It’s easy to make mistakes when buying furniture. We can avoid many mistakes that cost us money and peace of mind with some planning and better self-control (we know it’s hard). Impulsive buying is something many of us are prone to. No surprise there. Maybe the furniture is similar to what your friend/ relative has. Perhaps the price/ discount is too good to resist.

Ask yourself the following questions when you feel the impulse to buy:

• • • Do you really like the piece of furniture or is it the price that’s more attractive?
    • Why do you want to buy something similar to another person?
    • What will you do if the furniture doesn’t suit your home?
    • What will you do when you realize that you don’t like it anymore?
    • Can you afford to make a wrong purchase?

2. Not Paying Attention to Your Lifestyle

The internet and housekeeping magazines sure inspire us when buying furniture. However, not many realize (until it’s too late) that the pictures posted are a result of a meticulous photoshoot. Everything is planned to create the right effect, from lighting to colour contrast to the setting. Does it match your lifestyle in Denver? Consider your lifestyle and region before buying furniture.

Tips to remember when choosing furniture:

• • • You’ve got to live with your furniture. Pick what looks good in your home.
    • Consider kids, pets, and seniors when buying furniture.
    • Dainty items can’t survive heavy usage no matter how cute they look.
    • There’s no point in buying high-end furniture every year (unless you have more than enough money for it).
    • Appearance, cost, and durability matter. Find a balance between all three.

3. Going for a Completely Matching Set

A golden rule in buying furniture is to look for variety in color, shapes, and sizes. A completely matching set seems terrific, but not when you have to look at it every day. Colors play a vital role in setting the mood of the room. Have enough variety that you can rearrange the room to change the mood anytime you want.

• • • Don’t do the following when buying furniture:
    • Buy all items for the room at once
    • Get everything in matching colors and shades
    • Pick designs based on the latest fads (it’s called fad for a reason)
    • Give more importance to appearance than comfort or vice versa
    • Ignore that your home needs character (something that reflects who you are)

A home that oozes character will be more inviting than a house that’s a copy of the latest fad.

4. Painting the Room First and Buying Furniture Later 

Did you already decide on the wall paint? Stop right there and don’t buy the cans of paint. Painting the walls first will limit your choices for furniture. What if you love an ornate little piece but can’t buy it because the color will clash with your wall paint? Ouch!

• • • Colors will look different in different settings, be it a computer screen, white light, or natural light.
    • There are too many shades of the same color, and no, you can substitute one for another.
    • Anything extreme (too bland, bright, or dark) is not suitable for your home.

Once you buy the furniture, you’ll have a better idea about what to do with the bare walls. Do you want to paint it? Will wallpaper look better? Maybe textures can enhance the beauty of your furniture.

5. Not Considering the Maintenance Cost and Requirements

Furniture needs maintenance. Luckily, some require less maintenance and last for a long time. Some need more care but still last long. A few other items need more maintenance and have a shorter life span. Which kind of furniture do you want to buy? Choosing the last option wouldn’t be wise, right?

Tips for maintaining furniture:

• • • Follow the seller’s instructions.
    • Hire professional cleaners.
    • Don’t use harsh chemicals.
    • Vacuum regularly.
    • Use only soft cloth or brushes.
    • Don’t leave the furniture in direct sunlight.

Maintenance depends on your lifestyle, your geographical location, and financial restrictions. What worked in New York may not work in Denver. Buying a pale cream chenille or velvet sofa when you have toddlers/ pets is a bad idea. The total maintenance cost should not be more than the furniture price.

6. Relying on the Staff or Others to Make Decision for You

How many times did we buy something because someone suggested it? Getting influenced by another’s choice is something you should vehemently avoid when purchasing furniture. It’s your home, and you (and your family) have to live there.

At the same time, not asking for more information is also wrong. If you are not sure about a piece of furniture, go ahead and ask others. But choose the one you love and fit your budget.

• • • Don’t take your entire family of friends’ gang to the furniture store.
    • Don’t ask the staff to take a pick between two or more choices.
    • Don’t argue with others in the furniture store. Leave and go back later to make your decision.
    • Don’t buy something based on someone’s experience.

