Things to Know Before You Shop for Wood Furniture

Learn All You Need to Know About Wood Furniture

What is your budget?

Though you may not stick to it, a budget for purchasing furniture is a good guideline when you begin shopping. If you appreciate quality construction, fine, rare wood, or unique design you may be tempted to spend more for these features. And you may decide that your budget deserves to be readjusted if you fall in love with something special. But a budget can keep you in line so you don’t spend all your available funds on one piece. You might end up having to live with dreary walls or ugly drapes for a while because you spent all your money on that irresistible armoire.


Where will the piece of wood furntiure be used?

When a piece is going to be placed in a family room and used every day, it needs to be durable. Choose wisely, since you'll be opening and closing the drawers or doors often. But if it is going to be an accent piece in a little-used guest room, durability is not as important as shape and size. If it’s going to receive everyday use, you might want to spend more money. A more decorative piece, while it may end up being the focal point in a room, would not need to break the bank.

How long will you have this particular piece?

Wood furniture pieces for the living room, dining room, or bedroom will probably be in your home for a long time. They may even be passed down through generations. You might allow more money for these in your budget. These pieces should be chosen with care and longevity in mind. Furniture for a baby’s room, though adorable, will only be used for 3 to 5 years and will need to be changed as the child grows and his or her activities change. Unless you're a doting grandparent who will spare nothing to have your grandchild have the finest of everything, you may want to cut corners here. Children’s furniture must comply with certain federal regulations and standards, but can be chosen more for charm than long life.

What decorating style do you like?

Though choosing a style of furniture is important, more and more decorators and homeowners are using eclectic style—meaning mixing a number of styles—in a room. Mixing and matching pieces can be fun! However, this does not mean you should use a dented old painted chest from your childhood bedroom in your otherwise formal dining room. Pieces of different styles in one room can add interest and focal points.

What kind of wood do you like?

All wood furniture is made from either hardwoods (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) or softwoods (from trees that keep their leaves year round). Oak and teak are hardwoods that really are hard and heavy. Fine hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry, or oak are found in the most expensive pieces. Softwoods like pine are used in less formal pieces. Some woods have a nearly smooth, unpatterned finish, while others have very noticeable grain lines.

Is the wood solid, bonded, or veneer?

”Solid walnut” furniture means that all exposed parts of the piece are walnut. But the frame and inner parts may be of other, less-costly wood. Because timber cut from trees is not the size or shape required for furniture, bonding is often used to join pieces together to form larger pieces. Thin layers of fine, decorative wood can be bonded to the face of furniture pieces. This centuries-old technique is called veneering. While you may want solid wood pieces, veneered wood can combine different textures, tones, and patterns of wood in one piece.

What kind of finish is on the wood?

The finish on a piece of furniture can enhance the natural look of the wood or change its look completely. If you want the grain to show through, a simple (but regularly applied) finish of oil or wax is all you need. For more durability, lacquer or varnish is applied. Distressing furniture by beating or hammering the wood before the final finish is applied makes the wood look older. Painting can change the look of a piece and add value.

Do the components work properly?

Be sure that the drawers of a chest or cabinet fit well and slide easily on glides and stop flush with the front. Drawers should have dust panels to keep the contents clean, and the insides should be smoothly finished. Doors on cabinets should open and close easily with hardware that is of high quality, installed securely. If the piece has interior lights, their switches should be easy to access. If the piece is to be used as an entertainment center or computer station, holes should be drilled for electrical cords. Be sure that the legs of a table are even and that the table does not “rock.” The finish should be smooth to the touch and the finish on the leaves should match each other and the base.

With all these things in mind, and maybe a checklist, you’re ready to go. As you shop, some elements will be more important than others. But all these guidelines should be considered before you make the final decision to buy.

How to Shop for Furniture

Plan Ahead, Research, and Take Home Just What You Want

Shopping for furniture can be a difficult task or an exciting adventure. It's up to you. If you follow this advice, you're more likely to enjoy shopping and find the right pieces of furniture to fit your home and lifestyle.

