Whether you’re looking for a new sofa or dining table, shopping for furniture can be overwhelming. Between the countless styles, size considerations, color variations, and materials, making a decision—never mind making the right decision—can feel daunting.
Since designers are pros at shopping for furniture, we tapped Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs, for her tried-and-true shopping tips. Ahead, the Nashville-based designer shares what to look for in a piece of furniture, what to avoid, and how to evaluate an item to see if it’s right for your space.
Consider the size and scale
According to the designer, there are several very important factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a purchase. “First and foremost, is this piece the right scale and size for the space you are looking to fill,” Mathews LeRoy says. If you buy a piece of furniture that’s too big, you run the risk of it not making it through the door, blocking walkways, or not even fitting inside the room. On the other hand, if you purchase something that’s way too small, it will get lost in the space, be awkward to use, and potentially lead you to clutter the space with other small pieces to make up for the empty space.
Getting the size right is crucial not just for practical reasons, but for visual balance, too. If a piece of furniture is not in proportion with the size of the room and other furnishings, it will throw off the entire space. To avoid purchasing something that’s either oversized or undersized, the designer highlights the importance of measuring—at home and in store if you’re shopping in person. “I always recommend measuring the space before you go shopping and carrying a tape measure with you to confirm the piece meets the required dimensions,” Mathews LeRoy says.
Think about function
Second, consider the furniture’s function. The designer recommends asking yourself the following question: Does this piece function as I need it to? “If it's a chair, is it comfortable to sit in?” Mathews LeRoy notes. And, if the chair needs to pull up to a desk or a dining table, is it the right height? Think about where the piece will go and how it will be used. There is a significant difference between what’s required of an occasional chair that sits in the corner of the guest room and is barely ever sat in, and a dining room chair that’s used on a daily basis. Shop accordingly and take function into account.
Take materials into account
Considering the furniture’s function will determine the type of materials you want to look for. For example, if you are shopping for seating for an eat-in kitchen that gets a lot of use—and frequently sees pasta sauce splatter—look for performance fabrics that are easy to keep clean and resist stains. Similarly, if you are looking to invest in a piece of furniture to use for decades to come, quality materials and construction should be a high priority.
What to Check Before Buying Vintage Furniture
Vintage furniture has seen a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years. While you should keep the above three considerations in mind when purchasing new and vintage pieces, Mathews LeRoy, who is an expert on vintage and antiques, says there are additional things to check before buying vintage furniture. “I recommend taking the time to fully examine a piece to make sure there are no significant cracks and that any knobs and pulls match,” she says.
✔️ Does the piece need to be refinished?
Inspect a vintage piece of furniture to see if it will need to be refinished. “If so, have you factored in these added expenses to the overall purchase price?” Mathews LeRoy asks.
✔️ Can you see signs of past repairs?
Next, check if the piece shows evidence of past repairs. “Sometimes past repairs can diminish the overall sturdiness and integrity of the piece,” the designer shares.
✔️ Open doors and drawers
“When buying vintage, I can't stress enough the importance of opening every drawer to make sure it glides easily,” Mathews LeRoy states. She advises that you check whether drawers have all of the runners and if all the drawer hardware—knobs, pulls, escutcheons—is on the piece. If not, chances are you will you have to source replacements.
✔️ Examine the condition
Unlike brand new furniture, vintage pieces don’t necessarily come in pristine condition, which means careful inspection is essential. For example, if you’re looking at something with a marble top, Mathews LeRoy recommends checking for any cracks. “Cracks can decrease the value of a piece, so that is worth considering before making a purchase,” she says.
Similarly, she advises examining all the legs on any chairs or tables. “Sometimes these pieces have had the legs cut off due to flooding, which can also devalue a piece,” the designer shares. The finish matters, too. Mathews LeRoy always checks if the finish is consistent on any wood pieces she is considering. “Sometimes pieces get bleached out on one side because they have lived near a window, which might necessitate refinishing—it just depends on how perfect you want the piece to be,” she says.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
