Whether you live in a college dorm, a small apartment, a condo, or a suburban house, you’re going to have plenty of furniture in that living space. Furniture is universal, and it can not only serve a purpose but also contribute to a living space’s theme and taste. Fortunately, today’s furniture industry is robust, and all kinds of furniture, from huge wooden beds to sofa beds to desks and dressers can be found in all different styles. Some furniture is quite large, while furniture for a small space can be practical for a college dorm or a crowded apartment. This may range from sofa beds to storage beds to fold up chairs, or even a futon (popular among college students). Leather sectional couches can be stylish for a living room, and custom furniture might come in any shape.

The Furniture Industry

Today’s furniture industry, from desks to tables to sofa beds, is huge. In fact, the numbers show that furniture is the 3rd biggest expense for an American adult, behind only cars and real estate. Furniture is a major investment, so naturally, buyers also demand quality from the furniture that they buy. Cheap or shoddy couches or beds may be uncomfortable and fall apart, and that is a hassle to deal with. Many surveyed customers agree that a piece of furniture should last five to 10 years, and beds and couches might be expected to last as long as 15 years. Amish made wooden goods, in particular, are famed for their very high quality in construction and their lifespans. These range from wooden bed frames to tables, picnic benches, and even chicken coops and garden sheds. Some outlets also have Amish-made goods already in stock.

Furniture Shopping

If someone needs a few dresser, sofa bed, desk, or anything else, they can turn to local furniture outlets and browse their many options. And if the customer has something particular in mind and can’t find it at local stores, they can find those items with online catalogs and place an order. A proper catalog will have clear photos of the furniture pieces, not to mention price, shipping information, and of course, product dimensions. Otherwise, though, many Americans like to visit retailers nearby and find some furniture. After all, many surveys show that most shoppers are undecided about what to buy when they visit a store of any kind, and that may include furniture outlets. So, the customer can refer to store associates and ask questions and get recommendations, which can narrow things down to something that they would like. What is more, many stores allow customers to sit on or lay on furniture to test it for comfort and durability. A customer may load a purchased item into their vehicle if they can, and if not, they may arrange for a truck to deliver a large piece of furniture to their residence (large couches, etc).

Furniture in the Home

As mentioned earlier, furniture in the home is not only useful, but can also set the style and tone of the living space. Interior decor experts suggest that a homeowner update their furniture every five to 10 years, and many homeowners do just that, so that their house can reflect their current lifestyle and tastes. Other items such as rugs, drapes, and lighting fixtures can also be updated to match the theme. This can also make a living space look and feel fresh, impressing guests who visit.

Furniture also defines a room’s entire purpose, and that is open to customization. For example, a cleaned out and renovated basement can have a couch, coffee table, and TV stand set up to make a home entertainment system. Or, an old bedroom can be converted into an arts and crafts room with a desk, storage units, and more. Finally, some furniture is designed for more cramped living spaces, helpful for college students or someone living in a small apartment. A good example is sofa beds, which can unfold to form a bed for one or two people if there is not room for a guest bedroom. A storage bed is a wooden frame bed with drawer units in its body, which eliminates the need for a standalone dresser unit in the bedroom.