10 tips for buying furniture

1. Determining the space requirements

Before buying furniture, the available space should be carefully measured. You can add a little leeway, because furniture looks particularly good when it is not too "squeezed" into the room. It is even better if you have a floor plan of the room - this is ideal for planning your furniture purchase.

2. Obtaining important information

For quality-conscious consumers, the Internet and many manufacturers offer comprehensive information on buying furniture. Particularly recommended are the Stiftung Warentest guide "Buying furniture - recognising quality" and the website www.dgm-moebel.de.

3. Comprehensive advice

If you are planning to buy furniture, you should get extensive information from trained advisers in specialist shops. Questions formulated in advance and consideration of the financial resources available make the consultation a pleasant affair.

4. Buying furniture in harmony with your living situation

When buying furniture, the future use should be in the foreground - in addition to your own taste. Is it a single household, a young family or do senior citizens live in the house? Should the furniture have a representative character or serve primarily for relaxation?

Do dogs or cats live in the house? Are further moves planned or will the use change in the near future? These questions should be answered in advance - then buying furniture will be a pure pleasure.

5. Try out to your heart's content

Furniture in a furniture store is not just for looking at. In most cases, you can also try out the new piece of furniture. Sit on the sofa, open the cupboard and feel the different surfaces: There is no substitute for the individual impression. Only through extensive testing will you find the furniture that perfectly suits you and your own four walls.

6. Buy quality-consciously

If you buy quality furniture, you will enjoy it much longer. Often the bargain turns out to be a penny grave and this often results in a quick new purchase. In its guidebook "Buying furniture - recognising quality", Stiftung Warentest recommends, among other things, the "Blue Angel" eco-label and the RAL "Golden M" quality mark of the German Furniture Quality Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel).

7. The RAL "Golden M" quality mark is a valuable aid to decision-making

If you want to buy a high-quality piece of furniture that not only looks good but also lasts for many years, you should always look for the "Golden M" quality mark of the German Furniture Quality Association when making a purchase. The "Golden M" is the only officially recognised quality mark for furniture in Germany and the strictest proof of the safety and health compatibility of furniture in Europe. Then you will be spared disappointments and even years after buying furniture you will still have the good feeling that you have done everything right.

8. Selecting the right materials

The choice of materials is decisive for the longevity of the furniture. If children or pets are "on board", the resulting increased urge to play should be taken into account with particularly resistant and durable materials. Surfaces that are easy to clean also ensure a better quality of life and living. As a general rule, it is better to spend a little more money and buy good quality. 9.

9. Select colours that match the surroundings

When choosing colours, the surroundings of the furniture should be taken into account. For example, you can take a photo of the room to be furnished to the furniture dealer or ask for a colour sample to take home. This will make it easier to choose the right colour.

10. Cleaning and care prolong the life of furniture

Furniture should be cleaned and cared for regularly, just like your car or your home cinema system. The better the care, the longer you can enjoy it. The care instructions enclosed with the furniture or the well-trained experts in the specialised trade will help you choose the right cleaning and care products.

Go back

The guidebook of the Federal Environment Agency - download now as an e-book for free!

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