Buying furniture and other big purchases can be expensive, and if we don't put careful thought and planning into it first, it can be even more expensive.
Compare these two real-life stories:
A nice guy had a couch, and it had cost him $700. It was fine, but after a year or so he didn't like the cushions anymore. They were getting kind of lumpy. He decided to give away that couch and buy a new one.
He found a big couch that he really liked for $1400, and it was plush and big. So big that when it was delivered to his house, it didn't fit through the front door! Back to the store it went, and with the refund he bought a smaller couch for $1100. All was well until he moved two months later, and suddenly the new couch didn't match the new house. He spent $1350 to buy another new couch, this time with solids instead of stripes.
Total Spent: $3,150 Satisfaction: ok, for now
Situation #2:
Guy #2 decided it was finally time to upgrade from the free couch he got from Guy #1. He spent three months looking for his perfect couch, the one that would be just right to take naps on. He finally found it after months of sitting on lots of store display models.
It was more expensive at $2400 than some of the other couches he had seen, but he thought it was well made and would last a long time. He ordered it, and the saleswoman said it would take eight weeks for it to arrive. No problem — he waited for it, and when it finally arrived, it was just what he wanted.
Total Spent: $2,400 Satisfaction: still in love with the couch
Even if the initial investment is higher, spending time to carefully consider a big purchase can save money in the long run.
What to think about when buying a couch:
- Measure – think about how it will fit in the space, and how it will fit through the door.
- Pick a versatile color – choose a fabric or leather that will give you several options in case you get a sudden desire for change. It's much easier to change pillows or a paint color than to reupholster.
- Shop carefully for quality – find a couch that is well made with sturdy construction so it will last for years.
- Know your style – do you like the comfy look of slipcovers, or a more modern look? You don't need to go along with the current trends on this one.
- Be willing to wait. – You may have to sit on many, many couches that are either too big, too small, too expensive, too cheap, or just too uncomfortable. Don't give up.
One final tip: Craigslist is a treasure trove of gently-used furniture for a great deal.
What do you think? Is it worth it to spend a little more money and wait for big purchases? Head on over to the forum to discuss!
photos by decor8
Rachel loves writing about ideas to simplify your home at Small Notebook. She lives in Texas and often eats ice cream for breakfast.
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Great article. We will be moving soon, and I think it is time for a new couch. We have had this one, for about 5 years. It has served it's purpose. So, these tips are great. I will definitely keep these points in mind. I think you are right. Spend a little more and make sure it is exactly what you want. Then you will have it longer and feel better about the money you did spend.
This is so true! We bought our first lounge a couple months ago (our first was originally my parents), and I felt like it was such a huge decision because I knew I wanted it to last a long time and it's definitely a get-it-right-the-first-time purchase to me. Thankfully, we found something we loved pretty quickly and we've been happy with it since! (One added note: we spent the extra money on scotch-guarding and I'm already glad we did!)