First home furnishings: list of tips for first-time buyers

If you're a first-time home furnishings buyer, or plan to be, you may think it's an overwhelming process, but it doesn't have to be.

Here are some tips for saving money in the long run and some basics you'll need to know.

Once you're ready to buy, why not explore our full range of oak furniture? oak furniture?

How to furnish your first home

 When buying furniture, planning ahead can help you save time and stick to your budget.

Plan ahead, don't leave it to the last minute.

If you are a first time furniture buyer you should understand that it is likely to be a long and drawn out process. Buying a home for the first time can take years, so there is no excuse for not having a basic plan of the furniture you will need.

Planning ahead will really help you so it is highly advisable to think about furniture in advance. These options can help:

• Create a document of the furniture you need with links to the URLs of the products.
• Compare product prices and calculate the total cost against your budget.
• Draw a basic floor plan to make sure you have space.

It may not seem important, but this kind of attention to detail can help avoid a last-minute panic. However, be prepared to change your plans at the last minute if the seller pulls out or changes his mind.

Compare prices to find the best price for your budget

If you're working on a tight budget, take some time to shop around for the best value furniture for you. Read on for more detailed information on how to save money later, but this basically involves:

• Take advantage of sales, discounts and furniture packages.
• Visit local charity stores, vintage stores or antique stores.
• Buy direct or wholesale, rather than from department stores.

 If you are a first-time buyer, you should look for furniture that will stand the test of time, rather than the cheapest furniture available. A few sturdy essentials are better than a house full of furniture that will need to be replaced in a year or so. But what furniture should you invest in?

 What are the "essential" furnishings for a first home?

When furnishing your first home, start with the basics: furniture for eating, sleeping and storage. Choose your essentials carefully and you can worry about dressers and wine racks later.

Room

Sofa and chairs: look for package deals and consider wear and tear.

Tables: coffee, lamp or nesting tables provide essential surfaces for a cup of tea.

Multimedia unitDo you have a TV, CD, DVD? Keep them safe and organized.

Convenientdisplay ornaments and store your publications and documents.

Fourth

BedA sturdy solid wood bed frame can last for decades.

Bedside tableessential, unless you like to leave your phone on the floor.

ClosetKeep your best clothes (that can be ironed) spotless and safe from moths.

Chest of drawersorganizes and arranges clothes, blankets and bedding.

Dining room

Dining tableChoose an extendable table to save space in your home.

Dining chairs: for longevity, buy a set of as many as you are likely to need.

Sideboard - Small kitchen? Store crockery, cutlery and dishes.

Studio and office

DeskIdeal for working from home or acquiring a new indoor hobby.

Desk chair: invest in your comfort, especially if you are sitting for long hours.

Bookstore: if you are a first time buyer, display your books with pride.

Choosing furniture wisely as a first-time buyer

If you've been saving to buy your first home for years, it's tempting to go with your gut and buy the cheapest or most modern furniture that catches your eye. However, this approach can backfire if the furniture is of poor quality or looks dated in a few years. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

How long should your furniture last?

If it is the first time that you have bought a house or it is the first time that you decide to furnish it, it is advisable to buy good quality furniture that is made to last. If you were renting a furnished apartment until now, it is possible that it is the first time that you decide to furnish by or for yourself, in this case it is also advisable to buy furniture that will last over time.

If you have taken out a mortgage on a property, it usually means you want to stay there for at least a few years. If you think you will be upgrading and moving again in a few years, your first home furnishings may not fit in your next home, so there is always the possibility that you may need to replace them. However, if your first home is your "forever home" or for many years it is highly advisable to look for the highest quality and most durable options.

You can save money by not having to buy new furniture every few years because high-quality furniture is built with longevity in mind. The best quality leather sofas and solid wood tables may be expensive, but they are often designed to be preserved over time. With care, they may even outlast you!

Learn more about how to care for your oak furniture.

If you move back home, how difficult will relocation be?

Some furniture is extremely difficult to move once it's in place. If you are buying flat-pack furniture, consider whether it will need to be disassembled and reassembled during a move. Is it worth the hassle?

Measuring the staircase and door frames can save you stress during a future move.

Ideally, you'll want to take high-quality furniture with you wherever you go, especially if you have long-lasting warranties. This is not a problem if you plan to stay in your first home for a long time. If you plan to sell and move on in a few years, you might even buy furniture that you can sell with the house.

If you're buying your first home, you may not yet be ready to buy "forever" furniture. Fortunately, there are many great value furniture ideas available for people working on a tighter budget.

Bulk purchase of new furniture (offers and packages)

You can always find great deals online such as our oak furniture sale. We have an ever-changing selection of clearance furniture, along with discounts on certain furniture ranges. Look for additional savings and deals, such as discounts when you spend more than a certain amount on an order.

Our discounted furniture never sacrifices quality, we're just making room for new styles!

From dining table and chair sets to the classic three-piece suite, buying a matching furniture set can cost less than buying everything separately. Contact us for our latest exclusive offers.

Charity stores, vintage stores and antique stores

If you don't want to buy new furniture for your first home, you can save money by choosing used and secondhand furniture. If you're feeling creative, you can even recycle it.

Buy directly from suppliers, rather than from department stores

If you've seen your dream sofa in a local store or boutique, see if you can find it cheaper online. There's nothing better than touching and trying furniture in person to see if it's right for you, but it's worth a quick search on the web. Our unique handmade furniture is available for you to try for yourself in our showrooms, at the same price we advertise it online: the best of both worlds.

Do you have any questions about furnishing your first home? Please contact us.

Explore our complete range of oak furniture now.