• How many years should furniture be expected to last?
  • 10 to 15 years for sofas/beds; longer for quality wood pieces
  • Ultimate lifespan depends on the frequency and type of care
  • Longevity is also affected by how/how often the piece is used
    
    
    
• What types of furniture have the best investment value?
  • Focus on quality and functionality, not just the price tag
  • Solid wood (cherry, mahogany, oak) offers the best value
  • Address basic needs first: sofa, dining table and chairs, bed
    
    
    
• Is it better to buy new or used furniture?
  • New furniture is recommended for showpieces in main rooms
  • New furniture comes with guarantees/without potential issues
  • Consider used furniture for short-term or temporary purposes
    
    
    
• Should existing furniture be reupholstered or simply replaced?
  • This depends on the quality and condition of the existing wood
  • Reupholstering is economical and can extend the life of the piece
  • Reupholstering is a good option for antique or one-of-a-kind items
    
    
    
• What happens if the furniture does not fit/look right in the room?
  • Avoid this possibility by measuring room dimensions, door frame widths
  • Draw a plan of the room (to scale) – include locations of doors/windows
  • Go shopping with photos of other furniture that will remain in that room
    
    
    
• Can furniture be mixed-and-matched or all kept to the same style?
  • Mixing-and-matching styles, patterns, or colours will work (within reason)
  • Adding selected accessories can mix styles in a non-overpowering manner
  • Having different dining room chairs is currently one of the more popular ways to blend unlike styles