When I talk to people who have never worked in or even thought about the retail furniture business, I realize that they have no idea what the “hot” seasons are. For instance, when I was in sales (and to an extent when I was in management) I loved this time of year. This is when people start to trickle into the store looking for a formal dining room set. It’s their first year hosting the family thanksgiving or they just simply want to impress a little more this year. Either way, the formal dining sets start to move right around now.
The truth is that this actually is a pretty good time to start looking. The main reason is that right now you can find the formal dining set you want with time to spare. If there is a backorder, you want to special order, or you are having trouble finding just the right formal dining room set for your home, you have given yourself the necessary time so that card tables and folding chairs do not become your theme.
While I do want to take the next few days to talk about what to look for, how to make the right choice, and which pieces are essential for your dining room, this is just about knowing where to start.
Though I always throw out caution about buying furniture online (unless you are 100% dead certain that what you see is what you want and that what you will get is what you are expecting), the internet is actually a great place to start looking. Check out styles, manufacturers, and even look at prices before you go to your local showroom. That way, you know what types of formal dining rooms you want to look at once you get there.
Once in a showroom, take your time and take it slow. Think about what is important to you now and what will be in a few years. Look at not only the look and price, but also pay attention to the way it is built. A dining set is one of the most expensive furniture purchases you can make, so make your formal dining room one that will last and be worth the money.
Finally, take some time to think about things. Check out a variety of websites, a number of various showrooms, and even give yourself a chance to think about style of your formal dining set and which pieces you want (how many chairs, china cabinet or not, serving table or not, etc). There is no hurry, especially if you are starting now. Get as much information as you can and take your time before making a decision. Also, as always, you can always contact the furniture guy and I will be happy to help in any way I can.
Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy
