Furnishing a living room requires careful planning. Because this space typically serves as a central gathering area, thoughtful choices are important. Below are common pitfalls to avoid and practical steps for selecting pieces that align with your space and daily routine.
Avoid Common Furniture-Buying Mistakes
Besides going over budget and limiting your options to matching sets, the most common mistakes to keep in mind before you buy some living room furniture are:
- Buying furniture that doesn’t fit your space.
- Favoring looks over practicality.
- Not testing the comfort and functionality.
- Falling for passing trends.
- Opting for cheaply made pieces.
Choose Pieces That Fit Your Style, Comfort, and Lifestyle
If we were to give you one piece of advice, it’d be this: Invest in quality pieces that last long, suit your lifestyle, and reflect your personal style.
That said, we know this is easier said than done, so here are some step-by-step tips.
1. Measure Your Space First
Accurate measurements are essential before committing to any furniture.
Plan for Layout, Entryways, and Room Flow
To avoid this mistake, you first need to know what we mean by “measure properly.” The fit of your furniture depends on:
- Existing, usable space in your living room, window placements included.
- Dimensions of the furniture you want.
- Traffic flow and room layout.
- Diagonal clearance of the narrowest doors and hallways that the piece has to take from your front door to its designated spot.
Of course, you can always check out our detailed measurement guide.
A roll of painter’s tape will also come in handy. Use it to mark down the furniture placement on the floor within the empty room. This way, you can visualize the flow and the amount of space you have left between pieces for traffic.
And remember that no matter how small your living room is, you can still buy sectional furniture that works within the space. You just need to focus your search efforts on compact, L-shaped models with a low-profile design.
Take, for instance, our modular Meyer Sectional that can be customized to fit small living spaces.
2. Balance Style With Daily Use
Furniture should reflect how you actually live, not just how you envision the space.
Choose Materials That Match Your Lifestyle Needs
When professional designers work with clients, their first step is usually to inquire about lifestyle and daily habits. You can mimic a consultation by asking yourself:
- How frequently will the space be used?
- Do you regularly host guests?
- Are there children or pets in your household?
For high-traffic households, specialty fabrics offer practical benefits without sacrificing comfort.
With iCleanTM technology, La-Z-Boy fabrics are designed to be spill repellent, exceptionally soft, and easy to clean. There are also pet-friendly fabrics that are scratch/abrasion tested.
3. Test Furniture Before Buying
While online shopping is convenient, it limits your ability to assess build quality, seat depth, and actual comfort firsthand. Whenever possible, visit a showroom to test seating before purchasing.
Feel free to visit your preferred La-Z-Boy store location to test out the sectionals and recliners before committing.
Comfort, Support, and Function Matter in Person
What to check in store:
- Is the backrest giving you enough support so you can get up easily?
- Does the seat depth work well for your leg length?
- Is the storage compartment in your multi-purpose furniture piece easy to access?
- Can you rearrange your modular furniture without struggling?
- Is your coffee table at the right height?
Remember that some people have more demanding needs that require ergonomic features, such as spinal support and lift assistance.
Buying a reclining armchair like our Neo Rocking Recliner’s full-motion design is a smart move for those experiencing lower back discomfort, for instance.
4. Choose Timeless Over Trendy
Whether you’re furnishing a new home or just renovating, it can be incredibly easy to get drawn into the curated interiors you see online. And it’s definitely okay to use them for inspiration.
But there’s a fine line between inspiration and blindly following trends, especially when we’re talking big-ticket items like a sofa set for living areas.
Invest in Styles That Last Beyond Short-Term Trends
The smart option here is to go classic. If you feel like the sofa or chair could go out of trend soon, it’s not the one.
Select foundational pieces in classic shapes and neutral tones, then introduce current trends through smaller, easily replaceable items like cushions, throws, rugs, and artwork. This keeps your space adaptable and visually cohesive over time.
5. Focus on Quality and Value
Well-built furniture often proves more economical over time. Look for solid wood or reinforced frames, secure joinery, and high-density cushioning that resists sagging. Avoid inexpensive composite materials for load-bearing pieces, as they tend to wear down quickly.
The Ferndale Reclining Chair is a good example of a purpose-built piece that both looks good and handles wear. It features high-grade foam cushions with fading-resistant fabrics.
Of course, buying high-quality pieces will only take you so far without proper maintenance. Once purchased, follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to maintain appearance and extend lifespan.
Shop With Confidence at La-Z-Boy Vancouver
Need help buying living room furniture you won’t regret? Visit La-Z-Boy today!
Expert Guidance to Help You Choose the Right Furniture
Selecting living room furniture involves balancing aesthetics, function, and durability. If you need help evaluating materials, planning layouts, or finding pieces that suit your lifestyle, La-Z-Boy Vancouver offers complimentary design consultations. Our specialists can help you make informed choices that align with your space and long-term needs.