New Furniture For Your New Home in North Carolina

So, you’ve purchased your new home in North Carolina and now need to furnish it....

You’re in luck! The Carolinas are famous for well-crafted furniture, often sold at competitive prices.

Before heading out, be sure to plan for your shopping trip. Luckily, many of the furniture stores are close to one another which means you may not have to drive far for a good selection.

Thanks to writer Katherine O. Pettit and CarolinaLiving.com, there is good advice available to think about before grabbing your keys and hitting the road. Here are 10 good tips to keep in mind while furniture shopping in the Carolinas:

1. Plan ahead. Know your furniture needs. Make a list of the pieces and sizes you plan to buy. If you have a color scheme, bring fabric, paint swatches along with room dimensions. Bring your decorator if you must!

2. Don’t be shy to ask questions about the reputation of dealers and manufacturers. Shopping with an experienced sales person makes a big difference. Insist the business is a member of the Better Business Bureau and Chamber.

3. Not everyone accepts credit cards - have another payment method ready.

4. Comparison shop instead of buying compulsively - selection, price, quality and service are all important factors.

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5. Consider comfort. Furniture should be comfortable, so sit on it! Are coils centered in the seat area? Check edges for support. Padding should be firm, not lumpy.

6. Examine the finish. Trust your senses, touch and look carefully. Is the piece smooth and does it flow? Are grains and patterns matched? Are glass tops thick and fitted perfectly?

7. Check construction. Is the pattern centered and does it match top-to-bottom and side-to-side? Are seams reasonably straight? Don't hesitate to rock a table back and forth. Sit in a chair to assure it is sturdy. Do drawers open smoothly?

8. Always consider your lifestyle when selecting upholstered items. Ask the sales person for advice. Do you have young children or pets? Cotton, vinyl or leather work well in a family room. Silk, velvet and satin work best for adult-only families. Is the fabric stain resistant? Evaluate seating options: down fill, eight-way hand-tied springs, foam?

9. Remember to get cleaning instructions for your new purchases!

10. Get a commitment on delivery date. Expect a minimum of six weeks for special orders. Custom orders can take four months or longer. On arrival, inspect each piece while the delivery person is still in your home.

Enjoy your new furniture in your new home!

Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.