* Decide What You Need
Measure the space where you'll put the new piece, keeping in mind that you'll need room between other pieces for walking and traffic patterns. You might want a sofa but realize that you really only have room for a loveseat or a pair of armless chairs. Write the numbers down so that you can confirm them when you find something that you like.


* Set Your Budget
There's nothing more discouraging than finding a piece you can't afford. Set you budget and don't look at things that would break the bank. While it's a good idea to buy the most expensive and best constructed piece of furniture that you can afford, you wouldn't want to spend every penny you have available on one piece of furniture and then not be able to paint the walls!

* Plan Ahead
Do some research on the internet. Find the websites for furniture manufacturers and see what they have to offer. You'll most likely be able to see everything that each company makes, get exact dimensions of each piece, see the different finishes available, and see the pieces arranged in decorator rooms. If you see something you really like, you can order the company's catalogue to be sent to your home.

* Learn All You Can Without Leaving Your Home
If you find a piece you like, look at the fabric options or wood finishes available. Try to picture the piece in your home. Locate a store in your area that carries the line of furniture you've found. Check their opening hours.

Before You Buy a Sofa

When you're thinking about a new sofa, you'll want to check our sofa buying tips. While it is important to get a sofa in just the right color, it is just as important to get one that will last. Inexpensive furniture can break, pop springs, and look out of shape within a year of constant use. Quality construction will offer years of enjoyment and has enough good "bones" to allow you to recover it periodically.

Choose the Style of Cushions for Your New Sofa
First decide if you prefer the look of loose back cushions or attached. Loose cushions give you the option of turning the pillows as needed, while attached backs won't need fluffing or rearranging. Be sure to sit in the sofa you are considering. Is it comfortable? Are the arms the right height for taking a nap or reading a book?


How Many Cushions Do You Like on a Sofa?
How many seat cushions would you like? One cushion offers a clean modern look while two or three are traditional. When you sit on the cushions, do they stay in place or do the corners flare up? Are they attached to the frame with a clip to hold them down?
What Style of Sofa Arm Do You Like?

Choose an arm style for your new sofa.
You can choose from armless, traditional rolled arm, curved English arm, or a straight Parsons style. The rolled arm has a flat front panel and is often outlined in cording. English style is rounded at the front, with fabric formed into sunburst-type pleats. Straight arm sofas are most often seen in contemporary settings.

A Skirted Sofa or One With Bare Legs?
Do you want a skirted sofa or one with the visible legs? Choose from leg styles that vary from heavy square chunks and wide bun feet to more delicate tapered legs or carved and curved formal versions. Legs are usually available in a number of finishes as well.

Understand Frame Construction for Upholstered Furniture
Ask about the construction of a sofa under consideration. The best are made from kiln-dried hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar, etc.), while inexpensive furniture is made from softer pine lumber. Interior construction is important as well. Cheap furniture is stapled together and has haphazardly constructed corner bracing. Better frames are securely screwed together.

Understand Sofa Seat Construction
Find out how the seat support system is made. Often a furniture store will have a cutaway model of the interior of upholstered pieces. Does it have quality 8-way tied springs or cheaper wire coils?

Choosing the Cushion and Pillow Filling for Your Sofa
The cushion and pillow filling are important to the feel of a sofa. Upholstery foam is inexpensive and comes in several thicknesses and weights, however the best cushions have down fillings. All-down cushions must be fluffed daily, though another option uses down pads wrapped around a core of foam. Understand these options for the sofa you want and which might be best for you. Are the cushions standard or special order, foam or down?

Choose the Fabric for You New Sofa's Final Cover
Choose a fabric for your sofa. Chenille is soft and durable while Leather is long-lasting and attractive. Velvets and other fabrics look lovely but may wear out with heavy use over the years. Finally consider options for trimmings. Dress up a sofa with fringed pillows or double welted seams. While these options add to the cost, they also give your piece a one-of-a-kind look. Many furniture manufacturers also offer the option of custom-made slipcovers to give you a seasonal change.

