps during their furniture shopping journey. This furniture buying guide will help you navigate these pitfalls and make smarter decisions.
Skipping the Measurement Step
One of the most frequent furniture buying mistakes is purchasing items without proper measurements. That gorgeous sofa might look perfect in the showroom, but will it fit through your doorway or complement your living room's dimensions?
How to avoid this mistake:
- Measure your space carefully, including doorways, hallways, and staircases
- Note the ceiling height, especially for tall wardrobes or bookcases
- Create a floor plan with accurate dimensions
- Consider the furniture's scale in relation to your room size
Remember, measuring furniture space correctly is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. A piece that's too large can overwhelm a room, while something too small might look out of place.
Prioritizing Style Over Comfort
It's easy to fall in love with a chair that looks stunning in the furniture store Netherlands showrooms. However, if it's uncomfortable, you'll rarely use it, making it a poor investment.
Smart furniture buying tip:
- Sit on chairs and sofas for at least 5-10 minutes
- Test the firmness and support
- Consider how you'll actually use the piece
- Think about your daily habits and lifestyle needs
Your furniture should enhance your life, not just look good in photos. Comfort and functionality should always be part of your furniture buying checklist.
Ignoring Quality and Materials
When budget constraints exist, it's tempting to choose the cheapest option. However, this is one of the most costly mistakes when buying furniture in the long run.
What to check before buying furniture:
- Wood furniture: Look for solid wood or high-quality engineered wood
- Upholstery: Check fabric durability and staining resistance
- Joinery: Examine how pieces are connected (screws and dowels are better than staples)
- Finish: Inspect for smooth, even finishes without rough spots
Quality furniture might cost more initially, but it lasts longer and often comes with better warranties. This is especially important in the Netherlands, where furniture delivery and returns can be complicated.
Buying Everything at Once
Many first-time furniture buyers try to furnish their entire home in one shopping trip. This furniture shopping error often leads to impulse purchases and mismatched pieces.
A better approach:
- Start with essential items: bed, sofa, dining table
- Live in your space for a few weeks to understand your needs
- Build your furniture collection gradually
- This allows you to invest in quality pieces over time
Neglecting Storage Needs
Underestimating storage requirements is a common mistake, particularly in Dutch homes where space can be limited.
Furniture shopping tips for storage:
- Assess your current belongings and future needs
- Look for multi-functional pieces (ottomans with storage, beds with drawers)
- Consider vertical storage solutions
- Don't sacrifice all storage for aesthetics
Overlooking Online Reviews and Research
With the rise of online furniture shopping, skipping research has become an increasingly common furniture mistake.
How to buy furniture wisely:
- Read customer reviews on multiple platforms
- Check return policies carefully
- Research the brand's reputation
- Compare prices across different retailers
- Look for warranty information
In the Netherlands, sustainable furniture options are increasingly popular. Take time to research eco-friendly brands that align with your values.
Forgetting About Your Existing Décor
Purchasing furniture without considering your current pieces can create a disjointed look.
Smart furniture buying approach:
- Bring paint swatches or photos of your existing furniture
- Consider your overall design style
- Think about color coordination
- Plan for cohesive room flow
Avoiding these furniture buying mistakes will help you create a home you truly love. Take your time, do your research, and remember that smart furniture buying is about finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, quality, and budget. Use this furniture buying guide as your furniture buying checklist, and you'll make decisions you'll be happy with for years to come.
Whether you're shopping at physical furniture stores or browsing online retailers, these furniture shopping tips will serve you well. Explore our collection of handcrafted solid wood furniture.
