Woodworker

Buying furniture can be a major household expense, so it pays to be aware of some of the pitfalls, says interior designer Sarah Richardson.

• Avoid giant rolled arms on sofas. You may love how the oversized arm chair or sofa looks in the big showroom, but it may not work in your compact home. “Some rolled arms can be 10 inches wide, which accounts for 20 inches of your sofa.,” she says. “Maximize the seat space and minimize the arm.”

• Don’t get taken in by the fabric colour alone. Furniture that stands the test of time will have an interesting shape and details that keep your eye interested.

• Check the quality. “Squeeze the arm of the sofa or chair and if you can feel sharp edges of wood underneath, imagine how quickly it’ll wear at home,” she says.

• Avoid sofas with semi-attached cushions. Updating your space by using occasional pillows and a throw is easy enough, so avoid couches that don’t allow it. “I prefer a tight back because I like decorative cushions,” she explains. “If you have a tailored, tight back, you can add a feather or down pillow in a beautiful fabric.”

• Consider buying vintage. “You should be a curator of your life in what you use to decorate your home,” she says, and vintage furniture or accessories can add that flair. Just beware: only choose pieces that are in good shape and don’t wobble. “Keep your eye on the final cost. Try not to spend too much if it also needs a bit of fixing up. It’s not a deal if it ends up costing you more than a new piece,” she adds.