Rewind to just over a year ago; life moved at a thousand miles an hour and many of us were subject to the never-ending cycle of trying to keep up with the newest trends and posting about our purchases on social media. Without doubt, we’ve had the chance to pause, take a step back, reflect and re-evaluate some of our habits.
As well as this, we’ve learnt over the last year that if we want something, it’s best to buy it online. Whether that be a floor lamp to finalise your mid-century 50's living room theme or a complete industrial style bathroom revamp, this guide will give you all the best tips for getting those touches right. Because, well, we all want an easy life, don’t we?
Measure
The number one priority with new furniture in mind: measurements. This might sound a little un-extraordinary (a bit like magnolia wall paint), however, it’s vital you’re armed and ready to make your purchase with specific and accurate measurements for the space you’re looking to fill. You don’t want to risk missing out on an item due to not having correctly measured beforehand or buying something on a hopeful whim and finding out later on it doesn’t fit.
Style
Knowing your style is also integral. When it comes to furniture, especially with auctions, going in with little or no idea of what you want in order to achieve a desired look is like deciding to redecorate with a paintbrush and no paint. Whether you need to create a mood board to help with your vision or seek specific professional guidance; make sure it’s clear in your mind so you don’t veer off piste. In the memorable words of the interior designer, Marie Kondo - “the question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”
Visualise
Alongside this, if you can, look beyond your purchasing screen and do your best to visualise the item in your space. If you have the time (and don’t mind the faff) use tape to cordon off where the new piece is going to sit and use a tape measure to physically determine its width and height. Having someone with you always helps but if you have to do this alone, it’s worth the extra hassle in the long run. Buying furniture online is seamless when done thoroughly but can soon become a headache if you commit without making the effort with the steps prior to buying.
Checklist
Having a checklist as a final stage before purchase is helpful in making sure the furniture in mind meets your original requirements. Materials, durability, size, delivery, fit, style – are you 100% happy that this item fulfils the original brief? Have you had to compromise in any way? If you’re buying second hand, this can be a useful tool and, depending on the ratio of yes to no on your list, can help you in your final decision making. Relying solely on what an item looks like without digging that little bit deeper can be a potential pitfall. We encourage our vendors to include detailed descriptions of the items they’re selling but if you feel you need to know more, always feel free to ask.
Check out our live auctions and see what you could be brightening up your home with next.