Furnishing a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to get swept up in the process and make common mistakes that can affect the comfort, functionality, and overall look of your home. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are some key mistakes to steer clear of when furnishing your first home. With this guide, you’ll get on the right path to efficient home organization!
1. Furnishing Your New Home All at Once
One of the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make is feeling the need to furnish their entire home immediately. It’s understandable to want everything to look perfect as soon as you move in, especially if you’ve transitioned from a smaller space to a larger one or sold much of your old furniture for the move. However, while living in a half-furnished home might not seem ideal, rushing to buy furniture can have its drawbacks.
Take a moment to write down your needs versus your wants. If you currently have a couch or dining room table that works for now, use it for a month or two to assess exactly what you are looking for. Determine the size, do you need something bigger or smaller? Allow yourself time to settle into the space, observe the natural light, figure out the best arrangement, and finalize your home’s style. You don’t need to fill every corner immediately. Buying furniture piece by piece lets you carefully consider each item to ensure it fits your needs and style, and as well, your budget. Take your time and enjoy the process!
2. Ignoring Room Measurements in Your New Home
A crucial step in furnishing your new home is measuring your space accurately before making any purchases. Not doing so can lead to costly mistakes, such as buying furniture that is too large or too small for your room.
Oversized pieces can overwhelm a space, making it feel cramped, while undersized items may leave the room looking incomplete and disjointed. Here are some loose guidelines for picking the sizing of certain furniture and decor.
Choosing the Size for New Rugs
To choose the right rug, aim for the largest size that fits your space while leaving a 12-18″ border of flooring around the edges. Ensure that at least the front feet of all your furniture can rest on the rug. For dining rooms, the rug should be large enough to cover the table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out.
Choosing the Size for a New Couch
Ideally, your sofa should not span the entire length of a wall, and there should be at least 18 inches of space on either side, both for access and for end tables. For sectionals with a chaise, the chaise should not extend more than halfway across the room. Overall, make sure the couch fits through doorways for delivery and doesn’t overcrowd the space.
Choosing the Size for a New Dining Room Table
Measure the length and width of the room and subtract 6 feet from each dimension to find the maximum recommended table size, which provides 3 feet of clearance on all sides. This allows enough space for guests to push out their chairs comfortably. If you’re going to also have a console table, make sure to adjust for that space as well.
Additionally, it’s essential to measure the path that furniture will take to reach its intended spot, including doorways, hallways, and staircases, to avoid the frustration of discovering that your new sofa or dining table won’t fit. Using digital floor planning tools and apps can help you visualize how furniture will fit into your space and ensure a smoother, more efficient furnishing process.
3. Choosing Style Over Functionality
Prioritize Functionality and Comfort
While it’s easy to gravitate towards furniture that is the most aesthetically pleasing, be sure to be an emphasis on how functional and durable a piece of furniture is, not just its style. Ensure it meets practical needs, such as comfort for extended sitting or adequate surface area. Choose furniture that prioritizes comfort, especially for pieces like sofas, chairs, and beds. Test options in-store if possible and be willing to sacrifice some style for better comfort.
Consider Your Lifestyle
When selecting the furniture for your home, it’s also crucial to consider your lifestyle. If you have young children, pets, or frequently entertain guests, it’s recommended to select durable and easy-to-clean pieces. Choosing furniture that fits your daily habits and routines ensure your space is beautiful, functional, and easy to maintain.
4. Not Setting a Realistic Furnishing Budget
Take a good amount of time to set a realistic budget for each room to avoid overspending on too many high-end items. While that marble coffee table may look amazing in your living room, and that glass center piece would really tie the dining room together, consider whether or not you can truly afford to splurge on items such as these. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to allocate more of your budget towards critical items such as a comfortable bed or a functional dining room table. Additionally, it’s crucial to factor in any extra costs that may come with furnishing, including but not limited to, delivery fees and assembly charges. And don’t forget, there are other costs to homeownership that are to be taken into account, such as home insurance, maintenance of HVAC systems, home warranties, and more!
5. Overlooking your New Home’s Storage Needs
A very common mistake, especially for buyers who are moving into a home that is larger than their previous space, is overlooking how to efficiently store items. Not paying attention to this aspect can lead to frustration down the road, as storage is essential not just for keeping your space organizing but also to maintain a sense of calm and functionality. Without proper storage, clutter can quickly accumulate, taking away the appeal from even the most beautifully designed rooms. To avoid this, consider furniture pieces that serve dual purposes. Coffee tables with drawers provide a discreet space for remotes, magazines, or coasters, while ottomans that double as storage can hide away blankets or toys when not in use. Beds with built-in drawers offer an excellent solution for storing extra linens or out-of-season clothing. By thoughtfully incorporating storage into your home design, you’ll create a more spacious, stress-free environment that’s not only easier to live in but also more enjoyable to spend time in. Adequate storage ensures your home remains a sanctuary where you can relax without being overwhelmed by mess.
Ready to Find your Next Home? I Can Help!
As a local Lamacchia Realty REALTOR®, I’m here to guide you during every step of your homeownership journey. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, I will be by your side through the process, ensuring you find the perfect home that meets your needs. With expert advice on everything from navigating the housing market to furnishing your new space, I’m dedicated to making your home buying experience smooth and enjoyable. Let me help you find the house that you’ll soon make into a home!