Since Red Knot first started, we have always believed that this store had a little something for everyone; we’re more than just a store for “young” people. We are a store full of fun, modern, and transitional pieces perfect for people of any age. We can’t ignore a huge part of our demographic though. Red Knot is the perfect place for those who are buying their first pieces of furniture because of our affordable style.

Shopping for furniture for the first time can be very daunting. It’s one of the first steps to becoming an independent adult and can sometimes be a challenge when you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, here at Red Knot, we have a great team of professionals to help make your first time just a little bit easier. I asked my team members to help me out on what they think are important tips for shoppers to remember when buying their first pieces of furniture.

Jake Javier

• Get as many measurements as possible. Knowing just how much space you have is vital to your shopping experience. Not only get measurements of your room but also the pieces of furniture you might already own so you know right away what will work and what won’t. You don’t want to fall in love with something, plan your whole room around it, and then find out the piece isn’t going to fit.
• Pick a theme, color, and a style that you want with in your space. Showrooms can be overwhelming with the many options they offer, so narrowing down what you’re looking for can help make shopping go a little quicker.

Tobias Vidaurri

• Do your research. Be knowledgeable about the basics of furniture (i.e. types of wood, fabrics, quality) so that you know what to look out for when you’re shopping.
• Ask a team member for help. Now that you know the basics, you can ask your team member to help teach you about the pieces they have in their showroom. Not at all furniture is created equal and your team member should be able to help you find what works best for you.

Alex Takeda

• Consider setting up an appointment. Here at Red Knot, you can either call or go online and schedule an appointment with a team member of your choice. This is a great way to communicate early on and save time by going over your needs and wants before you even come in to the store.
• Figure out your budget and consider any financing opportunities. Furniture is a big investment so it’s important to know what your budget is and whether or not you can be flexible with it. There are often financing opportunities you can take advantage of if necessary.

Anson Barros

• Watching out for your needs vs wants. We get it – shopping is so much fun and everyone can get a little ahead of themselves. It’s important to understand the difference between what you want and what you need. For each item you’re considering, look at the pros and cons it offers so you can find a way to fulfill both.
• Take a look in person, especially when testing out sofas, chairs, etc. It’s one thing to look at an item online and it’s another to actually test it out in person. Testing out different sofas can help you determine what your personal comfort level is and how to find the right piece for you.

Stephanie Vierra

• Never impulse buy furniture. I always tell my customers that it’s so important to make sure you really want a certain piece before making the commitment to buy it. Again, buying furniture is a huge investment so make sure what you’re getting is something you can live with for all the years to come.
• Give yourself time to shop, especially if you’re looking at a specific deadline of when you’ll need furniture. Sometimes pieces are out of stock and you’ll need to wait for it to come in. Sometimes you’ll end up wanting to special order something. It’s also great to be able to look at more than one store to make sure you know all of your options. Give yourself time to have options or you’ll end up having to settle for something you don’t absolutely love.

Rogierick Ramil

• Mix and match what you already have to compliment what you’re going to get. Some of us are fortunate enough to be passed down pieces from family members and friends. Who can pass up free furniture? Pick out pieces that compliment what you already have in your home to save money on having to buy new pieces.
• Check the stock availability with your team member. Popular pieces tend to sell out quickly and the reality of living in Hawaii means that shipments can take awhile to get here. If you need something by a specific date, be sure to discuss that with your team member so they’re able to assist you better.

Micah Eugenio

• Shop big pieces first like your sofa, bed frame, kitchen table, etc. and then finish with smaller items like occasional tables, wall art, and accessories. Once you have the bigger items selected, you’ll be able to find out how much space you have left to accessorize.
• In furniture shopping, you need to be optimistic and have a plan B. Whatever the case might be for not having your first choice, keep an open mind on other options that work for you.

Honey Millon

• Design your space to tell a story; let your space show a history about you, what you value, and what inspires you. Regardless of what it is, anything that you purchase should always have meaning to you. Find pieces that show who you are and can help turn your house or apartment in to a home.
• Invest in an interesting piece of art. They make great conversation starters, brain teasers, and aha! moments. Think the Mona Lisa smile and the effect it has on the viewer to this very day. Even just one piece of art can be the finishing touch you need to make your place truly feel like home.