Top 5 Tips on Affordable Living Room Furniture
Top 5 Tips on Affordable Living Room Furniture
Buying a sofa, table, chairs, rug or lamp are the most important investments you’re likely to make for your home. In the living room, you will have a piece of furniture where you lounge, read, eat and drink, entertain family and friends, watch TV and, even sleep, so it makes sense that we take the time to invest in one that’s going to last for years to come.
Every once in a while, your life takes a turn and you get the chance to start from scratch. This could mean a new place to live and maybe the opportunity to furnish the place according to your own taste and no one else’s. Take a look at what essentials you need in your living room to start off with, and what other items you can use to make space your own. Here are Top 5 Tips on Affordable Living Room Furniture.
1. Measure Up!
There is honestly nothing worse than buying furniture that doesn’t fit into your home so before you do anything, measure up. Get out the tape measure and make sure you’re certain of the maximum sofa dimensions that will fit, and suit your space. Also, check the dimensions of any doors and stairways the sofa will have to pass through on delivery. If access is limited, you may need to opt for a low-back style, one with removable legs or even a modular design that can be delivered in sections. If you have a small room, consider a two-seater sofa. You might have your dream sofa already but you have to be practical too. The good news is that it’s never been easier to customise a sofa to make it really work for you and your space.
Are you tight for space in the living room with no bedroom? If yes, then say hello to a piece of furniture that leads a double life: Bed at night, sofa by day. With a sofabed, you can save both money and space in your new living room for when you have any guests stay over. If you do have a spare bedroom, then consider going for a lightweight sofa or maybe a couple of armchairs that are easier to move around. You also need a small table, either a coffee or end table, for your cups of coffee and one or two lamps for the atmosphere.
2. Try before you buy!
You know when you’re on the hunt for a new mattress and you do the age-old bottom test? Well, the same theory applies to a sofa. The average sofa has a seat depth of at least 60cm, which gives plenty of room to manoeuvre if you have long legs and allows you to tuck them under if you’re shorter. But seat depths do vary, so definitely try out different styles to ensure you get good back support. When it comes to seat height, most designs are between 45cm and 50cm high. There’s no right or wrong height. Try before you buy to make sure it suits the whole family and you. And finally, check the total width excluding armrests, if you like to stretch out.
3. Invest
Spend as much as you can afford on a quality frame. It will see you through many years of lounging. A solid hardwood frame is a good option, but be wary of a particleboard or metal construction. Also, take note of the guarantee before you commit and always opt for manufacturers who offer at least a 15-year guarantee.
If you can avoid doing assignments and paperwork at the dining table, you probably should as it can become tedious to move your files and laptop around whenever you sit down for a meal. They should not take up primary space in your living room but keep them here and not in the bedroom. If you’re happy with the dining chairs, you can use one of them at the desk. You also need storage for books, clothes and general bits and bobs. Find your favourite style and stick to it so that your new home gets a consistent look.
Does your new place have an open plan kitchen and living room and even a dining room? The kitchen with enough space for a table and chairs? For some, eating in the kitchen is nice and informal and it lets you entertain your guests while cooking. For others, it can be stressful to have dirty pots and pans around during dinner. Think about what you like and find a nice small table, maybe with an additional element for extending it for when you have company.
4. Check out the cushions!
Remember that what’s inside a sofa is just as important as what’s used on the outside. When it comes to the sofa back and seat, feather-filled cushions are high on comfort but they will need regular plumping, while foam or fibre fillings may flatten out and lose their shape over time. It is recommended choosing a combination of feather and foam as feathers give the squish while the foam provides structure. Back cushions filled with feathers and seat cushions filled with foam or fibre works well.
5. Focus on Fabrics
Whether you go for a bold colour, pattern or a neutral, your choice of upholstery fabric will have a huge impact on the room, so choose carefully to ensure it fits with your scheme. Natural materials may fade in strong sunlight so go for a synthetic fabric if the sofa will be near a window. It’s particularly important in a busy family home, and if you have a dog or cat, opt for a fabric that’s easy to spot clean. In this case, loose covers are worth investigating, as they can be removed for cleaning and some are washable too.
Last but not least it’s the little things that count when you are making a home for yourself. Candleholders, vases, cushions, rugs … Pick a colour or style and stick to it! That way you create a homey feeling that does not come across as cluttered or messy. If you feel comfortable with your own decorating skills, you can add little quirky variations to achieve a dynamic and intriguing look.
Banner image: Alexandra Gorn-unsplash