Buying designer furniture guide, B&B Italia sofa, Home interior design style

Buying Designer Furniture: Things to Consider

28 June 2024

Purchasing design items is an exciting yet daunting task. Designer products are known for their unique aesthetics, high-quality materials, and the prestige they bring to a home. However, they also come with a higher price tag and require more consideration than regular furniture.

Whether you’re already familiar with Porada, Ligne Roset, B&B Italia furniture or not, before making such an investment on design products, you should always know what you’re getting. It may be useful to note whether the brand is historic and established or younger and underground, whether it is a product with recognized value over time or cutting-edge and innovative furniture. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to consider before buying designer furniture.

Determine your Focus: What are you Looking for?

The first step in purchasing design furniture is understanding what type of piece you want to invest on. This will help narrow down your options and make the selection process more manageable. Ask yourself these questions:

Are you searching for an entry-level product as your first designer purchase or are you willing to go big or go home?
Would you rather spend for more practical items like a kitchen or for a statement piece like a sofa?

Are you looking just for a single product or are you planning to redesign an entire interior?

Define your Budget: Set a Price Range

It goes without saying that budget is a determining factor in understanding what kind of design product one can afford: from a lamp to an entire bedroom, luxury brands in interior design cater for the most varied needs. Remember, while it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in quality pieces can save you money in the long run as they tend to be more durable. Design furniture can range from relatively affordable to extremely high-end, so it’s important to set a budget that aligns with your financial situation. Here’s how to approach it:

Determine your spending limit: Decide on a maximum amount you’re willing to spend. This will help prevent overspending and allow you to focus on options within your price range.
Prioritize pieces: If you’re furnishing an entire room, identify which items are most important to you and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those pieces.
Look for sales and discounts: High-quality design furniture often comes with a hefty price tag, but keeping an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions can help you save money.

Study the Design Market

The world of design furniture is vast and varied, with countless designers and brands each offering unique styles. Before spending on a high-level product, you should be sure about it and find pieces that resonate with you. That is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the market. Here’s how:

Research designers and brands: Look into designers whose work you admire. Learn about their design philosophy, work approach, signature styles, and the types of materials they use.
Visit showrooms and exhibitions: If possible, visit furniture showrooms and design exhibitions. Seeing pieces in person can give you a better sense of their quality and style.
Read reviews and testimonials: Customer reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the durability and practicality of the furniture.

Additionally:, consider “to the trade furniture” which includes high-quality, unique pieces often accessible only to professional designers, ensuring exceptional options for your space.

Explore the Catalogues

Luxury design brands, unlike fast furniture brands, offer unparalleled customisation. It is therefore important to be familiar with the catalogues and the infinite possible choices: materials, colours, finishes, elements that can be combined to suit the personal taste. The personality and creativity of customer are promoted by the producer brands themselves. Here are some aspects to consider:

Types of materials: Familiarize yourself with the different types of wood, metals, fabrics, and plastics used in furniture design. For example, solid wood is often more durable than particle board, and high-quality leather can age beautifully.
Mechanisms and construction: Pay attention to the construction of the furniture. Well-made design pieces often feature sturdy joints, smooth mechanisms for moving parts, and attention to detail in the finish.
Palette and finishes: Consider the color palette and finishes that will work best in your space. Designer products often features unusual shades and never-seen-before patterns.

Design Icons vs. Design Novelties

When choosing design furniture, you might find yourself torn between historical pieces and modern designs. Both have their own unique appeal and potential drawbacks. Consider what speaks to you more: the rich history and craftsmanship of classic pieces or the sleek, innovative designs of modern furniture. Each has its place, and your choice will reflect how you want to experience your living space.

Historical pieces: Often considered classic and unforgettable, historical design furniture can add a sense of heritage and sophistication to your space. However, these pieces might be even more expensive and harder to find in perfect condition. Owning such pieces shows that you have mastered design studies and that you have artistic knowledge.
Modern designs: Modern pieces can offer advanced features, contemporary aesthetics, and often come with more affordable price tags. They can be easier to match with current trends but might not have the same lasting appeal as historical designs. They are a sign that you are up to date with the current design market, that you have an eye for the designers of tomorrow.

Purchasing design furniture is an exciting opportunity to express your style and enhance your home. By focusing on what you need, setting a realistic budget, understanding the market and knowing the quality of products, you can make informed decisions that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

If you’re ready to explore a curated selection of design furniture, consider visiting a showroom, like the Tomassini Arredamenti showroom in Italy, or visiting an online platform like Tomassini.com. With over 5,000 products from the most renowned high-end furniture brands, they offer worlwide shipping and international customer service.

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