Where Shoppers Go Wrong When Making Big Furniture Purchases

Sally Morgan-Flower oversees creative content, manages London showroom events and works with interior designers for the furniture brand Loaf. She also lives in the dreamiest of dream places in a former pub turned gorgeous, woodsy, perfectly painted home. She doesn’t just work for a furniture company—she clearly knows how to pick and choose great core pieces of furniture (such as sofas and beds) for maximum comfort and visual appeal. I asked her to share what she thinks are some of the things that potential buyers should look out for when furniture shopping.

Here at Loaf, we always say go for the biggest bed or sofa you can without compromising on space.

Measure up! Does your new sofa or bed actually fit in the room without you bumping into other pieces of furniture or doing an awkward shuffle around your partner or flatmate? Good brands should be able to help you figure out the fine art of how much space there is to actually maneuver the furniture in too—taking into consideration any tight corners and door frames to fit through.

Don’t Rush. Do your research thoroughly and take your sweet old time.

As consumers, we’re now used to the privilege of having so many convenient services and products at our fingertips. And I think that due to this instant gratification perhaps we’ve forgotten to slow it down a bit.

It’s really worth spending time making the right choice for you and choosing furniture that’s going to last. Often superior craftsmanship or a slightly longer lead time for handmade pieces is worth waiting for. David and I would rather save up to make good investments rather than buying something that looks nice—but that potentially we’d have the hassle and expense of replacing again in a few years’ time. Also, think about if a piece would look good in your next home so you’re getting the best for your pennies.

Start Your Shopping at Home: I’d recommend figuring out online what you’re keen on seeing in-store. You might totally change your mind once you get there, but it’s handy to start with a wish list so you don’t feel too overwhelmed by the choices available.

Especially when it comes to beds and sofas, take your time to really settle in and get comfy—or take a book with you. If choosing something with your partner, then visit the store together. Sometimes one size or style doesn’t always fit all.

It used to be all about grey and beige (and a bit more beige). But our customers have definitely become bolder with using color in their homes.

A bit like Farrow & Ball, Loaf is great at cherry-picking a curated palette of fabric choices—so if you want to mix it up then the different tones should work together.

If you’re feeling a bit tentative and don’t want to go the whole hog, add smaller touches of color with accessories or cushions. Neutral walls are a good backdrop to start with, building up color from there and keep it to a few tones.

See her and David’s full house tour → A Former London Pub Turned Cozy Home