A Chest of Drawers- One Piece of Furniture With So Many Uses

A Chest of Drawers is Great for Any Room in Your Home

If there ever was a multi-purpose piece of furniture, a chest of drawers is it!

A chest of drawers can be tall and narrow with lots of drawers on top of each other or short and wide with drawers side-by-side. It can be small enough to serve as a nightstand with drawers for necessities or large enough to hold a whole season of clothes.


While you can't hang clothes or install a television in a chest of drawers, it is almost as versatile as an armoire. A chest of drawers can serve as a decorative piece only or provide lots of extra storage space right in your living space.

A simple chest of drawers is a bargain because it can serve so many purposes. On the outside it's an interesting piece that occupies a large wall. On the inside it's a great storage space.

Depending on where you place the chest of drawers and how big it is, the storage options are endless. The top of a tall and large chest is a great place to display plants, photos, and baskets. The top of a short chest of drawers is a place for a lamp, candles, books, a television, a collection or display of flowers.

Whether the chest has 2 drawers or 15, whether it's decorative or utilitarian, the drawers can hide clothes, hobby supplies, photos, dining items. In fact, just about anything can go into the right size drawer.

You may start out with a basic chest of drawers costing under $100 that will eventually be moved into a closet to store things out of sight. But you'll see how great the storage possibilities are and want another, maybe better one.

A chest of drawers can be moved from home to home and from room to room, useful in every place you put it.

When you shop for a chest, think about your whole house decorating scheme. If you're inclined to country style, look at a simple pine chest. If your style is more formal, you might consider a beautiful antique reproduction piece. For a contemporary interior, a simple piece with clean, sleek lines will enhance your home.

Regardless of what style or size you choose, remember that you'll have the chest of drawers for a long time and use it in many places. Choose wisely and it will serve you well.

Helpful Hints for Buying Pine Furniture

What you should know

If you’re new to purchasing wood furniture, deciding what to buy can be a daunting challenge. There are so many types of woods and finishes that it may not be clear what type of wood you’re buying. Pine is often used to make furniture, including dining room tables and bedroom sets. It can be finished or covered with a wood veneer. Here are a few tips to think about before buying pine furniture.
*What is Pine?
Solid woods are classified as either hardwoods or softwoods, but the description is based on the tree’s foliage rather than the strength of the wood. Hardwood trees lose their leaves seasonally. Softwood trees maintain their leaves year-round. Pine is a softwood that’s grown and used worldwide. It is light in color with a prominent grain and has knots that are usually much darker than the rest of the wood. Many woodworkers favor pine because it is easier to work with than hardwoods.

*Why Consider Pine?
Pine furniture is less expensive than many other wood pieces, especially if you buy it unfinished, which makes it a very popular choice. It can be painted, stained or covered in a clear coat of varnish. The wood’s noticeable grain and knots give each piece a unique look. Pine furniture blends well with other woods, allowing the buyer to mix and match pieces. Pine furniture adds coziness to a room, and the wood is ideal for rustic or English Country decor. Pine’s coloring keeps bookshelves, armoires, dressers and beds from appearing heavy and stuffy. Unfinished pine furniture, which can be personalized by painting or stenciling, allows great flexibility in a child’s room. The furniture can be refinished and repainted as the child’s tastes changes.
*What to Look For
The quality of pine furniture can vary widely. Although pine is more pliable than most hardwoods, pieces can last for decades if it is constructed well. Knots should be expected and can be attractive in a piece of furniture, but watch out for knots that create a hole in the furniture. Too many knots can weaken the piece. Although pine is a sturdy wood, it can easily be dented and scratched. Like all woods, pine will warp when exposed to constant humidity or moisture. Well-crafted pine will be smooth and the walls plumb. The fasteners on the drawer should create a snug fit between the front and rest of the drawer. Drawers should pull out smoothly and maintain their shape when twisted.
*Getting a Good Price
Custom-built pine furniture can be surprisingly affordable. Local Amish and Mennonite communities may have woodworkers who can craft a custom piece for about the same cost or even less than a retailer would charge for a mass-produced work. Reasonably priced pine furniture also is sold at many big-box retail stores. IKEA carries a full range of mass-produced, unfinished pine furniture pieces. The furniture will have to be put together, which can require some patience but isn’t overly difficult. Also check yard sales and resale shops. If the furniture piece is in good condition it can be stripped and refinished to suit the new owner’s taste.

