If you have a new home and want to get furniture for it, you should check out these helpful tips on how to furnish a house.
Did you just purchase a new home? You’re not alone! Research shows that a staggering 5.4 million homes were sold in 2018 alone.
Buying a home is a huge milestone. But if you don’t know how to furnish a house, you won’t get to enjoy your space to its full potential.
Fortunately, with the right tips and mindset, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that feels like, well, yours. Let’s get into what you need to know!
Evaluate Your Current Stuff
Before you indulge in an unnecessary shopping spree, it’s smart to take stock of what you already have. This process will help you save money, and it will also help you assess what you truly need.
Start by examining all the pieces of furniture that you have. What’s still functional and what’s still in decent condition? Do you feel like the furniture reflects your current tastes?
After furniture, take stock of your miscellaneous, non-essential items. These include artwork, vases, lighting fixtures, etc. Again, which items still reflect your taste and cultivate a sense of happiness?
You should create three piles: keep, discard, and uncertain. For most people, the uncertain collection will be the hardest one to eliminate.
Take time with this process if you need. It’s better to wait on buying new stuff until after you’ve completed this inventory.
Identify Top Priorities
Unless you have the disposable income to spare, you probably need to follow a budget when furnishing your home. A budget isn’t a problem! In fact, it can help you be even more mindful when shopping for new items.
Identify your top priorities. What rooms need the most attention? What furniture is the most important right now?
Some people opt to furnish room by room. They may value higher-traffic areas (like kitchens and living rooms) before other spaces. Others focus on purchasing significant furniture first (like beds, couches, and tables) and then slowly progress to other items.
Whichever your strategy, it’s best to write it down. Keeping a list will help you stay on track when shopping.
Create Vision Boards
Not sure where to even get started with your design and decor? Vision boards are a great way to collect and organize inspiring images.
And if you’re part of the 77.4 million Americans who use Pinterest, you already know how helpful online tools can be for sourcing new ideas. Spend some time browsing around Pinterest. Get a feel for what you like, and make sure to save those pins!
The goal of vision boards doesn’t need to be perfect replication. They are simply helpful starting points. Likewise, if you have a limited background in understanding design, they will help you learn more about how different pieces can work together to pull off a fantastic look.
Browse Around
Before you buy, spend some time browsing different furniture stores. From funky consignment stores to elegant Minotti products, there is no shortage of inspiration out there.
Window-shopping is a great way to explore your tastes before you commit. It also gives you a reasonable overview of what to expect in terms of cost.
When browsing, take pictures, and jot down notes. That way, if you plan on buying pieces from different companies, you’ll know exactly what each one looks like.
Consider The Focal Points
Not every piece of furniture or artwork has to be a complete showstopper. Successful designers know the art of building pieces around critical focal points.
Perhaps you are absolutely in love with a dynamic piece of artwork. It captures the entire wall of a single room. You don’t need to overdo the display—let the art speak for itself!
The same applies to furniture. If you have a stunning, eye-popping couch, you may not want to distract from it with a flashy coffee table. Instead, you might want to opt for some beautiful pillows and a classy table.
Focal points may vary depending on the room. But, think of it this way. What’s your favorite part of the room? How can you build on that piece- rather than take away from it?
Consider Cheap Upgrades
Do you have unsightly carpet but can’t afford to redo it? Consider investing in a few lovely rugs to spruce up the floors.
Are the walls looking a little drab? Instead of investing hundreds (or thousands) into new artwork, maybe a fresh paint of coat with a few, framed photos will do the trick.
Unless you bought your home brand-new, there’s a good chance your space can benefit from a little TLC. Some cheap (but noticeable upgrades) include:
- swapping out old knobs and handles
- changing light fixtures
- adding plants or greenery
- installing floating shelves
- updating artwork
And don’t ever underestimate the value of deep-cleaning your house! Dust, dirt, and grime have a way of dulling even the most attractive of homes. Take care of your space, and you will enjoy it more!
Final Thoughts On How To Furnish A House
Now that you know the basics of how to furnish a house, it’s time to get started! Begin by evaluating what you do have and let the brainstorming commence.
Remember, despite what you may see on TV or design magazines, you don’t need to decorate your home all in one day. Many people take months or years in this journey. Some believe it’s a continuous work-in-progress!
Your home is a sacred place. By furnishing it in a way that suits your tastes, it’ll feel like a beautiful refuge every time you walk in the door!