The post Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Furniture first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring its longevity. Dusting and cleaning are essential, but they’re not the only things you need to do. In this blog post, we’ll go over the seven most important tips for keeping your furniture in excellent condition. Let’s dive into the topic!

1. Keep Furniture Away From Direct Sunlight

It is crucial to keep your furniture away from direct sunlight because the sun can fade the color of the furniture. Also, it can make the furniture very hot. You may also want to think about using curtains or blinds to keep the sunlight from hitting the furniture directly. After all, Denver has seen more than 45 days of 90-degrees or higher in 2021.

One popular method to protect furniture from sunlight is to use a furniture cover. This will protect the furniture’s surface from UV rays and keep it looking new. Additionally, one can use window treatments to help keep the sun from shining directly on the furniture. Placing a sunshade over the furniture will also keep the sunlight from directly hitting it.

Tip: Consider investing in furniture having paint that blocks UV rays

2. Protect Furniture from Spills & Dirt Using Protective Cover

To protect furniture from spills and dirt, it is important to use a protective covering. One can do this by using a cloth or blanket, which will help absorb any liquid that may spill and help keep the dirt from getting on the furniture.

Another way is to use a tablecloth or placemats. This will help catch any spills before they reach the furniture. Consider using a coaster for drinks. This will keep moisture from damaging the furniture.

One can also place a slipcover over furniture to protect it from dirt and dust. You can also use furniture polish beneath protective covers to protect wood surfaces and make them super-resistant to spills and dirt. Protective covers also safeguard the furniture from scratches, dings, and other damage that may occur over time.

3. Polish Wood Furniture with a Homemade Mixture of Olive Oil and Vinegar

Polishing furniture with a homemade mixture of olive oil and vinegar is a simple way to achieve a beautiful shine. You can complete the process in a few easy steps.

The olive oil will nourish the wood, while the vinegar will help remove any built-up dirt or residue.

• • • Simply mix an equal part of olive oil and vinegar in a bowl.
    • Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and rub it onto the furniture in a circular motion.
    • Let the polish dry completely before buffing it with another soft cloth.

4. Use Trivets

If you have ever had a hot dish or pot fall off your stove and onto your counter, you know the importance of using a trivet. A trivet is a household item most often used to protect furniture from hot dishes.

They come in different shapes and sizes and can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or cork. You can also use trivets to protect countertops and other surfaces from heat and moisture. Some have built-in holders for hot pots and pans.

Trivets have been used for centuries to protect furniture from hot dishes. You can also use them to protect furniture such as tables, tabletops, desks, and countertops.

5. Clean with Baking Soda and Warm Water

Using baking soda and warm water to clean furniture is a time-honored tradition. The warm water helps loosen any dirt or debris, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub it away.

Here is a step-by-step guide on cleaning furniture using baking soda and warm water.

• • • First, gather some baking soda and warm water.
    • Mix the two to form a paste.
    • Next, use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the furniture.
    • Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

Pro Tip: Test this mixture on an inconspicuous area of the furniture first, as some finishes may be sensitive to the chemicals in the soda.

6. Invest in a Wood Polish

It is important to invest in a good wood polish to ensure furniture’s longevity. A good polish will help protect the surface of the wood and keep it looking new. In addition, it can help to disguise small scratches and nicks in the finish. There are many different brands and types of wood polish available in Denver woodworking supply stores, so it is important to do some research before selecting one.

Some might be tempted to skip this step, thinking that the wood is already polished and shiny. Do not be one of them.

7. Buy Pet-friendly Furniture

Couches are a favorite spot for both cats and dogs, and they can quickly become stained and ruined if not protected. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be damaging to the furniture.

Pet owners can do a few things to protect their furniture from pet hair and claws. First, consider buying pet-friendly furniture. There are many types of furniture specifically designed to resist pet damage. If you already have furniture that is not pet-friendly, cover the furniture with a slipcover. Another option is to train the pet not to jump on the couch.

The post Clean & Protect Your Furniture like a Pro first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This article will give you reasons why you should choose the latter.

