If you’ve been thinking about updating the furniture pieces in your home and are unsure about your options, keep reading this blog post. I’m about to share the complete guide of what you need to consider to make the best investment and avoid buyer's remorse! Read until the end for a complete designer’s perspective on this topic!

Before diving into the content, if you’ve felt your home isn’t cohesive or functional, download our complimentary guide, Seven Interior Mistakes to Avoid, to learn how to correct these mistakes and love your home again!

Let’s explore each one in detail.

Do’s:

1. Purchase Quality Materials

The saying quality over quantity goes a long way. When buying furniture, consider high-performance fabrics for your upholstery. These fabrics clean up easily and will stand the test of time.

When you're shopping for a new dining set or any major furniture piece, it's easy to get swept up by style alone. But good looks only go so far if the furniture doesn’t hold up over time. Instead of settling for cheap, uncomfortable seating, focus on materials that are built to last—like solid hardwood, high-quality metal, or well-made composite materials.

Not sure how to tell if a piece is worth the investment? Here are a few simple ways to spot quality furniture materials:

• Feel the weight – Quality furniture tends to be heavier and more solid. A well-built piece shouldn’t feel flimsy or hollow.
• Look at the finish – A smooth surface, consistent color, and visible grain (in the case of wood) are all signs of good craftsmanship.
• Think long-term – Ask yourself: Is it easy to clean? Will it hold up to everyday use? Durable materials will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Bottom line: When you invest in better materials, you're investing in comfort, durability, and peace of mind. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.

If you need help selecting the right pieces for your home, inquire about our services today.

2. Invest in Hardwood Pieces.

If you're searching for a piece of furniture that truly lasts, hardwood is a smart investment. Not only is it incredibly durable and easy to maintain, but it also brings warmth, character, and a sense of luxury to your home. Sure, it might cost more upfront than mass-produced options—but the payoff is a unique, functional piece that elevates your space for years to come.

Just think about the living room: it’s where you welcome guests, relax with family, and create everyday memories. That kind of space deserves furniture that’s as sturdy and stylish as it is timeless.

3. Measure Your Space

In interior design, the phrase “tailored to your needs” isn’t just a cliché—it’s a guiding principle. It means creating something that fits your lifestyle, reflects your personal taste, and works for the way you live every day. So before you buy your next piece of furniture, make sure it truly suits your needs. Start with the basics: measure your space, consider how you'll use the piece, and make sure it complements your home, not just in style but in function too.

Consider your space's dimensions, take pictures, and look for inspiration to respond to your space’s needs and wants.

See in our Modern Coastal Abode Project, how we transformed our client’s dining room into an elevated kid-friendly space with durable finishes and materials. 

The result? Happy clients and a timeless room! 

4. Consider Purchasing Second Hand

I always encourage my clients to invest where they can—but that doesn’t always mean buying brand-new or custom pieces. If high-end furniture isn’t in the budget, second-hand finds can be a great alternative. Many older pieces were built with superior craftsmanship and materials, and with a bit of care—like a deep clean, refinishing, or reupholstery—they can be brought back to life. It’s a smart, sustainable way to add quality and character to your home without breaking the bank.

What are your thoughts on purchasing second-hand? I’m curious to know! Comment below!

5. Tailor Unique Pieces

If you want to leave behind the days of purchasing through a catalog, a big-store name that will deliver fast and cheap, but will end up costing you more money, consider investing in custom furniture. 

There are so many benefits of investing in custom furniture, but some of the most important include:

• Adding a personalized touch to your home. 
• You get exactly what you need and want to fit your style and needs. 
• Lasts longer than store-bought furniture.
• Easier to maintain and clean.

If you need help with your customized pieces, reach out today so we can help you narrow down the best selection for your space.

Okay, now that you know what to do, let’s explore what you need to stop doing when buying furniture.

Don’ts:

1. Rush the process

Good decisions are better when informed. Don’t rush the furniture-buying process by focusing only on looks or just because a piece is on sale and will end soon. Take time to learn about the materials, finishes, fabricators, and other people’s experiences, and do your research. Taking the time to inform yourself will help you make the best decision and investment for your room.

When in doubt about what to review, just review the dos list and narrow down the best option for your space. 

2. Buy Only Matching Sets

Long gone are the days of matchy-matchy pieces; if you want to create a high-end look that will be functional and become the focal point of your space, you want to mix and match, and by this, I mean:

• Include different fabrics and textures in your space.
• Add unique seating pieces to create a statement.
• Consider using an ottoman for functionality instead of a regular coffee table.
• Combine different color palettes, like neutrals and bold tones to create a wow effect in your room.

Our More Fun Than Fancy Project clients reached out to help them transform their home. One of the rooms we focused on was their living room. It was completely outdated; however, there was a red chair that my client loved. We knew it would stick out like a sore thumb if it stayed, so we reupholstered it in cognac leather, giving the room an updated yet cozy feeling.

3. Overlook Details

The magic is in the details, and when it comes to purchasing furniture, it’s necessary to focus on those specific things that will make a difference for you.

• Consider your lifestyle: what piece will be more functional for you?
• What’s your design style? What speaks more to your likes?
• What other elements are in the living room?

4. Focus on Trends

Avoid focusing on trends if you want to create a timeless design in your space. As the saying goes, trends come and go, and what might be popular today can be outdated in a couple of years or even months. 

So dismiss the trends and consider investing in timeless pieces that will look great and respond to your family's needs.

Here are a couple of strategies to choose timeless pieces:

• Focus on clean lines.
• Go for natural materials like solid hardwood for durability.
• Stick with what you love

5. Consider Only One Option

Again, take your time to consider more than one furniture choice. Explore second-hand options and custom pieces, and compare and contrast your options to make the best choice. Even if you fall in love with a piece, do your best to have at least another option to have a clear perspective and make an objective decision. 

But as I always say, you don’t have to make these decisions lightly, and it’s always good to have an expert’s opinion, so feel free to reach out so we can discuss your options and help you make the best decision for your room.

I hope this complete guide was helpful! Comment below with any questions you have about this topic, and pin this article to return to it at any time.