Furnishing a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Every choice feels significant, from selecting the right pieces for your bedroom to ensuring your living room furnishings match your personal style and space. For first-time Canadian homeowners, factors like climate, quality, and sustainability add another layer of consideration.
If you are a new homeowner in Canada and you are buying furnishings, follow these steps:
- Set a furnishing budget.
- Make sure you have essential, must-have furniture.
- Purchase pieces that are made for life in Canada.
- Plan your layout with interior design tips.
- Consider new furnishings before opting for second-hand pieces.
With a careful plan for purchasing furnishings, you can make sure you have the right pieces for your home and your needs.
Setting a Furniture Budget
On average, new homeowners typically spend about 10–20% of their home’s value on furniture. While this can vary depending on personal preferences and needs, it’s good to determine your limits upfront to avoid overspending.
A smart approach is dividing your budget by room. Start with your most-used spaces, like the living room and bedroom, and allocate more to those areas before picking pieces for smaller areas of your home. Often, the most important rooms to furnish in any home are the bedrooms, kitchen, and dining room.
Must-Have Furniture for a New Home
The key pieces of furniture you should start with include:
- Beds for every bedroom
- Dining room table and chairs
- Sofa and chairs for the living room
Additional pieces you may want include:
- Dressers and nightstands for the bedrooms
- TV units and entertainment units
- Coffee table
- Sideboard cabinets and buffets for dining room storage
- Bookcases and shelves
- Desks and office chairs
- Ottomans
Invest in Long-Lasting, High-Quality Pieces
When you buy better, you buy less often. This is not just good for your wallet long-term—it’s also an environmentally friendly choice.
Furniture made from solid wood or other high-quality materials might come with a higher upfront cost, but it lasts longer and maintains its look through wear and tear. Canadian brands like Birchwood Furniture, Sahara Furniture, and Handstone Furniture specialize in crafting timeless, solid wood furniture built to withstand years of use.
Locally Made Furniture for Canada’s Climate
When buying furniture, consider locally made options suited for Canada’s unique climate. Canadian-made furniture often uses sustainable materials designed to endure varying temperatures and humidity levels.
In addition to sustainability, locally made furniture can also adapt to Canada’s climate. For instance, wooden pieces can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity levels without warping or cracking.
Moreover, Canadian-made furniture is often customizable, catering to your unique style and preferences. Many manufacturers allow customers to choose the type of wood used in their furniture as well as the colour, finish, and other design elements. This gives you the opportunity to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece for your home while supporting local businesses.
Space Planning & Interior Design Tips
Arranging Furniture for Optimal Functionality
Designing your layout is about both form and function. Here are some tips to make your spaces work seamlessly:
- Living room: Arrange furniture to encourage conversation. Placing your sofa and chairs around a central coffee table creates an inviting hub.
- Bedroom: Position your bed as the focal point. Then, add functional pieces like nightstands and a dresser.
- Dining room: Consider the room’s dimensions to ensure your dining table fits comfortably with enough space to move around it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Furnishing a Home
- Skipping measurements: Always measure your space and furniture dimensions to avoid delivery-day surprises.
- Overloading a room: Avoid filling every corner of your home right away. Allow your style to evolve organically as you settle in.
- Ignoring balance: Mix large and small furniture items to create visual harmony within each room.
Why Buy New Furniture Instead of Second-Hand
Many new homeowners opt for second-hand furniture to save money. While it can seem tempting, there are key factors to weigh before going this route.
Pros of Buying Second-Hand Furniture
- Can be more affordable than new pieces
- May have vintage appeal
- Often ready for immediate use
Cons of Buying Second-Hand Furniture
- Lack of assurance in quality or durability
- Could carry allergens, pests, or odours
- No warranty or return options
The Value in New Solid Wood Furniture
- Built to last, reducing replacement costs
- Tailored to your style and space
- Backed by warranties and customer service
- Sustainably produced
Furnish Your Dream Home with Confidence
Furnishing your new home is an opportunity to express your personal style and invest in your comfort. Start by setting a budget, focusing on quality essentials, and exploring the benefits of locally made pieces designed for Canadian homes.
At Birchwood Furniture, each piece is lovingly crafted with solid wood and attention to detail, helping you build a home you will love for years to come. Browse our catalogue or visit our Calgary showroom to experience the difference.
