Moving into your first home is an incredible accomplishment, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the most intimidating parts of starting your new home is figuring out Furnishing Your First Home.
With completely empty rooms, where do you begin?
Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and read on for four tips to furnishing your brand-new home!
#1 Measure, Measure, Measure
The biggest mistake you can make when furnishing a new home is purchasing items that don’t fit. It’s tempting to pick up the largest couch you can find for maximum comfort, but keep in mind that your living room may not have the space for it.
Before you go swiping your credit card at every furniture store, make sure you bust out the old tape measure. Write down an accurate number for the walls and floor space in each room (yes, that means measure it twice for insurance).
Once you’ve got an idea of the size of your space, it’s time to figure out what furniture pieces are most important to you.
Do you like a big couch? Then make that your biggest item. Craving a ton of table space? Splurge on the coffee table instead. Pick out a few bigger items, and some daintier pieces, and then mix and match to create a balanced decor.
#2 Choose a Style
Don’t be careless when picking out a style for your home! A modern bed frame is not going to look good between two Victorian nightstands.
Choose a style of furniture and try to choose your items based on this theme. While this style can vary slightly from room to room, it’s important to have an overall aesthetic so your decor doesn’t seem out of place, explains Avalon Management.
Some examples of furniture styles to consider include:
- Contemporary – This style is currently trending. If you want your home to have a contemporary aesthetic, keep an eye out for clean lines, high contrast, and metal finishes.
- Traditional – Traditional furniture never goes out of style. This is the classic look of rich colors, polished and stained wood, and intricate details like carved table legs or luxurious upholstery. Liberty furniture offers a great selection of matching pieces in this category.
- Rustic – Rustic furniture can sport dark and light tones. The main draw of this style is its coziness. Think unfinished wood, furry blankets, and stylish imperfections that make each piece unique.
While furnishing styles don’t stop here, these are some of the more popular choices. The best way to decide what style to commit to is by browsing look-books online and identifying what you like. Remember to consider both style and comfort when making a decision—after all, this is your home, not just a photograph on Pinterest.
#3 Don’t Be Afraid of Color
While some new homeowners make the mistake of going overboard while furnishing, others play safe and end up with decor that’s simply lacking the wow factor.
Color is a great way to incorporate your own personal style when furnishing a new home. If you have a favorite hue, don’t be afraid to pick out some pieces that show it off.
Don’t take this as an invitation to go overboard; just because your favorite color is blue doesn’t mean your living room needs to look like Picasso’s Blue Period. It is, however, a chance to liven your decor.
Looking for some ideas on how to incorporate color in your home? Consider the below:
- Pick out some bright throw pillows
- Choose curtains with a pop of color
- Paint the molding and the door frames (just don’t make it clash with the wall color)
- Purchase a colorful lamp
#4 Spice Up the Seating
Don’t be afraid to stray from the traditional setup. Instead of purchasing one big sofa, try out a loveseat and recliner combo. Opting for smaller, matching couches that face each other is also a great way to add balance to a room and promote conversation between guests.
If you’re really looking to get creative, try some unique seating, like a hanging chair or a stylish ottoman. Bar stools are a cute, space-saving way to furnish your kitchen (instead of a traditional dining room table and chairs).
Have fun with it! This is your first home, let it reflect your personality.
Enjoy the Process
Embrace your personal style, shop around online, and create a space you’re proud of. Take your time and don’t rush things; you won’t want to make any rash decisions on furniture you’ll grow to dislike.
Oh, and don’t forget your tape measure!