Hints for Buying Walnut Furniture

What you need to know

Walnut furniture is an excellent choice for traditional-style furniture. It is a durable hardwood that maintains a beautiful finish for years. The following hints will make buying walnut furniture easier.

* What is Walnut?

Walnut is a hardwood, meaning that the tree loses its leaves in the fall and winter. English and black walnut are the most common types used in furniture making. Grain is generally straight, although it becomes wavy toward the roots. The color of walnut can vary dramatically, from light to very dark brown. The middle of the walnut tree produces the darker wood and the outer layer of the tree, just beneath the bark, produces the lighter wood.


* Why Buy Walnut Furniture?

Walnut is a strong, hard and durable wood that carves and holds its shape well. It is an excellent choice for ornate furniture that requires intricate woodworking, such as a mantelpiece or headboard. It frequently was used to make cabinets and other pieces of furniture in 17th and 18th century Europe because of its qualities. Contemporary furniture is more often made with walnut veneers rather than made of solid walnut because of cost.

Walnut furniture can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Larry Frye, executive director of the American Walnut Manufacturers Association, in Zionsville, Ind., said walnut has been a popular wood for furniture makers worldwide because of its durability, according to the Oakley Woods Web site.

* What to Look For

Walnut should have a straight grain, which a clear coat of urethane will accentuate. Stains may make the grain less noticeable. Finish is simply a matter of taste. Wood furniture with wavy grain or burls may be covered with a walnut veneer to improve its appearance. However, some walnut furniture is also covered with a walnut veneer. Most people cannot tell the difference between solid wood and veneers. Ask the salesperson for assistance if this distinction is important to you.

* Getting a Good Price

Solid walnut furniture tends to cost more than some other wood furniture. Decide whether the material and construction of the furniture is more important than the appearance.

If purchasing solid walnut furniture, look at consignment shops and antique stores. The walnut furniture you find may show some wear and tear, such as nicks or water stains, but a woodworker can usually refinish the item. Also consider furniture clearinghouses. Items that haven’t sold well in chain stores and department stores may end up in a clearinghouse, where it may be sold at a steep discount.

If appearance is more important than the materials, consider purchasing furniture made with walnut veneers. Pay close attention to the construction of the furniture. The veneer should not buckle or separate from the furniture.

Before You Buy Oak Furniture

What you need to know

Oak is one of the most popular woods used in furniture making. Oak furniture will suit a number of decorating styles and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime. The following hints will make buying oak furniture easier.

* What is Oak?Oak is the most abundant hardwood species found in the United States. There are two basic varieties of oak: red and white. The grain in both red and white oak is similar, but white oak has longer rays. White oak is more durable and lighter in color than red oak. In the past, it was used to build ships because it is waterproof. Red oak, on the other hand, was frequently used to make railroad ties, wagon wheels and hardwood floors, according to TopFurnitureTrends.com.

* Why Buy Oak Furniture? Oak is a durable, heavy hardwood with beautiful grain. Furniture built from oak is sturdier than that crafted from some other hardwoods, such as mahogany. If you have an active family and furniture gets a lot of wear in your house, oak furniture would be a good choice in part because it does not damage easily. Unfinished oak furniture is second only to pine in popularity among buyers. It stains well or it can be coated in a clear urethane. Oak is the most popular wood for American and English country styles, but it is a popular choice for all furniture types and styles and has wide appeal.

