When it comes to furnishing a room, nothing sets the scene like country wooden furniture. With its natural beauty and charm, it’s the perfect way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right wooden pieces for your home or workplace?
There are many important factors to consider when you’re about to make a furniture purchase. It’s necessary to select the right pieces that will fit both your style and your space.
A lot of furniture types are available, from traditional wooden pieces to sleek modern designs, so you may be overwhelmed by the number of choices in styles, materials, and prices. To ease your confusion, here’s a complete guide on how to choose the perfect wooden furniture to suit your needs:
Decide on a style.
The first thing you'll need to consider is the style that you’d like to go for. Do you want classic country furniture with carved details and a traditional look? Or would you prefer something more modern with clean lines and a minimalist design? Once you've narrowed your options down, you can start browsing for specific pieces matching that certain aesthetic. Always stick to the style you have chosen because you don’t want to buy furniture that ends up looking out of place among your other furniture and décors. If you’re wondering what wooden furniture styles you can choose from, we have an article on the topic that you may want to check out.
Pick a color scheme and matching finish.
Next, think about the color and finish of the furniture. Wood comes in various natural tones, so you should choose one that will complement the color scheme of your room. You can even have your wooden furniture painted if you don’t prefer the natural wooden color and grain. If you do decide to keep the natural color, you should also choose whether you want the wood to be bare or coat it with lacquer and finish. Finishes can give your furniture a light or dark shine, depending on which type you would like to use. What matters is that you should always aim for uniformity in your color scheme. You don't want pieces that clash with the rest of your décor or stark colors that will be difficult to style around.
Choose which type of wood you want.
When buying country wooden furniture, there’s a variety of wood to choose from. The type of wood will determine the durability and appearance of the furniture. The most popular type of wood is oak, which is strong and durable. It has a dark color which can be stained or left natural. Another hardwood, maple, is resistant to scratches and dents. It has a light color that will not show dirt and dust as easily as other woods. If you’re looking for outdoor furniture, you may want to find a piece made from teak wood because it's resistant to weather conditions. It has a golden color and can be polished to a high shine. Pine, a softwood which is usually used for affordable furniture, is also a popular choice. It doesn’t have the same durability as other woods, but it can be stained or painted to match any décor. Other common wood options include cherry, hickory, cedar, and ash.
Fit the size of the furniture to your allotted space.
Once you've decided on the style of furniture you want, check the size and layout of your room. Measure the space and take into account any existing furniture or other obstructions that may limit where you can put new pieces. After measuring the room, you also need to consider the size and shape of the furniture pieces you want. Only buy furniture that will fit comfortably in the available space while giving enough clearance for doors and other furniture pieces. You don't want to overcrowd your room or have pieces that are too large or too small. If you have a small living room, you may not want a large piece of furniture taking up all the space. Conversely, if you have a large living room, you'll need a bigger piece to fill the space.
Determine the furniture’s function and purpose.
Always keep in mind what you’re using the furniture for. Do you need a desk for your office, an armchair for reading, or a bed for sleeping? Does your dining area require a lot of seats or you just want something for display? When you’re choosing furniture, it’s necessary to think about what you need and want in your space. Many different pieces are for sale in the market, including tables, chairs, dressers, beds, sofas, cabinets, and more. Hence, you should know beforehand how the furniture will be used. If you're looking for a piece of furniture to serve as a focal point in your room, then choose something that's eye-catching and unique. If you need a piece of furniture that will be used for storage, then look for something with lots of shelves or drawers. The takeaway: only buy a piece that will meet your needs.
Consider your lifestyle.
Your furniture piece must be able to endure the demands of everyday life. Think about how often you'll use it. The more you use a furniture, the more it should be durable. This is especially true if you usually place your weight on it such as chairs, benches, and beds. When you only intend to use a piece for decoration, then you can prioritize appearance over durability. You should also think of other people who may use the furniture like family members, roommates, or co-workers. When it is for general use, perhaps pick something that’s resistant to dirt and doesn’t require constant cleaning and maintenance. If you have young children or pets, you'll want to choose furniture that is both sturdy and easy to clean. Another thing to take into consideration is the surrounding factors that may affect the furniture. For example, if you want to purchase wooden dining tables or kitchen countertops, you must use placemats for setting down containers with warm foods and liquids or cover the surface entirely with glass to protect the wood.
Contemplate the location and climatic conditions.
The climate of the place you live in and the location where you place your furniture can affect the state of wood over time. If you plan to put the piece indoors, then it would last longer since it wouldn’t be exposed to the elements. On the contrary, when you want it outside your house or establishment, then the materials your furniture is made of must withstand various weather conditions. If you live in a humid climate, you'll want to choose furniture made from water-resistant wood like teak or mahogany. If these types of wood aren’t available, then find a finish that’s resistant to moisture. If you live in a dry climate, you'll want to choose a finish that will not attract dust and dirt.
Check the workmanship and quality.
When shopping for wooden furniture, be sure to look for pieces that are made from high-quality and sustainable materials. The wood should be sturdy and the finish should be durable. Not only is this more environmentally friendly, but your furniture is also assured to last longer. Additionally, you must determine if the furniture is built well and expertly crafted. Only buy pieces from experienced carpenters and builders. Cheap, poorly made furniture will not last long and may not be very comfortable to use. You wouldn’t want to replace your furniture in just a year or two because it's already falling apart. Make it a habit to prioritize quality over appearance.
Inspect for damages.
Once you've selected the right piece of furniture, take your time checking it for any damages before purchasing. Inspect for any scratches, dents, cracks, abrasions, and even missing parts. If you’re buying new furniture, never accept a damaged product. When you’re looking for used pieces, then determine if the damages are few and aren’t severe. You must also consider whether these can be repaired and if reparations are within your means. Just have a keen eye when making a purchase. It would be unfortunate if you bring home a furniture that’s already crumbling and deformed before you even get the chance to use it.
Take your budget into account.
Wooden furniture can range in price from affordable to high-end, so it's important to find something that fits within your budget constraints. You don't want to break the bank buying expensive furniture, but you also don't want to buy something cheap that's going to break apart in only a few months. Set a reasonable budget first before you visit stores. Always stick to your budget and avail discounts whenever you can to lessen product prices and delivery costs.