What is a Department Store?

The large retail stores where different household /lifestyle items are sold are department stores. They are called ‘department’ stores because they sell items in various departments within the same building.

There are separate departments for handbags, kitchen appliances, kids’ wear, women’s apparel, etc.

Some famous department store brands can have their own line of products as well. Examples include the likes of Macy’s, Kohl’s, John Lewis, Zalando, and Otto.

Depending on the brands, they may or may not have a section for furniture. Department stores are popular for a reason. To summarize the reason for their popularity in one word, it’s – convenience. Why go somewhere else if you can get everything in one place?

Isn’t it? Not really.

When buying furniture, you are better off visiting a furniture store than a regular department store.

Here’s why:

Disadvantages of Buying Furniture from a Department Store

Department stores prevent you from hopping from one shop to another. But they do not offer unique, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Even though they sell an impressive range of products, they provide limited variety if you niche down to the furniture.

1. Lackluster Customer Service

Step foot into a department store in Denver, and you’ll find a large number of employees serving customers in different categories.

Due to a massive selection of product categories, it’s impossible to provide a personal touch in customer service. The retail industry, in general, has a high employee turnover at 60% in the United States.

There are various reasons behind it, including:

• • • Little to no promotion opportunities
    • General disconnect with the vision of the department store brand
    • Peripatetic nature of the job; most employees view it as a temp job
    • Poor onboarding and longer shifts
    • Low pay (the average salary of a retail sales associate is $13.85 per hour in the US) to cut the cost of operations

All these factors contribute to lackluster customer service and a lack of motivation. The staff does not have the expertise to help you pick the right furniture piece that will suit your style.

2. Insufficient Variety

While department stores sell several product categories, you have limited options if you pick one type, i.e., furniture. People who want a unique furniture collection won’t find it in a department store.

A one-stop solution is not what they desire. They prefer hand-picked home furnishings that have a history behind them. Such variety is impossible to find in a department store. They feature mass-produced home furnishings.

Benefits of Buying from a Furniture Store

Most people aren’t hunting for home furnishings and lifestyle/household items on a single shopping trip. It makes sense to schedule a dedicated furniture store visit to find a piece you will cherish for years to come.

The advantages of purchasing from a furniture store as opposed to a department store are:

1. Personalized Customer Service

Unlike a department store, furniture store employees care about your personal preferences. They give you undivided attention.

Since a furniture store offers a single category of products, employees here have the chance to gain expertise. So, knowledgeable staff can assist you better than a department store employee.

2. Unique Home Furnishings

If you buy furniture from a department store, you’ll find cookie-cutter, mass-produced pieces. But if you want distinctive furniture, visiting a store like Rare Finds Warehouse in Denver is the way to go!

You’ll find seating, furniture, and tables hand-picked from Asia, North America, and Africa.

At Rare Finds Warehouse, you can buy:

• • • vintage furniture
    • antique furniture
    • architectural salvage
    • one-of-a-kind items sources from Egypt, India, Thailand, and the United States.

There is no dearth of variety at Rare Finds Warehouse!

3. Customized Furniture Pieces

Imagine being a restaurant owner. For any restaurant (or bar), the ambiance is everything. The kind of furniture you select decides the vibe of the space. If you pick cookie-cutter furniture, your restaurant won’t set itself apart from competitors.

Thus, it would help if you had custom-built dinner tables, chairs, and other seating. Rare Finds Warehouse offers custom-built furniture. You can select the height of the tables, base, top, feature iron, wood, or steel as per your preference.

Moreover, trained professionals will help you make the right decision. Professionals at a department store can offer general guidance. But they cannot answer specific questions that need an in-depth understanding of design.

Key Takeaways

Here’s why you should pick a furniture store over a department store:

• • • Get reclaimed home furnishings
    • Buy unique pieces that aren’t mass-produced
    • Enjoy personalized customer service
    • Get custom-build furniture tailored to your preferences

The post What Do You Think of Purchasing Furniture from a Department Store Vs. a Furniture Store? first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

These vintage lockers are perfect for employees or your kids.  Organize and compartmentalize each person’s stuff.  Industrial 6-door cabinet. For other cabinets check out this page.

