When it comes to furniture, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to think about the style of the furniture, the materials it’s made out of, how much space you have, and your budget. And that’s just for starters!
The process of buying furniture can be tricky, but with a little bit of preparation and knowledge, you can find the perfect pieces for your home. To start, think about what type of furniture you need. Is there a specific function or style of furniture that you’re looking for? Do you want to buy all new furniture for your living room, or refresh some pieces with new upholstery?
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, do some research online and in stores to compare prices and styles. Be sure to read reviews from past customers, so you can get an idea of the quality of the furniture you’re about to buy.
After all that, it’s finally time to choose your pieces! To make sure you’re happy with your purchase, be sure to take accurate measurements of the space where the furniture will go. And don’t forget to factor in delivery and assembly costs when you’re budgeting for your new furniture.
With a little bit of preparation and research, buying furniture can be a breeze! Just remember to keep your personal style and needs in mind, do some comparison shopping, and take accurate measurements before you make any big purchases. Read on to discover our tips for buying furniture. Happy furniture hunting!
How to Buy Furniture
Buying furniture is more than a task; it's a creative process that allows you to curate and craft spaces that reflect your individuality and lifestyle. The thrill of discovering the perfect piece that resonates with your taste and needs makes the process enjoyable. Whether it's the sleek lines of a modern sofa, the rustic charm of a vintage armoire, or the cozy comfort of a plush armchair, each selection is a step towards creating a home that is uniquely yours.
Read on to learn how to make your furniture shopping experience better.
DO Consider Purchasing Floor Models ✓
Purchasing floor models is a savvy way to save money on furniture. When you choose a floor model, you're not only getting it at a discount but also have the opportunity to test it out to ensure it suits your style and fits your space. This approach embodies smart shopping, illustrating how to buy furniture that is both cost-effective and suitable for your home. Remember to take accurate measurements of the area where the furniture will be placed to avoid any size mismatches.
DO Think About Your Design Style ✓
Understanding how to buy furniture that complements your design style is crucial. Whether you lean towards a modern, minimalist aesthetic requiring sleek, streamlined pieces, or prefer a more traditional or eclectic vibe allowing for a mix of styles, ensuring harmony with your existing decor is key. This careful consideration prevents your space from appearing cluttered or mismatched, seamlessly integrating new purchases with your home's ambiance.
DO Consider Pieces That Can Be Reupholstered ✓
For those looking to update their furniture without a hefty price tag, choosing items that can be easily reupholstered is a wise choice. This option not only provides a fresh look but also showcases a cost-effective way to buy furniture with longevity in mind.
DO Consider Furniture Financing Options ✓
Navigating furniture shopping without financial strain is made easier with financing options. Spreading the cost of your purchase over time allows for budget flexibility, with many furniture stores offering special financing deals to alleviate the upfront expenditure.
DO Explore In-Stock Furniture at Colder’s ✓
At Colder's, we understand how to buy furniture that marries quality with affordability. Browse online or visit one of our four showrooms to see all the incredible in-stock furniture options on hand.
How to Not Buy Furniture
Furniture shopping is a unique experience, distinct from other types of retail ventures due to its complex interplay of utility, design, cost, and quality. Unlike everyday purchases, buying furniture involves a blend of functional necessity and personal aesthetic, making it a significant long-term investment for most. The desire to create a comfortable and stylish living space often leads to common pitfalls that many encounter along the way.
One of the most frequent mistakes is prioritizing price over quality and suitability, tempting shoppers to opt for cheaper options that may not withstand the test of time or fit their space correctly. Furniture shopping requires more than just a cursory glance at style and price; it demands a thorough evaluation of how each piece will serve its purpose in the home, complement existing decor, and fit within the allocated budget without compromising on quality. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when shopping for new furniture:
DON’T Neglect to Inspect Upon Delivery ✗
Upon delivery of your furniture, conduct a thorough inspection for any potential issues such as scratches, dents, mismatched colors, or structural flaws. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Check for surface damage like scratches or stains.
- Ensure all pieces match in color and finish.
- Verify structural integrity (no wobbly parts or weak joints).
- Confirm that all hardware and assembly pieces are included.
If you encounter any discrepancies or damage, document them with photographs and notify the retailer or manufacturer immediately to resolve the issue.
DON’T Buy Cheap Furniture ✗
The allure of low-priced furniture might be strong, but it often leads to a false economy. Cheap furniture may not withstand regular use, resulting in additional costs for repairs or replacements sooner than anticipated. For example, a bargain chair might look appealing initially, but if it starts to wobble or break within a few months, you’ll face extra expenses and the hassle of finding a replacement. Investing in higher-quality pieces ensures durability and long-term satisfaction.
