Tips for Choosing the Right Furniture

When you take the big step towards revamping your home, we understand how difficult it can be to choose the right furniture. There are just so many different styles, colors and designs out there and it can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of possibilities. Thankfully, Apartment Therapy offers a little bit of guidance in that department, hopefully easing the process, if even by just a little bit.

In one of its recent articles, Apartment Therapy offers “5 Tips for Choosing the Right Furniture”, and we thought it would be a good idea to break it down for you.

First off, consider the construction of the piece and make sure that it is solid and sturdy enough to last you for years. Many homeowners will opt for a cheaper product but don’t take into consideration that it may be offered at a lower price for a reason. You may spend a little more now, but you’ll definitely be saving in the long run. Next, take a good hard look at the silhouette. Keep in mind that you want to keep this furniture for as long as possible; are you still going to love this shape five years from now? There are plenty of pieces available that are both beautiful in shape and timeless in style – don’t settle.

Once that has been sorted out, the finish is the next step. A piece can be completely transformed just by changing the color or stain of any exposed wood. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re looking to make a particular statement with your new furniture. The same goes for the fabric as well. According to the article, “if this is a piece of furniture that will be used frequently, it is suggested to choose a slightly darker fabric.”

Lastly, go for the unexpected! Your home is a reflection of yourself, so give it a little bit of personality. As you’ll have already noticed from reading through previous blog posts, the inventory at Elegant Finds for Your Home is full of wonderful pieces that make a statement in any room. You’ll be sure to find something that speaks to you!

What Makes a Piece Whimsical?

Some people believe that for a piece of furniture to be classified as “whimsical”, there has be some sort of completely wild and crazy element involved. While that may be true in some cases, each and every piece does not have to be totally out there. The whole idea behind whimsical furniture is to have it stand out on its own and make a statement.

When choosing a whimsical piece, it’s all about deciding just how bold you want to be. Take for example a chest of drawers; to be considered whimsical, you’ll have to take a look not only at the way that it was painted and textured, but at the way in which it was crafted as well. Often times, you’ll find that a whimsical chest isn’t carved in straight lines, but rather with curves instead (think Willy Wonka style). For example, notice that the Lark and Vine Chest and the Chevron Chest from the Elegant Finds for Your Home collection are both sporting an unusual shape. Neither is designed with an outrageous pattern, but yet they are both still categorized as whimsical. 

That isn’t to say that you can’t get a little crazy. Our Leopard Chest speaks for itself on why it can be considered a whimsical piece. In our opinion, it would be very difficult to decorate a room where this particular piece of furniture wouldn't stand out!

The key to whimsical furniture is just to have fun while bringing a little bit of your fun personality out in the décor. Always keep in mind that nothing is too outrageous in whimsical design!

What is the Appeal of Hand-Painted Furniture?

When you browse through the Elegant Finds for Your Home inventory, you will find that one of our greatest features is that many of our pieces are hand-painted. So what is it about this type of furniture that leaps out and catches the attention of people like yourself? Well if we had to guess, we’d say it had a little something to do with the character these pieces add to a room.

Hand-painted furniture not only brings a certain uniqueness to any room, but it gives the owner a sense that this one piece was custom designed to fit their energy and personality. So many homes are filled with the same plain-looking furniture, and while that is all well and good, there’s nothing special about it.

To invest in a piece of hand-painted furniture doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your classic sense of style though. Many pieces (especially in our collection) are highlighted with simple touches that accent even the most elegant of homes – such as the oval drop leaf table with a beautifully hand-painted border. However, if you are seeking a piece that makes a bold statement, we’ve got plenty of those as well – this colorful three drawer chest is one of our favorites!

No matter your own personal style, even the simplest of hand-painted furniture works to enhance the aesthetics of a home. Due to the fact that it isn’t just another plain piece, all eyes will instantly be drawn to it, whether it’s a grand dining table or a small corner table, that little pop of individuality will bring any room to life!