Buying new furniture

A move is a great opportunity to update your furniture (you're moving it all out anyway), and to make sure your new purchase will work for you and your family—now and for years to come—we've got a few simple tips to follow.

 

• Understand what the warranty covers, and ask if it’s a manufacturer’s warranty or a retailer’s warranty. Determine if the warranty will be good if you move again.
• Measure the room and doorways to determine the maximum size the furniture can be. When you head to the store, take the measurements and a tape measure with you.
• When buying a sofa, inspect the frame and cushions. If the frame is hardwood, make sure it’s kiln-dried to prevent warping later. Look for a fifth leg in the center to eliminate sagging and heavy cushions for better quality. Finally, choose s-shaped springs that run front to back.
• When paying top dollar, ensure you are getting genuine leather. If you see white gauze backing, it’s synthetic. If it’s labeled top-grain leather, then you’ve found the best of the best.
• When buying a piece with drawers, pull out the top drawer to determine the quality of the assembly. Touch the wood inside—a rough interior indicates lower quality.  Look at the corners to see how well the veneers match. Finally, ensure the drawer slides in and out easily.