Interior Design Ideas: 7 Tips for Furniture Shopping

You've remodeled your basement or added a family room on to the back of your house. Now you need to add new furniture to complete the space. The first thing you're likely to do is rush out to the local furniture store.

And that's probably a big mistake.

Here are some helpful tips from Sixwise.com that can make sure you avoid a furniture shopping disaster.

1. Compare Prices Online First: Even if you don't buy online, do some research to find out how low the prices might be on some similar items. Some are even buying furniture online, which I don't recommend because you can't really test it out and returning it is not easy (if it's even possible.) But information and price comparison can be very valuable
2. Negotiate the Price: Most people hate the haggle. But furniture can be expensive so hold your ground to get a 10 to 20% discount at mid to high end retail shops. If you can't get them to drop the price, work out better financing or hold out for a sale
   
3. Ask for Extras: Ask for a deal on delivery or assembly if it's an extra cost. Get a warranty in writing, too
   
4. Shop Prepared: Know your room dimensions before you leave the house. Know what styles you like and that are right for your room. Know what colors you have to work with (curtains, other furniture, blinds, carpet, hardwood floors, interior paint, etc.) Get swatches from a paint store that match the items already in the room and take them to the furniture store. Find out what the store return policy is in case the new items don't work in the room
   
5. Mind your Cushions: The cushions are the most important component of any chair or sofa. Ignore talk of the frames and springs and construction. The cushions make or break the comfort and usability of the furniture. Test it out, try it out, and make sure it will work for you for a long period of time
   
6. Skip Fabric Protection: you can apply all the fabric protection you need aftermarket and for a lot less (if you don't mind the chemical factor)
   
7. Higher Prices Don't Mean Higher Quality: in '02, the FTC pulled accurate label requirements for furniture which means you cannot trust what you believe on any label or from any salesman anymore. Just because it says it contains this or that or can do this or that, don't believe the hype.

If you need more home design help, an Interior Designer can do wonders for you. And it doesn't mean you have to be a millionaire just to talk to a designer. But it could help to have a consultation to make sure you're buying what's right for your home and buying it from the place that is right for your budget. Interior Designers know where to look for the right item, how to match the colors correctly, and how to get the best price.

ConstructionDeal.com can help you find Interior Design Pros at no cost. Simply submit a request and get contact information for or phone calls from local designers. It's that easy. And there's no obligation.

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