DON’T Forget to Measure Your Space ✗
Accurate measurement of your space is crucial before making furniture purchases to ensure a perfect fit. Follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Measure the length, width, and height of the area where the furniture will be placed.
2. Consider the doorways, staircases, and any other access points to ensure the furniture can be moved in without issues.
3. Use painter's tape to outline the dimensions of the furniture on the floor to visualize how it will fit in the room.
Providing detailed measurements and considering the layout of your space will prevent the common pitfall of purchasing furniture that is too large or small for the room.
DON’T Forget to Factor in Delivery Costs ✗
Understand and anticipate the expenses associated with delivery and assembly to avoid unexpected costs. These fees can differ based on the size and complexity of the furniture piece, as well as the distance from the store or warehouse. To minimize these costs, consider the following tips:
- Combine multiple purchases into one delivery to lower overall shipping fees.
- Check if the retailer offers flat-rate shipping or free delivery promotions.
- Consider self-assembly options if feasible, to save on assembly fees.
Being mindful of these additional expenses will help you budget more effectively and ensure a smoother purchasing experience.
DON’T Be Afraid to Ask Questions ✗
Our knowledgeable staff at Colder’s is always ready to assist with your furniture and design queries, ensuring you make informed decisions tailored to your needs and preferences.
When is the Best Time to Buy Furniture?
The best time to buy furniture typically coincides with major sales events and seasonal clearance periods when retailers are looking to clear out old inventory to make room for new models. Here are some general guidelines:
End of Winter and Summer: Retailers often discount their inventory in late winter (January and February) and late summer (August and September) to clear out their showrooms for new arrivals.
Holiday Weekends: Sales during holidays like Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday are common and can offer significant discounts.
End of Year Sales: Some stores may have sales at the end of their fiscal year to clear out inventory and improve their annual sales figures.
For those near Milwaukee, shopping at Colder's during these times can be particularly advantageous, given their reputation for quality furniture and great deals. Colder's special buys catalog, clearance, and outlet furniture deals also present excellent opportunities to purchase high-quality furniture at discounted prices throughout the year.
Where to Buy Good Furniture
When deciding where to buy furniture near Milwaukee, it’s hard not to favor Colder's as the top choice. Yes, we might be a tad biased, but our reasons are solid. Colder's stands out not only for its timely sales and wide selection but also for its commitment to quality and community.
Annual Sales Events
Throughout the year, Colder's offers a series of sales events that align with the best times to buy furniture. These events are perfect opportunities to find incredible deals on high-quality pieces. From seasonal clearances like our Winter and Summer Sales to holiday specials around as well as our year-round furniture sale, there’s always a way to score major savings on your next furniture purchase.
Special Buys Catalog
Colder's Special Buys catalog is a highlight for those seeking substantial discounts on popular furniture items. This carefully curated selection allows shoppers to enjoy huge savings on top-quality pieces, making it a favorite among those who appreciate both style and value.
Clearance and Outlet Deals
For bargain hunters, our clearance and outlet sections offer furniture deals that are hard to beat. These areas are treasure troves of discounted items, where you can find everything from luxurious living room sets to cozy bedroom furniture, all at prices that won’t break the bank.
Diverse Selection and Quality Brands
Colder's prides itself on a diverse range of furniture that caters to every taste and need. Whether you're in the market for modern, minimalist designs or classic, rustic pieces, you’ll find an array of options from trusted brands known for their durability and craftsmanship. Our commitment to quality ensures that every piece is a worthy addition to your home.
Options for Every Budget
Understanding that furniture is a significant investment, we offer options for every budget. Our aim is to provide high-quality furniture without compromising on style or durability, ensuring that you can find the perfect pieces to fit both your home and your financial plan.
Lifetime Delivery Membership
Recognizing that the cost of delivering furniture, mattresses, and appliances can quickly add up, Colder's has introduced a Lifetime Delivery Membership. Starting at $399, this program allows members to enjoy free delivery from Colder's for life, offering substantial savings over time, especially for those who frequently update their home furnishings. For those not ready to fully commit, we provide flexible options to fit different needs and budgets, including a 1-year trial option available for $299. This tiered approach ensures that every customer can find a delivery solution that works best for them, making the process of buying and receiving new furniture as convenient and cost-effective as possible.
A Local, Family-Owned Business
As a family and locally owned company with deep roots in Wisconsin, Colder's has a long-standing tradition of community involvement and customer service. Our local heritage means we’re not just a store, but a part of the fabric of the community, dedicated to offering the best value, selection, and service to our neighbors.
We hope these suggestions help serve as helpful tools while you search for your dream home furniture!
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.
Shop Home Furniture at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you with how to buy furniture, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Shop for Furniture Online: Your Ultimate Buying Guide