14 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying New Furniture

Shopping for furniture is an exciting but challenging process. At SpryInterior, we know how easy it is to make mistakes that can lead to buyer’s remorse. Whether it’s choosing the wrong style, size, or material, these common pitfalls can be avoided with a little planning and consideration. Here are the 14 mistakes you should avoid when buying new furniture, along with expert advice on how to make smarter decisions.

Mistake #1: Buying First, Planning Later

Before even beginning the furniture shopping journey, it’s important to have a plan. Many buyers fall into the trap of impulsively purchasing without taking the time to plan out the space.

Solution: Create A Plan Of Your Space

At SpryInterior, we recommend creating a layout before making any purchase. “Plan out your space, including the size and style of the furniture you need,” says our interior designer. Knowing how each piece will fit into your room and how they’ll interact with your current decor will save you from having to return ill-fitting furniture.

Mistake #2: Forgetting A Budget

Furniture shopping can get expensive quickly. Without a clear budget, it's easy to overspend and compromise on quality.

Solution: Be Strategic With Spending Money

Set a clear budget and allocate funds to key pieces like a high-quality sofa, dining table, or even a tree bookshelf. Don’t feel pressured to splurge on every single item in your home. “Focus your budget on quality, timeless pieces that you'll use every day,” advises SpryInterior’s design team. Invest wisely in pieces that will last for years to come.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Function

While aesthetics are important, function should be your top priority. Buying furniture that doesn't work well for your lifestyle can lead to frustration.

Solution: Consider Function Before Shopping

When shopping for furniture, always ask yourself: "What will I use this for?" Functionality is key, whether it’s storage space, ease of cleaning, or comfort. “Consider the durability of fabrics and materials,” says SpryInterior’s expert. "A stylish sofa is great, but if it doesn't meet your daily needs, it's not the right choice."

Mistake #4: Living Solely In The Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends when shopping for furniture, but it’s essential to think about the long-term appeal and quality of each piece.

Solution: Be Prepared To Wait

“Timeless, high-quality furniture is always worth the wait,” says our team. Don't settle for trendy items that may not last or may no longer be in style in a few years. Invest in pieces that are classic and durable, these will continue to look great in your home for years to come.

Mistake #5: Buying To Fill A Gap

Many people make the mistake of buying furniture just because they feel like they need to fill an empty space. This approach often leads to regret when they end up with furniture they don't truly love.

Solution: Be Okay With Temporary Solutions

“Don’t rush into buying something just to fill a space,” says our interior design team. If you're waiting for the perfect piece to arrive, consider using temporary solutions that will give you time to find the perfect match. Sometimes, the best decision is to wait for the right piece rather than settling.

Mistake #6: Taking Furniture At Face Value

Just because furniture looks beautiful doesn’t mean it’s a good choice. Many shoppers fall into the trap of prioritizing looks over quality and functionality.

Solution: Do Your Research

“Check the materials and construction of the piece,” says SpryInterior's experts. Look for high-quality wood, durable cushions, and sturdy frames. Research the brand and customer reviews to ensure you're investing in a well-made piece that will last.

Mistake #7: Saying Yes To Bony Upholstery

One common mistake when purchasing upholstered furniture is choosing pieces with poor construction, especially when the upholstery is too thin or flimsy.

Solution: Check The Piece Before Buying

Before making any purchase, check for solid, well-padded upholstery. “If you push on the arm or back of a sofa and feel wood through the fabric, it’s a red flag,” says SpryInterior. Look for thicker upholstery and ample cushion support for a durable and comfortable option.

Mistake #8: One-Stop-Shopping

Buying everything from one place can make your home look generic and uninspired. It’s important to mix and match pieces from different places to create a more cohesive, personalized design.

Solution: Shop Around

We suggest shopping at multiple stores to find unique pieces that fit your style. “Comparing different options helps ensure you're making the best decision, both in terms of design and price,” says SpryInterior’s design team.

Mistake #9: Pigeon-Holing Pieces

Don’t force a piece of furniture into a space just because it fits the style or dimensions. If something feels off in the room, it probably doesn’t belong.

Solution: Get Creative

Mix different furniture styles and finishes to create an interesting, layered look. “I love when various design styles are used cohesively in one space,” says SpryInterior’s interior designer. Combining old and new pieces adds character and warmth to your home.

Mistake #10: Ignoring Bad Bones

Furniture can be reupholstered or painted, but a poor foundation can’t be fixed. Always check the quality of the frame and structure before committing to a piece.

Solution: Pay Attention To The Base Of The Piece

“Look for pieces with good lines and sturdy frames,” says our design expert. “A great new coat of paint or fabric can’t fix a bad foundation. Quality furniture starts with a solid frame.”

Mistake #11: Shopping Outside Of Sales

Furniture stores often offer significant discounts during major sales events, but many people make the mistake of shopping outside these periods, missing out on great deals.

Solution: Figure Out The Sales Schedule

Keep track of major sales events like New Year’s, Labor Day, and Black Friday. These are the best times to score furniture at discounted prices. SpryInterior offers seasonal sales and promotions that make it easier to invest in high-quality furniture at a more affordable price.

Mistake #12: Only Buying Online

While online shopping is convenient, it also comes with risks such as receiving damaged items or purchasing something that doesn't match your expectations.

Solution: Be Wary With Online Listings

“Do your research on the piece you're interested in before buying online,” says SpryInterior. If possible, see the piece in person before ordering. This helps avoid surprises and ensures you're satisfied with your purchase.

Mistake #13: Furnishing A Whole Room With Flat-Pack Furniture

Flat-pack furniture is an affordable solution, but relying too heavily on it can make your space look impersonal and cheaply decorated.

Solution: Mix It With Preassembled Pieces

“Balance out flat-pack furniture with preassembled or unique items,” advises SpryInterior. This will give your space more depth and character. Don’t be afraid to customize flat-pack pieces to better fit your personal style.

Mistake #14: Purchasing Everything New

While it’s tempting to buy all-new furniture for a fresh look, purchasing everything new can blow your budget and leave your home feeling too “staged.”

Solution: Consider Shopping Secondhand For Some Things

“Vintage and secondhand furniture can offer great value,” says SpryInterior’s team. Look for well-built pieces from local thrift stores or online marketplaces. Secondhand furniture often has more character and can be a cost-effective way to furnish your space.