Furniture Buying Mistakes Making Your Home Look Cheap! 

I went through, Lazy Boy Furniture sales training for 30 days. I didn't accept the job..The one thing I will never forget is, if you can lift one end of a sofa with one hand you shouldn't buy it..I would go into furniture stores and apply that test which meant poor construction for long term use. 🤔😗You never disappoint..

Yes, please, to a sofa buying video. 🙏

SOFA BUYING GUIDE WOULD BE GREAT!

Garrett, you are coming into your own. Your latest videos have exuded both confidence and calm, your delivery of your content is concise, precise, and easily understood. Your heart for excellence, growth, and improvement comes across clearly. It just keeps getting better, and I'm sure we ain't seen nothing yet!

“Im not the exorcist” LOL the things Garrett comes up with.

Thank you for another great video. The guts of a sofa is the most important. Look for kiln-dried wood as the skeleton of the sofa. Classic is the way to go. You’ll have your sofa for many, many years.

Yes to the sofa buying tutorial.

You are so right on the one sided pillow covers. I'm seeing more and more on Etsy where they want $60 or more, per pair, with blank backs. No, no, no.

I would like a sofa buying video! Specifically where to source quality pieces, since I cannot find a quality vintage piece to reupholster. I love your advice, it’s realistic, with a fun vibe. You have a practical approach I appreciate. *mwah*

I love that you talk about the "whys" and not just the "whats" and the "wheres." I'm definitely less inclined to do a thing if I don't understand why it matters. Thank you! More puppers please! ❤️😊

"Curated vs purchased".. great advice!

Omg the double-sided pillow comment … totally agree! It’s just like when you see shirts or skirts with embroidery or cool trim that’s only on the front. When i see that , I immediately think “cheap!”

So many practical suggestions. Garrett considers how we actually live in our homes. Thank you!

Yes please to the sofa buying guide! I feel like I’m having a hard time figuring out a great sofa that’s family and pet friendly but also looks nice doesn’t cost an astronomical amount.

I prefer and have tight back sofas. I can’t stand sofas whose back is basically just throw pillows. It looks cheap to me.

SO, SO, SO many great tips in this video, Garrett! I'd love a sofa video on selecting size, style, color, fabric, and even functional considerations (e.g., side with a chaise vs an ottoman). And re side tables, I went nuts trying to find the right table until I landed on a marble top table at the exact same height as the arms of my side chairs. No more reaching up, over or down, and no more spills! I'm DYING over your gorgeous bedroom and your tips for breaking up matching sets for a more curated space! Videos on guest rooms and home offices would be wonderful. I once bought a queen-sized bed for a guest room that turned out to be too big in the room. Definitely a furniture mistake for me! Also, some guests don't sleep together, so I replaced the queen bed with twin beds, which gave me more flexibility in the space and more workability for guests. I wish I had known that BEFORE I had bought the bed and linens! Thank you for all you share with us, Garrett, and for helping our spaces to be more beautiful!!! 🤗💙🤗 Colleen

I absolutely agree with you about reversible throw pillows -- with one notable exception. Needlepoint pillows really need to be custom-backed with a coordinating solid velvet. For example, I am currently working on canvasses that are based on Klimt designs. And I will have them backed appropriately. Frankly, to have them reversible would detract from the tapestry, don't you think?

Oh my gosh ..l how I wish I had your channel back in the day. My most expensive mistake was listening to a furniture salesman about my first sofa. Another tip … don’t buy the biggest sofa that will fit in your room …. buy one that fits the room of course, but think about the future and the fact that we move a lot more and a sofa is a big investment that you don’t want to have to leave behind and replace.

I'd love a sofa video. Would love to know what type of materials and upholstery fabric are great, especially which ones are easily cleanable and best to invest in if you have pets (eg. several cats like my mom does).

Garrett...I love your videos and find myself looking around at my house to see if I did things as you advise or if I have a "miss". Today, my sofa has passed muster. Thank you for all of your wonderful advice and your sense of humor!!

"But hey, if your arms bend like the exorcist - love that for you". Garrett, you have the most unhinged opinions on the smallest things and it always keeps me coming back.

