investing in home furnishings
Reader: If a first time homeowner is going to invest in one item, what should it be?
Susie: When purchasing a home for the first time, there are many important decisions to make. Price, architectural style, and location are key, but furnishings will bring the rooms to life. Your main room will need a sofa, which will be the foundation from which to build. It is your most important piece and will set the tone for the room; because, you will use it for the family as well as entertaining guests.
Take time and care when choosing your first sofa because it is often the piece of furniture you will have the longest. It will start out in the living room, then move to the family room, and, after time, to the basement. Ultimately, it may find its resting place in a dorm room. So buy the best sofa you can afford because that sturdy sofa will last many years.
When looking at sofas, there are several elements to consider. First determine the dimensions of your sofa. To do this, measure the dimensions of the room and locate where the sofa will be positioned. The best length, depth, and height of the sofa can then be determined. To get a better feel for its location in the room, lay it out on the floor with masking tape. Other pieces can be imagined by placing boxes in various positions. Now, evaluate the quality of the sofa’s construction, including its fabric. A good sofa will be heavy and feel substantial. Look for a solid hardwood frame, quality springs, and a durable fabric. Choices for the coverings are nearly endless. Synthetic fabrics tend to be durable, colorfast, and easily cleaned. In general, tight weaves and heavy fabrics provide long term durability, as does leather. Avoid fabrics such as satins and damask since they suffer with heavy use. Because sofas are such a big investment, you will want it to stay in fashion as long as possible. A neutral fabric will stand the test of time. You can always add color and pattern with throw pillows, which are easy and inexpensive to change if you decide to re-decorate.
Remember, if you are ordering a custom sofa, make sure you purchase it with enough lead time so that it will arrive close to your move-in day. Most custom sofas take between 8 and 10 weeks to be manufactured and then delivered. Be patient with your choice, since it will be the focus of your new home for years to come!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
