HOUSTON – Buying furniture for your home can be an overwhelming experience for many people -- and since new furniture can be an investment, you want to be sure you’re getting quality pieces that will look great and last for a very long time.
These days, furniture is just a click away; many websites and retailers offer furniture that looks great on a showroom floor but quickly breaks down with regular use.
Sarah Zubowski, a furniture expert with Living Designs Furniture in Houston, cautions that many retailers offer furniture that is cheaply made, not comfortable, and likely won’t last too long. She gave us a few tips to remember so we don’t get stuck kicking our furniture to the curb, only to spend even more money to buy something better.
“Stick your foot underneath the furniture and try to lift it up,” said Zubowski.
“If you can, it’s not hard, solid wood,” she added, noting that when furniture frames are made from particle board and other cheap materials, they will be lightweight, easier to lift, and will likely break down quickly.
Instead, for a long-lasting piece of furniture that will hold up over time, Zubowski recommends going with a totally solid frame like red oak, white oak, or cypress. Sarah points out the major difference between Living Designs Furniture and other retailers: LDF’s frames are guaranteed for a lifetime.
Additionally, the foam used to create the cushions on furniture can vary greatly from one retailer to another. Be sure to ask about the longevity and guarantee from the retailer about how long their cushions will retain their shape and comfort level.
Lastly, if you need design inspiration you can save images you like from catalogues, magazines and social media and then use the Living Designs Furniture buying guide to help point you in the right direction.
Watch the full Houston Life segment to learn about LDF’s process of creating custom, made-to-order furniture for your home and why now is the perfect time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the holidays. You can also schedule your free design appointment online or chat with one of their design experts.