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First-time furnishings

Star Tribune

King Hickory, sofa

Furnishing your first home can be a challenge, especially if you've put much of your disposable income into a down payment.

By NANCY HERRICK, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Last update: July 4, 2009 - 9:08 PM

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BROWSE, DON'T BUY

Start by shopping to gather ideas, not furniture.

Pay attention to colors, furniture styles, wood choices and more.

If you're shopping with your significant other, discuss what you like and don't like, and what you think works well with the style of your home.

"Eclectic" works, but doesn't mean anything goes. Look for some continuity or unifying elements.

Diversify your sources. Don't buy everything in one place.

Ask questions to learn what goes into a high-quality piece of furniture.

Take pictures of what you like; then look at them at home to remind you of what you like and to see which pieces work together.

GET TO WORK

Allow time for painting, refinishing flooring or renovations after the closing, but before you move in.

Buy good-quality paint with no- or low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds); if you do the job right, you won't have to paint again for a while.

Use fabric and paint samples from stores to match your color choices.

Look at samples in a variety of lighting situations and at different times of the day for the best idea of how well colors coordinate.

MAKE MAJOR PURCHASES

At a minimum you will need: a good mattress and box spring and a headboard to give the room a polished look, a good-quality sofa and chairs, a console unit for the television, and a table and chairs for dining.

Purchase high quality with your big pieces for longevity.

Consider microfibers for sofas because they are durable, take cleaning and washing well and don't show wear. Leathers also are durable, and prices have dropped significantly because of improvements in the tanning process.

Consider neutrals for big pieces, then add pops of color with pillows and accessories that can be changed.

Make sure the frame of your sofa or chairs is high-quality. You can reupholster or slipcover if the material wears or the piece looks dated.

FILL IN CREATIVELY

Shop consignment stores, estate sales, resale shops and even Grandma's attic.

Refinish or paint pieces that aren't valuable antiques, or change hardware for a coordinated look.

Use a horizontal dresser in the dining room to hold flatware and table linens.

Don't be afraid to rough up furniture and paint it so that it coordinates with the colors you've chosen in the room.

Add personality to a room with area rugs, artwork and accent pieces.

BE PATIENT

Resist the urge to furnish instantly. Don't buy on impulse.

Look at different options. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It probably took a while to find the right house. It stands to reason it won't be furnished in a week, a month or perhaps even a year.

Collect over time. You'll want decorative pieces to reflect your changing tastes.