There are countless normal, practical concerns when choosing a dining room table: What's your budget? Do you entertain? How many people live in your house? How much space do you have? But I recently found myself having to explain to a bewildered salesperson that I was looking for something "big enough to hold an Arkham Horror board."
My favorite Lovecraft-themed board game takes place on a ridiculously huge board, requiring an equally enormous tabletop. Leaves are usually involved. And as I stood there in the store, tape measure in hand, I thought about all the out-there things a person might have to consider when choosing furniture, beyond mere price and practicality.
Which gets to stay, the chic TV console or the Xbox? Does the cat get his own pillow? (Yes.) Maybe you're shopping for a new, lower bed because your arthritic dog can't get into the old one anymore. Is it necessary that your silverware match your wife's sword collection?
What do you find yourself taking into consideration when picking out furniture?
(Image: Shutterstock)
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wow this board game looks good. BTW, I find that our 40 inch round table is generally good for board games. just enough room, and comfortably seats anywhere from 2-4 players. I also like tables that can be really lived-on and not need delicate care. I don't run a museum, I live in a home! And no super sharp edges for my accident-prone self. Is a 40 inch not big enough for this board game? Is it more like Fortress America that requires a full sized dining table?
I live alone so I'm free to choose what I want but I do look at furniture that isn't too heavy or takes up space. Tables are glass; chairs are on legs or feet, wall units or shelving is low so it does not take up visual space.
I'm not oppose to buying on craigslist and having something reupholstered before bringing it into my space. I worry about 'critters' with soft used furniture.
I officially object to the photo you've chosen for this post.
If we keep looking at pictures of women who've redone their faces (take a look at that mouth. Does that look quite...human?), who will know that it's the rest of us who are normal?
What do I think about when picking out furniture?
Boys. Two boys, ages 14 and 9.
'Nuff said.
Is it easy to clean? Will it look ok when it's covered in pet hair? Will it look awful or well-loved when it is inevitably scratched / spilled on by an animal, husband, guest or myself?
Most of our first furniture purchases were really impractical for the way we live (we hadn't lived together before then so we didn't know that at the time). Our recent purchases have been fantastic additions.
My first question is "Where would it go?" Then come "Would the dogs hurt themselves on it?" and "Would the dogs destroy it?" Also "Would I be able to shift it solo?"
That game looks really fun. I only wish the graphics were better looking though. In our new apartment we chose a decor theme so anything we purchase should fit into the vague description of "global goth" which is really helping. The one thing I wish I was better at was understanding how to be attracted to furniture in my budge...Well, actually I just wish I didn't have a budget.
houseofthebonestorm.blogspot.com
We play a ton of board games - Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Puerto Rico, etc, usually with at least 4 people. We wanted enough space for the games, plus snacks and drinks (very important!!).
Does it fit in my car? What if I tie down the hatchback? Does it have any creases, notches, nooks or crannies where dirt and grossness can hide? Can I stand on it or otherwise misuse it? If I drag it across the floor, will it scratch the floor?
I agree with ZSUSCI, what's up with this photo AP? Did you buy it on Shutterstock?
I look for furniture that is comfortable, so for me as a tall person that means a sofa that I am comfortable sitting up in. I also want a sofa that I can lay vertically with some on, 2 people spooning to watch a movie. Maybe TMI, but that's what I look for in a sofa. Also, no ultra suede because I think it's hideous.
It has to serve a purpose, no "accent chairs" or the like. It has to be practical for the intended purpose, preferably serve multiple purposes. Natural, toxin free materials that age well and actually look better after some years of being lived with :) Second hand and antique are preferred. No sharp corners, glass top tables, expensive designer stuff I have to worry about, and no plastic and particle board throw-away furniture.
In order of importance to me:
Is it a good value? Is it comfortable? Will it last? Is it easy to take care of? Is it not hideous?
I'm sad that the photo for this post wasn't a picture of Arkham Horror on your dining table.
Yeah, I loved trying to explain to salespeople that I needed to find the largest table possible. "What will you be using it for?" Ummm... for 8 to 10 people to play Magic the Gathering, Carcassone and misc RPGs. Yep, I'm a total nerd, but I'm a stylish one!
Recently, how will a toddler pull him/herself up on this and will it topple from the strain.
Also due to the toddler: can this be hosed off?
All of equal importance:
-Price
-Easy to clean/maintain
-Quality/hardiness
-Style/aesthetics
-Potential (especially in used pieces)
-Ease of moving/transport (not just getting it to our place, but when we move...we've moved 9 times in 10 years)
Patience is the key. We've been living with free hand-me-down furniture for years, so if we can't find something that meets all the criteria, we simply live with what we have or live without. For example, just last week, we finally moved our clothes out of plastic Walmart dressers into a "real" dresser. Solid wood, Drexel Toulaine, $50 off Craigslist, and I plan on re-staining it in the future. When our dining room set broke during our cross country move, we just never replaced it (haven't needed it and we've been here over 7 months). I'm sure our criteria will change with time and circumstance, though.