Searching for leather furniture online can be a challenge. With so many choices (all of them two-dimensional), how can you efficiently browse the myriad of leather options on your screen and end up with a fine and comfortable leather addition to your home?
The key is to break your search down into doable parts. Here are seven simple steps that will help you find that heavenly sofa or chair you’ve been dreaming of.
Step #1: Define Your Style
Imagine your dream house. What do you see? Clean, simple lines, open spaces, lots of black and white? Frilly curtains, curved shapes, creamy ivories and blues? Natural elements such as weathered wood, tile, and stone? Exposed brick and metal beams?
The above exercise can get you started on defining your style. Familiarize yourself with home décor categories such as Traditional, Midcentury Modern, Bohemian, and Rustic. If you don’t have a favorite style, Transitional style will be your best bet. It’s an eclectic compromise between traditional and modern that lends a casual yet refined feeling to a room.
Step #2: Measure the Room
Measure your room, including windows and doorways, and draw these on graph paper. Then cut out colored paper representing the furniture you seek (such as sofas, sectionals, and recliners). Play with furniture arrangement on paper until you have an idea of what size piece you’ll need. You can even tape off an area on your rug to be sure your furniture will fit.
Step #3: Research Leather Types
Learn about the various types of leather used in furniture making. These types include pigmented, aniline, and semi-aniline, with differences in durability and markings.
Step #4: Decide on Colors
Determine whether you prefer light, medium, or dark leather. (It’s okay to have more than one color in a room, as long as there’s enough contrast among them.) Ask vendors for sample swatches to be mailed to you.
Step #5: Find a Vendor
If you have friends who’ve purchased furniture you admire, don’t be shy about asking them where they bought it. They’ll be flattered you asked. Also, keep in mind little and big perks such as whether or not the items are in stock, delivery schedules, and positive reviews.
Step #6: Filters
Once you’ve narrowed your search to specific styles, sizes, and colors, you’re almost ready to order. Go online and set up an account with your preferred vendor. Then start searching, using the magical power of filters so you’ll only have to view what you’re really interested in. Be prepared to expand your filters a bit; it helps to be flexible.
Step #7: Save Favorites
Finally, save items to your online favorites list or cart, or simply write down the item names, colors, and sizes. Take a break from your search now and then, and return to your list later, with fresh eyes.
The preparation above will be well worth it once your new furniture is delivered and you’re happy with your purchase.
