Tip Top Tips!

   People may facing a common problem when selecting wood furniture. Here are the basic following tips as our guidlines:

• Structure—Don't be afraid to ask about the construction of the piece of furniture you like. Most wood furniture is built using "floating construction," which means that it allows for expansion and contraction of wood panels in dry or humid weather throughout the seasons. If you pick up the piece, you shouldn't hear a lot of noise due to racking because the frame should be solid. Where the sides and top come together, make sure that it's a tightly assembled with no gaps or glue visible. The back of the piece shouldn't bulge or be out of square, nor should there be unevenness or poor fit in any of the other areas of the piece.

• Finish—Look for a consistent finish, color, and grain in wood surfaces as well as being smooth to the touch. Ask the retailer what the finish will stand up to. Will it endure heat and water spills? It should. Poorer quality furniture may be stained to camouflage imperfections in wood color or grain, whereas a better piece is more likely to have a clear finish that enables you to see the grain of the wood.

• Dressers, Chests, and Nightstands—Make sure that the drawers in these pieces feel substantial, slide easily with drawer stops, and fit evenly without gaps or misalignment. If you see staples or nails, this is most likely a sign of lesser quality. Higher-end pieces have solid wood drawer sides and dove-tailed joints as well as dust panels between each drawer.

If you know what to look for, you can get better quality furniture for less money. By shopping around and broadening your options, you can find plenty of places like antique stores, ebay, and thrift stores that have good stuff at lower prices. The key to getting your money's worth is shopping carefully to meet your decorating goals. Sometimes it's better to get a a really superior piece, especially if you love it, than settle for a lower quality piece. And sometimes getting a practical, mid-range piece is exactly right for your needs. Once you recognize value, you'll be able to shop wisely and create the décor of your dreams.