So, you’ve decided to go furniture shopping in North Carolina. Congratulations! Getting new furniture is exciting, but it also involves a lot of important decisions that should not be taken lightly. By taking the time to plan for furniture shopping now, you’ll save yourself from a lot of stress (and potential mistakes) down the line!
The furniture you select should meet a wide range of criteria, from complementing your design scheme and spacing requirements to fitting your comfort and texture preferences. You’ll also of course want to make sure that the furniture is good quality and will last for a long time. On top of all this, it is vital that you plan out how you will get the furniture to your home (or office) and how it will be set up.
The good news is that if you live in North Carolina or in the vicinity, you have plenty of great furniture options to choose from. Honestly, some people travel from much further just to select furniture in this state thanks to its wide selection and reputation for quality! With the right planning and though put into the process, furniture shopping in North Carolina will be fast, easy and fun! Best of all, you’ll wind up with pieces you’ll love (and use!) for years if not decades!
Here’s how to plan for furniture shopping in North Carolina:
Plan Ahead
All too often, people go into a furniture store or order pieces online that don’t end up being quite what they needed. Planning ahead before you head into a furniture store or start browsing online is crucial, and you should start by listing out the types of pieces that you need. While it may sound silly (there’s no way I’m going to forget end tables!), it’s actually all too easy to get caught up in the search and lose focus. It’s also helpful to jot down some notes about the types of colors and design styles you’re in the market for.
When you are moving into a new space, basic planning is even more important. Keep yourself organized by listing out furniture by room. It may also help to create a list of furniture you already have and plan to keep, so you can make sure you’re not doubling up on anything or buying anything that won’t go well with your existing pieces in the same room.
Once you decided what furniture you need, it is a good idea to make a budget for yourself. Shopping with a realistic scope on what you’re willing to spend will help prevent you from wasting time and money. Some people will use their budgets to narrow down their furniture lists even further, deciding what the most important pieces are (the rest can always wait).
Record Measurements
Actually measuring the space, you have available for furniture (especially when it comes to larger items like beds and couches) is such an important part of planning for furniture shopping. Seriously, it just doesn’t get much worse than when you buy a piece, get it to your home and realize that it doesn’t fit quite right! Take thorough measurements of both the space and any furniture you are considering to make sure it will fit as expected. Don’t forget to take into consideration the amount of space you would like between the furniture piece and other objects!
Keep in mind that while most people are concerned with pieces being too big (and this is valid), there’s also the risk of furniture being too small for a particular space. Think about how you would like the room to look and how much of a focal point you’d like the furniture to be. Envision what kind of decor and other items you may be putting around it. If you need more of a visual, it might be a good idea to save photos of furniture you are considering and hold it up while you are standing in the actual space. Again, this is why it is so important to know how to plan for furniture shopping properly.
Search for Promotions
What’s any kind of shopping without looking for good deals? When furniture shopping in North Carolina, the good news is that most retailers have regular deals throughout the year. Some even have clearance / sales sections right in the store showroom. An increasing number of stores are becoming active on social media as well, so it’s a good idea to check out their Facebook and Twitter pages (along with their websites) to see if any recent promotions are being advertised.
While sales can certainly be found throughout the year, it’s worth noting that the best sales tend to be in January (following the holiday season) and the middle of summer (when general sales are usually lower and may need a boost).
Need Delivery?
A major part of furniture shopping is figuring out how to transport it from the store or warehouse to your home or office. If you’re able to move the furniture yourself, great! Otherwise, it’s worth checking to see if the retailer you’re buying from offers delivery service. Many do, and a lot of them even offer set up services if the furniture is not completely assembled already. These services do usually come at an additional fee, but the truth is that they can often be cheaper than trying to rent a truck for the day or pay someone else to do it for you.
High Point and Hickory
For furniture shopping in North Carolina, it doesn’t get much better than High Point and Hickory. Both of these metro areas are filled with an abundance of furniture storerooms, warehouses and outlets! The history of this can be traced back to 1890, when North Carolina was just getting its foot in the industry with six new furniture factories. Stores began springing up nearby, and craftsmen began flocking to the area for work. As the industry grew, the towns of High Point and Hickory became particularly affected by the growth.
There are now 20 miles of furniture retail options between Hickory and Charlotte, and Hickory in particular is renowned for its “Furniture Mart”. This large shopping mall is devoted almost entirely to furniture, with over 100 showrooms! High Point meanwhile offers a furniture shopping directory at its visitor center and is notable not just for its many stores, but for icons like “The World’s Largest Highboy Dresser.” Come for the furniture, but enjoy the sights and the experience while you’re at it!
