Benefits of Using an Interior Designer for Furniture Buying
Furniture is one of those things we just don’t purchase very often. Most people will keep the same living room sofa, dining room set, home office desk, and so on, for many years. So the typical homeowner can be pretty inexperienced when it comes to furniture buying.
When you work with an interior designer, however, they can select furniture that fits perfectly with your space and personal needs and ensure that you get the best quality pieces at the best prices.
Let’s review an interior designer’s role in the furniture buying process, the benefits to homeowners, and how interior design professionals customize the furniture selection for each client.
What Role Does the Interior Designer Play in the Furniture Buying Process?
Interior designers play many valuable roles in sourcing, selecting, and buying home furnishings, ensuring that each piece aligns with the overall interior design vision and the functional needs of the space.
These are some of the key roles interior designers play in the process.
1. Client consultation and space assessment
Interior designers start by meeting with clients to understand their preferences, lifestyle, budget, and the specific needs for each space. They then assess the space, considering factors such as room size, layout, architectural features, and natural light.
2. Design concept and layout
Interior designers create a cohesive design concept that includes the style, color schemes, and overall aesthetics. They plan the furniture layout to optimize space usage and flow, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
3. Furniture sourcing
With their expertise in design principles and direct access to a wide range of suppliers to source and select furniture, interior designers can find furniture that fits the client’s design concept, functional needs, and budget. They are also highly knowledgeable about the quality, durability, and appropriateness of materials and construction, ensuring that all the furniture is suitable for its intended use.
4. Budget management
Interior designers help clients establish a realistic budget for home furnishings purchases and will prioritize spending on key pieces. This helps clients get the most for their money.
5. Sourcing and purchasing
Interior designers often have established, long-standing relationships with furniture vendors, including manufacturers, showrooms, and local artisans, which can lead to better prices and access to unique pieces that other consumers would not have. They also manage the ordering process, ensuring that all items are ordered correctly and delivered on time.
6. Installation and coordination
Interior designers manage all the logistics involved in furniture delivery and installation. They are on-site during delivery to supervise the installation process and to ensure that everything is placed properly and according to the design plan.
7. Styling and finishing touches
After all the furniture pieces are in place, the designer will add all the additional accessories—such as rugs, lighting, artwork, and other decorative items—to achieve the desired look and feel of the space. They will also make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the space meets the client’s expectations.
Overall, interior designers bring a combination of creativity, knowledge, and project management skills to the process of furniture buying, helping their clients create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer for Furniture Sourcing
An interior designer can help you find furniture customized for your space and needs while also saving you time and money. These are some of the benefits of using an interior designer to buy furniture:
Space planning expertise: Interior designers understand how furniture design and craftsmanship affect usage and can help you choose the pieces that best fit your floor plan.
Broader and better selections: Designers have access to a wider range of sizes, colors, and styles than you would find when shopping at regular retail stores. They can also source unique, high-quality, and sustainable materials.
Deep discounts: Designers have relationships with furniture vendors, so they get better pricing and can pass those savings on to you.
Special treatment: Vendors may offer designers special treatment, such as quicker delivery times and easier return options.
Time savings: Having your interior designer handle the entire furniture buying process saves you a lot of time vs. having to shop for furniture on your own.
Cost efficiency: Designers choose the best quality items, which means your furniture should last longer and save you money in the long run, as you will not need to replace it for years to come.
Where Do Interior Designers Source Furniture?
If you buy furniture on your own, you may shop at a store such as RH, Pottery Barn, or West Elm. At any of those places, you will be limited to what the retailer offers in terms of fabrics, sizing, and designs. On the other hand, interior designers can add value by choosing home furnishings customized to your style, unlike the retailers that offer designs for mass appeal.
If you’re wondering where interior designers source furniture, the answer is a variety of places. They leverage their home design industry expertise and connections to find pieces that suit their clients’ needs and vision.
Here are some sources an interior designer may use for furniture buying.
Trade-only showrooms
These are exclusive showrooms that cater specifically to design professionals. They offer a wide range of high-quality furniture and often have access to unique or custom pieces that are unavailable to the general public.
Furniture manufacturers and wholesalers
Interior designers often source furniture directly from manufacturers and wholesalers. These sources can include well-known brands as well as smaller, boutique brands. Working directly with these sources can allow for customization and ensure quality control.
Custom furniture makers and artisans
Designers may commission custom furniture from local artisans or specialized craftspeople for unique, bespoke items. This option is ideal for clients looking for one-of-a-kind pieces or specific designs that they would not be able to find anywhere else.
Design markets and trade fairs
Events like High Point Market, Maison&Objet, and Salone del Mobile are major industry events where designers can discover new products, trends, and suppliers. These events often feature a vast array of home furnishing options from around the world.
Retail stores
While interior designers often have access to trade-only sources, they also source from high-end retail stores, especially when they are looking for specific brands or styles. Some retailers may even offer trade discounts to designers.
Antique shops and auctions
Interior designers may visit antique shops, estate sales, or auctions on behalf of clients interested in vintage or antique pieces. This can be a great way to find unique, high-quality items with history and character.
Local craftspeople and small businesses
Supporting local businesses and craftspeople can provide unique and high-quality options, often with the added benefit of supporting the local economy and sustainable practices.
Furniture Sourcing Services at Well-Designed Home
At Well-Designed Home, we leverage many diverse sources to find the perfect pieces for our clients’ interior design projects. We ensure that the furniture fits your aesthetic vision and meets your quality and budget requirements. Book a complimentary discovery call today to learn more about our design services.