(Image courtesy of Wonderlane)
With all the changes that we make during the New Year, it only makes sense to consider redecorating your apartment as well. Just because you’ve decided to give your apartment a facelift doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank doing it. There are many ways to redesign and repurpose older furniture-there’s no law that says everything you use to decorate has to be new!
Before adopting a repurposing an older couch, or any piece of furniture, there are a few thoughts to take into consideration. This article from renters.apartments.com mentions a few steps you should take before looking into bringing home any new pieces of furniture. Keep reading to learn more:
Take Measurements
A large, opulent four-poster bed and dresser set may be just what you’ve always wanted, and finding it at a rock-bottom price may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, attempting to put such a large bedroom set into a tiny studio apartment may be more of a headache than a blessing. Before you start browsing for used furniture, be sure to take measurements of the area it will occupy. Nothing is worse than feeling crowded out of your own home with too much furniture overbearing your space.
Take It for a Spin
You wouldn’t dare buy a used car without at least giving it a test drive, and maybe even taking it for a professional inspection by a trained mechanic. So why would you buy used furniture based solely on the way it looks? Whether you are buying a set of barstools or a full living room suite, be sure to test it out before agreeing to buy. Sit in chairs, check for imbalanced legs on tables, and pull out the mattresses in sleeper sofas. Whether you find cosmetic blemishes or functional problems, you can make an informed decision about whether the furniture you are considering for purchase is right for you. Furthermore, knowing used furniture’s faults ahead of time can leave room for price negotiation during the buying process.
Pet Allergens and Odors
If your eyes, nose and breathing passages are sensitive to pet dander, think twice before purchasing used furniture. Furniture can trap pet dander, making it difficult to remove later on. If pet allergies are a potential concern, try to purchase furniture from one-owner homes to verify that there were no pets in the home. Also, give all new furniture a good sniff before handing over any cash. Odors from pets, smoke and other household smells can lurk beneath the surface – something that even a good bottle of Febreeze may not be able to cover up.
Inspect for Pests
Your pest-free home may get some unwelcomed houseguests if you purchase the wrong used furniture. One of the biggest concerns is bedbugs, which have made a strong comeback in recent years. Although bedbugs are mostly associated with mattresses, they can borough into couches, chairs and just about any upholstered item. Also, roach eggs can hide in the crevices of sofas, so it is important to thoroughly vacuum all cushions before bringing them into your home. If you suspect bedbugs, avoid buying the furniture altogether or spray the furniture with indoor-safe insecticide before bringing it into your home.
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