First thing to determine is not only how much your budget will be but exactly how to break that budget down. Fine, rare woods as well as quality construction will be more expensive therefore; your budget may need adjusting. Key to deciding when to spend more on a specific piece will be its use and longevity. If it is merely an accent piece, it might be better to leave off and focus the budget on larger ticket items. Having a budget and a specific breakdown for it will hold you steady and focused.
2. Where will it be used?
The size of an item and the needs of the area you are working with will be important to your decision. Keeping in mind the specific demands that will be placed on the room will tell you what major items you will need as well as how much room there will be for the item. For instance, a dining room would require a table suitable for your family size as well as room size.
3. How often will it be used?
Rooms that are high use or high traffic will need durable furnishings. Special attention should be paid to pieces that will be used frequently, like doors and drawers. Less used rooms like guest, rooms can have a focus that is more on appearance than durability. Use this area for more inexpensive but ornate pieces.
4. How long will you have it?
Major pieces that will grace your living room, dining room or bedroom may become heirloom pieces that you will pass down to future generations. With this type of furniture, you should allow yourself a bit more leniency. Simple accent pieces however should be kept with in reason especially if you are prone to changing style. Similarly, children’s furniture will only be used for a season, as your child will most certainly grow out of them in size and style. Just look at the difference between a teenager and a toddler’s room. You can enjoy the process just keep these ideas in mind.
5. What is your personal style?
Your personal style will have to come into play, no sense decorating if you will not like the outcome. Your wardrobe is a great place to start when determining your style. Your favorite clothes will be a clue to colors and textures you will find appealing. Remember your lifestyle as well; do you have children or pets?
6. What kind of wood do you like?
Furniture is made of two different types of wood, hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods are seasonal and come from leafed trees such as maple, oak, teak, walnut and cherry. In this category will be the most expensive pieces of furniture. Softwoods are available year round and come from needle bearing trees like pine, cedar or spruce. Furniture made from these woods is inexpensive and used in more everyday pieces. Rubber wood is farm grown in tropical regions and is very resistant to bacteria and mold.
7. What is the difference between solid and veneer?
The difference in solid and veneer is fairly simple. In a solid piece, the exposed parts are all solid with the inner parts made of cheaper material. Veneer pieces are where thin layers of decorative wood are adhered to the outside of furniture. Solid wood is more valuable while veneer allows a greater choice of styles, patterns and textures.
8. What finish do you prefer?
Wood furniture is enhanced or changed completely by the finish. Oil and wax will give it a great look but lacquer will increase durability and finish. Spills and rings are avoided with an adequately applied lacquer. You can also choose a distressed look; this look is achieved by striking the wood with chains or hammers before applying the desired finish.
9. How good is the workmanship?
As important as the finish is the hardware, make sure that drawers fit and slide well, stopping flush with the front. Keeping your belongings clean is the job of dust panels on drawers. Check all the doors for properly installed hardware. Tables should have legs that are sturdy and even, no rocking. Watch for leaves and confirm that they match the rest of the piece. Examine tables for reinforced corners and secure legs. Dovetail joints will indicate higher quality but be sure to watch the fronts and how they are attached. Joints of chairs should also be checked carefully; they should be snug fitting and not contain excess glue.
10. What safety issues arise with the purchase of your furniture?
Always keep you and your family’s safety in mind, especially if you have small children. All dressers should have drawer stops to keep them from falling out. When choosing a bookcase consider your collection, are the shelves deep enough to hold your books without hanging insecurely over the edge. Securing a part of the bookshelf to the wall so that it does not fall on an unsuspecting child. Before picking out an entertainment center, consider the size of your television. If the television is larger than the unit is designed to hold, it may tip forward. Selecting a storage or toy chest for children should have safety features like latches designed to keep the lid from dropping freely. Preventing the lid from slamming shut on small fingers or other body parts.
For almost 40 years Leon Tuberman has been a staple of the furniture industry. His ever popular furniture store specializes in solid wood American made bedroom, living room and dining furniture. They carry a large selection of Mission and Amish styles Whether you're looking for a solid oak barrister bookcase or wood dining chairs you'll find what you need.
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