- Inspect the item thoroughly before purchasing. Look under it, on the sides, check all the drawers and shelves, and the legs (to include the feet). Ensure that all the hinges, latches, rollers all function properly. Make sure when you close it everything shuts properly and lines up as it should. Don’t forget about the handles and surface area.
- Whenever possible try to find what is called wood joinery, items that physically joined at the ends not nailed or glued together. These tend to be stronger and better made. They last longer and can handle more weight. Of course they can cost a bit more as well, but they often looked better as well.
- Sometimes people don’t think about their personal habits, or their actual lifestyle, when shopping for furniture. Are you a person who works outside a lot, or have jobs/hobbies that are dirty / greasy? If so perhaps white Corinthian leather isn’t the right choice for you. Also if you have a house full of kids or big dogs than you might think twice before getting that suede couch!