Military Green Vintage Lockers

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This stump table features an hourglass shape.  Made from an acacia tree trunk.  Perfect as a lamp stand or for a piece of art or a vase or as a stool.

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This round mirror features a 3D frame.  The octagonal shape adds elegance to any space.   Perfect in a bathroom or mancave, hallway or entrance.

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This pair of wood doors features metal accents throughout.  Has an antiqued rustic finish.  Perfect as a room divider or wall art.

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This wood bench features slatted wood and a plain rustic finish.  It’s perfect for the entrance, patio or mudroom.  Adds beautiful old world charm to any space.

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Add stylish charm to your room with this basket.  Perfect in any space.  Great for decorative displays.  The stand is made from parts of an ox cart.

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Hang this mirror anywhere to add rugged sea faring charm.  Made from large caliber twine.  Instantly add mariner appeal to your wall.

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This camel brown leather side chair has a modern flair.  It features a barreled back with a black metal frame.  Perfect for your dining room or living room.

The post Console Table Carved Wood Console Table first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This camel brown leather side chair has a modern flair.  It features a barreled back with a black metal frame.  Perfect for your dining room or living room.

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This bench features a blue metal frame with wood seat.  It’s perfect for the entrance or the patio.   Add a classic vintage look with this bench.

The post Bench Vintage Blue Bench with Metal Base first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This chest of drawers features 6 drawers and 2 doors.  The mix of colored wood gives it a unique farmhouse rustic vibe.  Great in any room.

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This chair has a traditional flair.  It features a solid back and wood grain.  Perfect as a side chair or an occasional chair.

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This wood bench is hefty and features a back with metal rivets.  It’s perfect for the entrance, patio or mudroom.  Includes 1 center door for storage under the bench.

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This wood bench features dark wood with gold metal accents throughout.  It’s perfect for the entrance, patio, or living room.  Adds beautiful old-world charm to any space.

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This bench features a rustic old world appeal.  A hefty bench made from repurposed planks.  The dark color gives it a unique charm.

The post Bench Dark Reclaimed Planks Bench first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This sideboard cabinet is modern and large.  It has 4 wood doors with a chevron pattern across the front.  Perfect in the living room or dining room.

The post Sideboard Black Chevron Cabinet Sideboard first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This serene sitting Buddha is great!  Sitting on a lotus this Buddha has a bluish hue.  A very regal and peaceful presence for your space.

The post Statue Large Sitting Buddha Statue first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

Hang this mirror anywhere to add beauty and natural charm.  The frame features reclaimed carved pieces of wood.  Perfect in a bedroom or the living room.

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This classic old trunk features old world charm.  Narrow and tall, it’s useful as a console table.  There are metal accents throughout.

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This elephant is majestic!  Add sophistication and color to your room.  An upward trunk means good luck.

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Hang this mirror anywhere to add modern rustic charm.  The frame features shapely appeal.  Bring the natural world into your space.

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This console has old world charm.  Carved doors give it a cathedral flair and make it unique.  Perfect in an entry or the dining room.

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This wood bench has a unique style and is for two people.  The reclaimed wood bench features a seat and a back.  It’s perfect for the entrance or the bedroom.  Adds beautiful rustic charm to any space.

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This side table features a thick gray wooden top.  The contrasting base is a heavy rust cast iron.  Perfect as an occasional table.

The post End Table Grey Wood Chunk Top Iron Base Side Table first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

This sideboard cabinet has a rustic farmhouse flair.  There are 4 doors and 4 drawers.   Reclaimed wood adds color and uniqueness.  Perfect in the living room or dining room.

The post Sideboard Shutters and Drawers Cabinet Sideboard first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.

Hang this mirror anywhere to add a touch of elegance.  The gold color is soft and muted.  Perfect for the entrance, hallway or bathroom.

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This lamp features a modern look.  The frosted circles give this lamp an artsy appeal.  Perfect on a table or desk.  Great in any room.

The post Lamp Artsy Blue Glass Table Lamp first appeared on Rare Finds Warehouse.