How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Furniture

Buying furniture is an investment, and the wrong choices can be expensive and frustrating. Over the years, I’ve seen homeowners make the same mistakes—but with a little planning, you can avoid them. Here’s how to shop smarter and make sure every piece works beautifully in your home. 

1. Not Measuring Properly

       One of the biggest mistakes people make? Buying furniture that doesn’t fit the space. 

• Measure the room dimensions before you shop. 

• Check the doorways, hallways, and stairwells—can your new sofa even get inside? 

• Use painter’s tape on the floor to map out furniture sizes. 

💡 Angie’s Tip: "Try to keep a clear path about 3 feet wide when moving in and out of each room. We don’t actually need that much space to walk, but our eyes are drawn to open, unobstructed pathways—it just feels better and makes the room look more inviting." 

  

2. Prioritizing Style Over Comfort

       That sleek, modern sofa might look amazing, but will you actually want to sit on it for hours? 

✔ Measure seat depth of current furniture pieces that are comfortable.
✔ Look for high-quality cushions.  We tend to like cushions with a spring system for support.
✔ Consider seat depth—deeper seats are better for lounging, while shallower seats offer more structured support.  As we age, we tend to prefer a shorter seat depth. 

 

3. Choosing the Wrong Material for Your Lifestyle

       Not all fabrics and finishes are created equal. 

• Have kids or pets? Go for performance fabrics like Crypton or leather. 

• Need durability? Avoid glass coffee tables and delicate surfaces. 

• Love a clean look? Darker woods hide scratches better than lighter ones. 

💡 Angie’s Tip: Always request fabric swatches before buying upholstered pieces—you’ll be surprised how different colors look in your own lighting. 

 

 

4. Ignoring Scale & Proportion

       Furniture should fill the space appropriately—too big feels overwhelming, too small looks lost. 

• A coffee table should be two-thirds the length of your sofa. 

• A dining table should allow at least 36 inches of clearance around it. 

• Rugs should be large enough for at least the front legs of furniture to sit on them. 

 

5. Not Thinking About Functionality

       Before buying, ask yourself: How will I use this piece every day? 

✔ Do you need extra storage? Look for ottomans, beds, or consoles with hidden compartments.
✔ Does the piece need to be multi-functional? Consider sleeper sofas or expandable dining tables.
✔ Will it be moved often? Opt for lighter materials if rearranging is a priority. 

 

 

Final Thought 

A little planning goes a long way when buying furniture. By choosing pieces that fit your space, lifestyle, and comfort needs, you’ll create a home that’s both functional and stylish. If you need guidance on selecting the right furniture, my team at New Perspective Design is here to help. 

-Angie