Furniture makes a house a home. It provides style, function, and organization for your home. Whether you're furnishing your first home or apartment or updating your home, there are a few things to consider when purchasing new furniture.
Every room in the home needs furniture, and it's important to consider your own design preferences and the function that each piece will serve in each room. A living room needs plenty of comfortable and inviting seating options for family, friends, and guests. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, a formal dining set or set of bar stools will suit your seating needs. Of course, everyone needs a place to rest their head, and a quality bed serves as the focal point of your bedroom. Accent chairs, cabinets, and tables add versatility, functionality, and style to any space. Choose furniture that's built to last; the upfront investment will pay off in the long run.
Your bedroom is your oasis. As the place where you rest, relax, and rejuvenate, the way you furnish your bedroom has a big impact on your mood. Create your private sanctuary with bedroom furniture that suits your needs and your style.
A high-quality mattress is worth the investment. From innerspring to memory foam, there is a mattress to suit every taste. Traditional innerspring mattresses work well for a wide range of sleepers while pillow-top mattresses are good for those who sleep on their sides. Memory foam conforms to your body to alleviate pressure points and is becoming an increasingly popular choice. The firmness, support, and durability of your memory foam mattress correlates with its level of density.
Though its primary purpose is to support your mattress of choice, a bed frame can make a big style statement. A simple metal frame or a platform bed offers a sleek, modern look while a solid wood bed frame lends a more traditional feel. Many beds also come as a part of a complete bedroom set, which includes a bed frame, a nightstand, and a dresser or armoire, all constructed in the same material and style. On their own, these additional pieces of bedroom furniture can be beautiful and functional additions to your bedroom; try mixing and matching pieces to create a personalized look.
Stylish dining room and bar furniture can help you create a memorable setting for all your get-togethers with family and friends. Chances are you'll have your dining room furniture for many years, so it's important to choose pieces that will last.
From solid wood or particle board to rich, full-grain leather, dining furniture is made in a variety of materials. First, select a style that will meld seamlessly with your existing decor and architecture and choose a material that meets your price point. Solid wood tends to be more expensive, but particle board and other more inexpensive materials will last for years with proper care.
Next, consider the shape and size of dining furniture that will best suit your space. If you have a large family, or enjoy throwing big dinner parties, a large dining table will serve your entertaining needs. A small bistro table and pair of bar stools would work well in a small kitchen or apartment. A solid wood bar or buffet can be a stylish focal point in your dining room and lends itself to easy post-dinner cocktails and entertaining.
The right patio furniture can transform your backyard into your own personal retreat. From steel to eucalyptus to all-weather wicker, patio furniture is made in a variety of materials, each with a distinct design aesthetic.
The material of your patio furniture will determine its look and durability. Aluminum is durable and lightweight, while wood is sturdy but prone to water damage and warping. Protective coatings and varnishes go a long way in prolonging the life of your outdoor furniture. If your furniture will sit in direct sunlight, choose pieces made with weatherproof and fade-resistant materials and fabrics; a wrought-iron chaise lounge with dark cushions may look elegant in the shade, but it will heat up quickly in direct sunlight. A patio umbrella offers shade from the sun and protects your furniture; choose one in a vibrant color for an added style punch. Do you plan to dine alfresco? A bistro table-and-chair set works well on smaller outdoor patios while a large round or rectangular table is perfect for big families or entertaining.