5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Furniture

La-Z-Boy Southeast | September 9, 2025

Shopping for furniture can feel overwhelming with endless options, styles, and price points to consider. At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we’ve helped countless customers navigate these decisions, and we understand the importance of making informed choices that you’ll love for years to come.

Whether you’re furnishing your first home or updating your current space, these five key considerations will help you shop smarter and find furniture that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget.

1. Discover Your Personal Style

Understanding your design aesthetic is the foundation of successful furniture shopping. Your personal style will guide you toward the right stores, collections, and pieces that truly reflect who you are.

Most furniture retailers specialize in specific style categories like modern, contemporary, or traditional. However, La-Z-Boy Furniture offers the versatility to work with various design approaches. Take our Collins Sofa, for example—it seamlessly adapts to coastal, rustic, or bohemian interiors depending on how you style it.

Not sure about your style? Take our Spirit Sofa Quiz to discover your perfect sofa personality, or schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our degreed interior designers who can help identify your preferences and create a cohesive look.

2. Consider How You’ll Actually Use Your Furniture

Think beyond aesthetics and focus on functionality. The way you live in your space should drive your furniture decisions.

Ask yourself these important questions:

How many people will regularly use this room?
Are you furnishing a permanent home or a temporary space?
Do you have pets that will share the furniture?
Would you benefit from stationary seating or reclining options?

Your answers will help determine everything from the number of seats you need to the type of configuration that works best. For temporary living situations, consider modular sectionals that move easily. If you have furry family members, explore pet-friendly fabrics that resist claws and simplify cleaning.

3. Think Long-Term: How Long Will You Keep This Furniture?

Your timeline significantly impacts your investment strategy. If you’re looking for furniture that will serve you for decades, prioritizing quality construction and durable materials becomes essential.

La-Z-Boy has built a reputation for creating furniture that lasts generations. We regularly hear from customers who still cherish La-Z-Boy recliners that have been family favorites for over 40 years. This longevity comes from our commitment to craftsmanship—thousands of skilled artisans across North America cut, sew, and handcraft millions of pieces annually.

While overseas or lower-quality alternatives might offer attractive initial pricing, they often lack the durability to provide long-term value.

La-Z-Boy Recliner Before Buying Furniture Construction Frame Quality

4. Choose Between Leather and Fabric Wisely

Material selection dramatically influences both the look and cost of your furniture. At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we offer over 900 different leather and fabric options, giving you incredible flexibility to customize your pieces.

Leather furniture delivers exceptional durability and develops a beautiful patina over time, though it typically comes with higher material costs. Many customers find the perfect balance by choosing fabric for larger pieces like sectionals and sofas, then selecting premium leather for accent chairs or recliners. This approach brings luxury touches to your room while maintaining budget flexibility.

5. Set and Stick to Your Budget

Establishing a realistic price range before you shop prevents overspending and helps focus your choices. If you’re unsure where to start, consider researching costs for specific items you’re considering.

Remember that different retailers operate at various price points—Ethan Allen, Ashley Home Store, and La-Z-Boy each serve different market segments. Don’t forget to factor in delivery costs when calculating your total investment.

Pro tip: Share your budget openly with your design consultant. They can guide you toward options that maximize value within your price range and help you prioritize spending on the pieces that matter most.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some articles that will help you set your price range:

Check Out These Additional Resources

Keeping these five things in mind before buying furniture will help you find the perfect items for your home.

At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, our design consultants are available to answer questions and guide you along the way.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

We’d be happy to help you bring your dreams to life at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.