5 Common Mistakes People Make When Furnishing an Apartment

After the hunt for the perfect Loveland apartment is over, the fun can begin. Now comes the time to move in and turn the apartment into a home. Many renters are eager to buy new furniture and décor for their apartment, but they often fall into the same traps. Here are common mistakes people make when furnishing apartments and how you can avoid following in their footsteps.

Not Measuring

The biggest mistake you can make is not measuring your apartment before getting new furniture. A couch or table might look like it’s the right size in the showroom, but it could be too big or too small when you put it in your apartment. Not measuring means you end up with pieces that don’t fit the space and can make it difficult to move around. Or the worst-case scenario: the furniture can’t even fit through the door of your apartment! Make sure to measure everything (including doors and windows) before you shop for furniture. Take pictures of the space as a reference so you can imagine where items will go.

Not Creating a Plan and Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of looking for furniture but be sure to start with a plan and budget. Without a plan, you might end up buying pieces that don’t go together or spending way more than you intended. Think about your style and how you want your apartment to look and feel. Look at Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration. You can even sketch a rough floorplan of your apartment and add furniture where you want it to go. Set a budget of how much you want to spend and then stick to it. Click here for more reasons to create a plan before you get furniture.

Not Shopping Around

You might find things you love at the first store you visit, but don’t feel like you need to buy things right away. Take your time and look at multiple stores, especially for big-ticket items. You might find something you like more at a different store. Be sure to compare prices between three to four stores before making a purchase. Taking your time and doing your research can lead to significant savings.

Buying Everything at Once

Don’t rush into furnishing your apartment. Take your time and gather items from multiple stores. Buying everything at once can make your apartment look like a furniture store showroom instead of a lived-in space. After purchasing the necessities like a mattress, it can be smart to take your time with other purchases. Spreading things out makes it easier on your budget and allows you to live in the space and see what you really need.

Buying Trendy Things

Don’t fall into the trap of buying things just because they are trendy or on sale. Instead, focus on getting furniture that you love, and that will stand the test of time. Think beyond just your current apartment to how those furniture items can be used in future apartments and houses. It’s more economical to invest in a piece you love and can use for years than to buy new, trendy pieces for every apartment. Don’t buy something if you don’t love it, even if it’s what you feel should be in your apartment. You might feel like you need to have matching dining tables because that’s how everyone else decorates. But if you find a bench you love and that works well with your life, it could be a better purchase for your apartment. Click here for more ideas on how to buy furniture you really love.

Create a Space You'll Love

Furnishing an apartment can be a daunting and exciting task. If you plan ahead and take your time, you can create a beautiful apartment you’ll love.