Successful shopping means being prepared…cont’d

3. MEASURE UP.
Measure the room where your new furniture will be placed. Draw a simple diagram of your room and remember to include window and door placements as well as any permanent fixtures, such as built-in bookcases, fireplaces, etc. Note the location of heat and air registers, as well as electrical outlets. Ceiling heights are important if your shopping list includes entertainment centers, armoires or china cabinets.

4. SAY CHEESE!
Take pictures of your room, from various angles and views, to use as an easy reference when you’re in the furniture store. Later on, they could also become a great addition to your “before and after” album.

5. JEEPERS - KEEPERS!
For any pieces you plan to keep, gather swatches and finish panels (or small drawers) to take with you - having something in-hand will help when deciding if the “old” will work with the “new”.

6. TRY IT ON.
There are lots of websites with free Interactive Room Planners that allow you to create custom room layouts. This gives you the opportunity to try out several looks without lifting a finger!

7. SHOP!
Gather all the information you’ve collected, don some confortable shoes, and then shop with ease and confidence…you’ll be organized and well-prepared to find those furniture treasures that will make your “Dream Home” a reality. Happy hunting!

This entry was posted on January 6, 2007 at 8:32 pm and is filed under Furniture Shopping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.