The idea of decorating your apartment just the way you want is exciting. But often, the most challenging part is getting started. You might scroll through tons of best ‘decor trends’ boards on Pinterest, spend hours at a stretch collecting inspiration from every corner of the internet or stumble from one décor trend rabbit hole to another. At the end of it all, you’ll probably find yourself exhausted and even more confused than when you started.
If you’re overwhelmed by your hunt for the right furniture, here’s a clean, pared-down list of tips to consider to find functional furniture that will boost the visual appeal of your apartment.
Jot down your needs
The best starting point is to be clear on what you need before you go ahead and spend your money.
It’s a great idea to divide the list into two segments: 1) furniture that you most definitely require and 2) items that are nice to have. This will keep you focused on your real needs and prevent you from splurging on something that’s not high on your list of priorities.
Create a rough blueprint
Before deciding on what furniture you need, put some thought into what activities will occur in a particular space. Also, keep in mind your storage needs. This will help you decide what furniture to include and where as well as the right size of furniture to get.
Take advantage of the architecture
Now that you have a rough idea of where the new furniture will fit in the available spaces, it’s time to figure out how much of the architecture is already helping you. By this we mean, taking into account the features like pillars, columns, and windows. This is vital to make sure that there’s still enough room for movement after arranging the furniture in a space.
Do not shy away from using the wall space
Planned usage of the wall space helps create a spacious apartment. So get ready to go creative with the wall space available to you. A free space below the window? Make a bookshelf. Want to include some fresh greens in your decor? Hang a bonsai plant from the ceiling! Or use hooks for pans and spatulas instead of a holder.
Stick to a theme of your choice
Figuring out a theme for your apartment also helps you select the type of furniture you want to buy. It is a reasonable method that helps solve the “where to begin” dilemma. Choose a theme that speaks to your personality. If you are a consistent person, choose a themed palette, and if you relate to new-age art, choose modern pieces.
Shop around
Once you have figured out your needs and chalked out a plan, head out to research. You could check out various online stores or take a little window shopping trip to see what’s on offer and what they cost.
Know your budget
If budget isn’t a factor, you can go all out and splurge on the best pieces your money can buy. But for most people, it makes sense to set a budget and stick to it.
Now, having a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have the best quality furniture that’s out there. If you’re working within a modest budget, rather than spending on giving your whole apartment a furniture makeover, think about doing it room by room. Your ultimate goal should be to buy furniture that reflects expert craftsmanship and will last you for years.
Lastly, don’t forget to compare the prices and features before making the final purchase.
Following these tips will help you feel more confident about getting started with your furniture shopping.
