When it comes to decorating a home, a common mistake is misplanning the size of the space, such as ordering a rug that is too big or too small. B2C Furniture, a sustainable furniture company, analyzed social media data to identify the most common furniture mistakes young adults make when decorating a home for the first time.
“For many people in their 20s and 30s, it’s their first time moving into a new home or shared space, and they often don’t understand which pieces are necessary and which are ‘nice to haves,’” says Stacey Clarke, general manager of B2C Furniture. “They end up with a cluttered space instead of a practical one.”
Below are some furniture mistakes to avoid.
1. Poor space planning
“One of the biggest mistakes is blocking doors in any room,” says Clarke. “Doors need to have good access to swing open fully as this will open up the space and make the room feel larger. For the bedroom, consider whether side tables would be practical as you won’t always have the space. In the living and dining room, make sure you can easily access windows and that you don’t block the TV and doorways. Plan based on your needs and then add from there if space allows.” She adds that multi-functional pieces can last through different stages of life.
2. Choosing the wrong rugs
A well-placed and carefully chosen rug is as important to the overall look of a space as any piece of furniture. But all too often homeowners opt for the wrong size, says Clarke. “This is because they don’t understand the measurements of a room, as the right rug size can make the space bigger. You should always place the rug under the sofa, about 30% to 40% inwards, and the sofa legs should be on top. This will open up the space and accentuate the size of your living room. The same applies to the foot of the bed frame if you opt for a rug in the bedroom.”
As a general rule: Make sure the rug is wider than the sofa. Narrower rugs can throw off the proportions of the room and tend to sit awkwardly with furniture.
“The rug should fit comfortably in the room, but it shouldn’t dominate or cover the entire wall,” says Clarke. “Measure the room carefully and try to leave breathing room everywhere.” She also recommends using masking tape to mark out furniture sizes and layouts before you decide.
3. Buy furniture without support
Opting for unsupported or frameless furniture (thin arms, for example) is another common furniture mistake, says Clarke. “This is a matter of knowledge and experience; take the time to familiarize yourself with the variety of materials available on the market,” Clarke adds. “While it’s tempting to buy inexpensive furniture that’s often considered modern and affordable, it’s usually made from poor quality materials and likely won’t last long.”
Understanding the difference between materials like wood and particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is critical, says Clarke. “While wood or lumber are more durable pieces of material, particleboard and MDF are made from sawdust or scrap wood, which are combined to form a board,” she explains. “These materials typically have a very short lifespan, so avoid furniture made from them, especially bed frames. The joints of these materials don’t maintain their integrity as they can often separate, making it difficult to screw or re-screw into the joints. So you’ll need to invest in a new piece if you ever move.”
4. Choosing furniture that doesn’t fit your lifestyle
Clarke recommends avoiding following trends and “getting carried away by the ‘Instagram-worthy home’ that looks beautiful but isn’t very practical.” “Furniture is an investment and it’s important to choose materials that are durable and can last for years.”
For example, if you’re thinking about having a family, you might want to avoid light-colored fabrics that kids can get dirty, Clarke says. Also, if you have a pet, consider rugs with materials that are easy to clean and scratch-resistant. “Don’t skip reading the product description or fine print, as most good furniture companies will always have information about the materials, where the products are sourced from, and care instructions,” she says. “They even go so far as to have specific product categories geared toward pet-friendly rugs.”
5. Not seeing your furniture in person
With the convenience of online shopping, not checking the quality of furniture can lead to easy mistakes regarding size or materials. “Often, we opt for the easy option, which is to buy online,” says Clarke. “There’s nothing wrong with that. But make sure you’re well informed and versed in the materials, and ask the right questions.”
Measure the space first. Double-check the dimensions of the furniture to make sure it will fit in the space.
“Make sure the furniture company you’re buying from has an easy return policy, especially if you’re buying online,” says Clarke. “Also, check the company’s warranty policy and expected delivery time. You don’t want something to arrive in three months when you need the couch now. Typically, items from brick-and-mortar furniture stores are made to order and delivery times are six to 12 months or six to nine months.”
6. Hasty purchasing decisions
“The excitement of moving into a new home and having your own space to decorate makes young people more prone to this mistake,” says Clarke. Don’t overlook the general requirements and practicality of the living room. “Take time to think about the use of each room,” she says.
Clarke advises starting with the basics and then building up from there. For example, functional pieces are items like the bed and sofa. “They are also the largest pieces, so they will be harder to move than smaller items, like a side table, which can simply be ‘nice to have accessories,’” she says.
Also, opt for a classic colour palette to preserve the longevity of the furniture you choose. “Wood or natural woods are timeless as they endure through all trends, but are also easy to match with other trends,” she says. “This is crucial because if there is something else that is trendy in a few months or a year, you can easily adapt your style with smaller pieces, such as cushions, throws and homewares, rather than having to change your large, functional piece of furniture.”
