When furnishing a new home or revamping your current one, it’s easy to get carried away with your design ideas. It can mean spending more than your budget allows on items you could live without. However, some furniture pieces are worth the splurge. Read on to learn what these are.
Set a Budget
When buying furniture, your budget is a vital piece of the puzzle. It can determine which furniture retailers you’ll shop with and the quality of the items you buy. When budgeting, consider your monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, food costs, and loan repayments. To keep track of your finances, you may either write down all the expenses you anticipate having in a given month or use a budgeting tool or spreadsheet. Being honest about your spending habits and priorities is also important, especially regarding luxury or nonessential purchases. For example, if you spend more on dining out than groceries, it’s probably time to make some changes. Another way to save money on furniture is by shopping secondhand. Websites can be excellent options for gently used furniture at a fraction of the retail cost. You can also look for an Ashley Furniture promo code or discounts online. Another way to save money is to pay cash rather than using a credit card. Because credit card interest rates are so outrageously high, the cost of carrying a balance from month to month can pile up very rapidly. If you must use a credit card, avoid paying interest by keeping the balance low or pursuing a 0% deferred interest offer.
Know Your Needs
Furnishing a home or redecorating your current one can be exciting and expensive. Choosing what to spend and keep can take time and effort when deciding how best to use your money. A common rule of thumb is to splurge on items you touch and save on those you don’t. It makes sense because a thing that will be used frequently must resist much more wear and tear than one tucked away in a corner of your room. That said, there are exceptions to the rules. If you find a piece that you love, regardless of its cost, make it a priority purchase.
Often, furniture is worth the investment because it is functional and durable. Splurge on a sofa that is well-made and made of materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear. Likewise, spending more on a dining table that can accommodate a larger group and last longer than a cheap one is typically worth it. Other items worth the splurge include statement pieces like a gorgeous rug or light fixtures. These items can combine the whole design and create a focal point in your room. They are also great for grabbing attention from guests and can make a conversation starter.
Shop Around
It’s common to find furniture on the Internet at a lower price than in a brick-and-mortar store. Online stores can display their entire inventory from multiple locations, where a local store may only have a small portion in stock. However, many buyers are surprised to learn that the quality of furniture sold online is often on par with that found in stores and that high shipping costs can offset any savings. Whether you shop in person or online, it pays to take your time. Before making your final decision, compare prices at a few different stores and check out the terms and conditions. You want to know if you can return the piece if it’s too large or doesn’t fit. Also, feel free to shop secondhand. You can find excellent deals in garage sales, thrift stores, and online stores, where some homeowners are willing to give away furniture they no longer need for free. It’s also worth remembering that the furniture industry operates on a biannual schedule, with new styles hitting stores in spring and fall. If you have the patience, you can get greater bargains on used models than cutting-edge technology.
Take Care of the Details
Furnishing your home is an exciting undertaking, but it can also be expensive. It’s important to know when it is time to splurge and when it is okay to save. You can ensure you’re getting the most out of your furniture budget by purchasing top-of-the-line items for the spaces where they matter most according to these straightforward suggestions. For example, you wouldn’t want a cheap, rickety table in your kitchen where you eat three meals a day – this would be an area where it is appropriate to spend the extra money on a quality item that will last longer. Other splurge-worthy purchases include a quality toilet and a nice oven if you bake or cook often. These items will get more wear and tear than a sofa, which you’ll probably only use occasionally.
