Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann
New apartment, new furniture? There’s nothing better than furnishing and decorating your new space, especially if it’s your first home. Moving house is often a good opportunity to get rid of old things and make a fresh start with new furniture. Buying furniture is not only a joyful experience for many, but should also be an integral part of planning your move. In the following article, we’ll discuss when buying new furniture makes sense and where you can find great bargains away from large furniture stores!
- Five good reasons to buy new furniture
- Collect ideas and inspiration
- Furniture shopping: you’ll find what you’re looking for here!
- Second-hand: It doesn’t always have to be new.
- Tips & tricks when buying furniture
1. Five good reasons to buy new furniture
Usually, some or all of the existing furniture is also moved into the new home. However, there are also some (good) reasons for buying new furniture:
First apartment
If you’re moving straight from your parents home or a student residence into your first apartment, you probably won’t have much inventory. Your parents may provide you with some initial equipment (dishes, towels, bed linen, etc.). However, you will most likely also have to buy some new items – especially furniture.
Old furniture does not fit
Are you moving into a smaller apartment or an apartment with an odd floor plan? In this case, you probably won’t be able to fit all your existing furniture.
Your taste/style has changed
This reason could of course be described as a “luxury problem”, as a new purchase is not absolutely necessary. But if your moving budget or bank account allows it, a new interior is a lot of fun!
Negative memories
Maybe you’re currently separated or divorced and the cozy wing chair in your living room constantly reminds you of your ex-partner? Sometimes it is simply good for the soul to get rid of such “old burdens”!
Moving from/to abroad
An international move can be very costly and in some cases it may make sense to part with (part of) the furniture. Unless your new apartment comes completely furnished, you will most likely have to buy some items yourself.
2. Collect ideas and inspiration
Before you pack your moving boxes and start buying furniture, you should first think about the style you want to furnish your new home in. Of course, it is also possible to mix different styles together – all you need is a bit of talent and imagination.
The first step: Gathering inspiration
Before you plunge into the world of furniture stores or search for new furniture online, it is essential to develop a clear idea of the style you like and also know your needs. Online platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram offer endless inspiration. You can also use room planner apps to help you arrange your new furniture virtually and visualize how your furniture will look in a smaller apartment or a more spacious room. Also think about the wall color and coordinate your furniture and accessories with it.
Mix existing furniture with new furniture
The chest of drawers from the old apartment or the inherited retro-style sideboard can find a place of honor in the new apartment. Mix old furniture with new to add character and personality. Make sure the overall picture is harmonious. Accessories such as a modern lamp on an antique side table or a funky lamp on a minimalist chest of drawers can skillfully combine old and new. In this step, you should also consider which existing furniture will not fit into your new home (e.g. due to structural conditions such as sloping ceilings).
Functionality meets style
Storage space is absolutely essential in your first home. Choosing furniture that not only looks good, but is also functional is key. A bed with drawers, a shelf that also serves as a home office desk or wall shelves for additional storage space and decoration are ideal examples.
Targeted use of light sources
The right lighting can have a significant influence on the character of a room. Combine different light sources to create the right light for every mood and activity. A ceiling lamp provides general lighting, while floor lamps and table lamps create cozy accents. A reading lamp next to the sofa or bed is both practical and decorative.
Add personal touch with decoration
Decoration is the icing on the cake of every interior design. Choose decorative elements that reflect your personality and bring life into your new home. Whether pictures, plants or small sculptures, you can playfully introduce colors and textures with decorations.
Tip: Looking for more interior design ideas? Then read the following article:
7 furnishing ideas for your new apartment
3. Furniture shopping: You’ll find what you’re looking for here!
The big furniture stores like IKEA, XXXLutz and Pfister are well known to everyone. Also the online giants Home24 and Westwing (Westwingnow) are now very familiar to many people. There you will find countless pieces of furniture, decorations and various accessories for your new home. If you have the opportunity, it is of course best to look at the furniture in person. However, there is now so much choice that not every furniture store can display the entire product range.
Nowadays, there are also numerous online-only stores where you can only admire the goods online before you buy them. However, most websites offer free delivery and returns.
We have listed some popular online stores for you here:
- Beliani: A large selection of different styles and pieces of furniture at affordable prices can be found at Beliani – incl. free delivery.
- Maisons Du Monde: As the name suggests, this is a French company that has its own team of interior designers. The product range extends from retro to Scandi style – (almost) everyone will find what they are looking for here!
- Connox: Designer furniture and stylish home accessories await you here – from stylish toasters and laundry baskets to retro sofas.
- Tikamoon: A German company that specializes in high-quality and sustainable solid wood furniture at fair prices.
4. Second-hand: It doesn’t always have to be new.
Vintage and second-hand shopping is not only trendy right now, it can also be good for your budget and the environment. Reusing items is of course much more sustainable than buying new and you can often find real bargains at local flea markets!
There are also numerous opportunities online to find used but well-preserved items:
- Etsy: Large, international platform for homemade items (DYI) and vintage. Here you will find a huge selection of vintage designer furniture at a fair price! Tip: Limit your search to local retailers (from Germany) to avoid breaking your budget with horrendous delivery costs!
- Curato: Online marketplace for second-hand furniture and decoration from verified Swiss sellers. All products are unique!
- Tutti: Huge online marketplace for private sales in Switzerland, also for buying and selling furniture. Here you can get rid of your old inventory as well as purchase new items.
- Furniture Zurich: This Zurich-based company offers both an online store and a physical store for browsing and inspiration. From vintage furniture to design classics from the 20th century, everything is included.
5. Tips & tricks for buying furniture
Take measurements
Before you buy a piece of furniture, you should definitely measure out your new space. There is nothing more annoying than a piece of furniture that is too big and has to be dismantled and returned to the store!
Compare prices
Furniture or individual brands are often offered by several sellers or online stores. This means: Be sure to compare prices beforehand!
New customer discounts
Many online stores offer a 10-20% discount for new customers. You can save a lot of money, especially on larger purchases!
Quality before quantity
It’s better to save a little longer and buy a high-quality pieces of furniture (ideally made of solid wood). It lasts much longer, is more fun and will survive future moves!
View sofas & beds in person
You should inspect and try out pieces of furniture on which you lie or sit before buying. This applies in particular to beds, sofas and desk chairs!
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