* What to Look For Although some furniture is made of solid oak, other pieces have only oak veneers. Decide which is right for you. Veneers are most often used to improve the appearance of a less expensive material. Oak veneer can be glued to pine furniture or particleboard, for example. Look for oak furniture that is well constructed. The pieces should be fastened together with no gaps between parts. New oak furniture should be free from indentations and each plane should be level. Oak has a coarse texture, but furniture pieces should be smooth. Oak furniture that has been coated with urethane or stain should have a uniform appearance. The grain should be noticeable through the finish and have a warm look.

* Getting a Good Price As with most solid hardwood furniture, oak furnishings are a major investment. Consider buying used furniture or mix solid oak furniture with veneered furniture. Antique and secondhand stores often sell oak furniture that can be refinished or may need some repair. If the oak furniture is well constructed, it will likely be worth the price. Amish artisans offer a wide array of quality furniture pieces crafted from solid oak that can be purchased online. There are plenty of retail outlets selling oak furniture, which often is available unfinished. Buying it in an untreated form is an excellent way to save money and get the exact finish that you would like. Staining a few pieces of oak furniture can be done over the course of a weekend. Additional Resources Furniture Find http://www.furniturefind.com/help/basics/aspx#answers American Hardwood Inco Center http://www.hardwodinfo.com/species_guide/display_species.asp? The Unfinished Furniture Association http://www.unfinishfurniture.org/findmanufacturer.html LifeWire provides original and syndicated lifestyle content to Web publishers.

Helpful Hints for Buying Mahogany Furniture

Add the Rich Look to Your Home


Mahogany is a durable and expensive hardwood used to make fine furniture. This rare wood, known for its beautiful grain and deep, reddish-brown color, endows furniture with a timeless, traditional quality. Chairs, tables and other home furnishings crafted with mahogany will last a lifetime and should be considered an investment. The following hints will make buying mahogany furniture easier.

* What is Mahogany?Most mahogany furniture today is made from two varieties, African and South American. South American mahogany is used for fine furniture. Caribbean or West Indian mahogany, another variety, is rarer, because it has been overharvested. Mahogany is an excellent wood for carving and finishes beautifully. Cabinetmakers such as Chippendale and Sheraton have replaced walnut with mahogany for many of their furniture pieces.


* Why Buy Mahogany Furniture? Mahogany furniture is most often made in the traditional style, but these pieces can complement almost any decorating style. Its timeless beauty appeals to most consumers and furniture pieces lend an air of elegance and sophistication. Consider adding a few mahogany accent pieces, such as a sofa table or nightstands in mahogany if you have a limited budget or the rooms of your home are decorated with a different style. Mahogany furniture also is very durable. Dining room tables and armoires made of mahogany are excellent investments. These large pieces draw immediate attention. Ornate carvings in mahogany furniture add instant interest and drama.

* What to Look ForThere is controversy surrounding the harvesting of mahogany for purposes of crafting furniture. Overharvesting and illegal logging in parts of the Peruvian Amazon and elsewhere plague the industry. Some furniture manufacturers, such as IKEA, have chosen not to sell furniture made from mahogany for this very reason. Some furniture is made with mahogany veneers rather than solid mahogany. When in doubt, ask the salesperson. If you are buying antique furniture, look for a decal that denotes “genuine mahogany” issued by the Mahogany Association. The association, which operated in the early to mid 20th century, was created to help buyers distinguish between solid mahogany pieces and other woods stained to look like mahogany. Mahogany furniture marketed as Philippine mahogany is not true mahogany. It is actually luaun. The material comes from a family of plants, not mahogany trees.

* Getting a Good Price Mahogany furniture is very expensive. Consider purchasing it second-hand from an estate sale. Large estates will often auction off the furniture and will advertise the auction in the classified advertisement section of the newspaper or online. If you cannot find furniture at the auction, pay attention to whether there are businesses buying whole estates, and you may be able to strike a side deal with them on the mahogany furniture you like. Search for smaller furniture stores that specialize in fine furniture rather than large chains. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. Privately owned furniture stores are one place where you don’t always have to pay sticker price. Buying a floor sample will cost less than having the item made and delivered to your home.