My aubergine wool velvet Chesterfield is my fav nap place. 😊 I laughed when you talked about the bed height... My 5'3" Mother bought a Rice Bed...and with the boxspring and pillowtop mattress, she had to go buy a matching step just to get into the bed... Lol

I'm late to the party this evening, and will be echoing everyone else when I agree with a guide to find a quality sofa. Mine have lasted 15 years now, and were my first major adult apartment purchase. A husband, two kids, two dogs and a cat later....yeah I could probably use an upgrade 😂 My biggest furniture mistake was buying a farmhouse style headboard on sale when I knew it wasn't my style really. I should have waited and saved for something I loved. Which is why I nod my head along with you, when you talk about saving for quality pieces. I'm like yes!!! Do that!!

Dear Garrett, we actually update our living room according to our family life, and your videos are sooooo helpful !!! They are clear, easy to understand and apply in the real life. We're french family who live in France but your design advices don't know borders and are easy to follow here too, it's don't a nightmare to search right furnitures because we know what we need to find and why. Thank you so much for share your design feel and teach it. Love from Normandy

I love that you always include pictures as an example… I’m listening, but I need a visual too!

Ha ha, the picture of the night stand with a glass vase with flowers.... I can imagine someone fumbling for their glasses in the middle of the night, just to hear a crash of glass, as the vase toppled over... Thanks for the video - good advice - as usual. Hugs from Sweden!

And this is why we need pros like you - to intuitively know all the ins and outs of proportion, materials, styles, finishes, functionality and beauty - yikes, it's a lot! Thanks Garrett!

Garrett, First, I really like these longer, informative videos. Out of any designer on youtube, you have given me so more in regards to practical tips. Many designers just say proportion without really showing and explaining the sofa arm to sofa back ratio or the table height to sofa arm ratio. My biggest sofa-buying regret was buying a sofa before I understood my design style and before I measured the room.

"yes" a sofa buying guided video in put from you !!!!!*****

YES YES YES Please! Sofa buying guide!!!!! I love what you had to say about it already!!! Never thought about arms and backs match. You are so knowledgeable!!!

Finally someone agrees with me on coffee table height! I love them tall so you don't have to bend over to put down your tea cup. Mine is tall and feels like I'm sitting at a café, I absolutely love it.

I’m sure you already know but I must say the Art Deco statute is the most beautiful piece I’ve seen in a long time.

Also, could you do a video on home offices? I work in programming and have been working from home for a decade. I set up a "home office" for my remote work, but I always end up working in my living room. So the room goes unused. I'm not sure what it is... It might be the TV. I keep it out of the office so that I could work, but I often work in my living room because it has a TV.

Love the image of cohesive room not matchy at 8:39. Lots of seating, table in middle, fireplace, nice window treatments, lamps, vegetation, skirted seating. Modern with very traditional styling! Just right amount & type of pillows: lumbar support. Seating for 8 in small space.......Very nice!

"but hey if your arms bend like the exorcist, love that for you" I was taking a drink right when you said that, cleaning my screen now. Haha

Here's a mistake that I made in March of 2020: I measured the width of my sofa, and purchased a coffee table to work with that width. What I neglected to factor in was the long chaise extending from one end of the sofa. This dramatically decreased the area in front of the sofa where you would optimally center your coffee table. Ugh.

re: double sided pillows. I took a family heirloom tapestry (made by a great-aunt) off a bench, and made a pillow out of it. I used a "looks and feels luxurious" fabric for the backing, and added heavy bullion trim. It works.

Hi Garrett, the designer who's always answering my questions exactly when i need it! With all the different table heights and lengths that exist, i now know what to look for! 😃 I'd love a video about solving problems in traditional kitchens (non open concept,) like door replacement solutions. I was thinking of "Western bar swing doors" but they don't seem to exist anymore in hardware stores!? These would be my ideal solution! Still in the kitchen, i had to remove the door that goes into the basement, to gain wall space. Was thinking of full door length curtains there... How to hang? Finally, my neighbors' kitchen windows are aligned with mine, but they don't use curtains! Their bright led light is annoying me! I planted a tree in between the houses... I don't want heavy curtains in the kitchen! I'm about to hang a mirror outside in the tree, facing their kitchen, or a 500W spot light! 😈 Traditional kitchens are tricky! That window is from ceiling to the almost floor... Can't put a counter in front. There's also the backyard door and an other opening to the living room, for a total of 5 openings! Open concept wouldn't work at all here.

I learned so much from this video. I am starting to fill up a small house with furniture. I started with a wall clock ( white), pendant lights black & clear glass for dining( black glass table), amber pendants for bedroom ( wood floors) living & ding with kitchen is open space with white floors. No sofa yet, no dining chairs yet.but I’m learning a lot from your videos.

Love the way you advise based on comfort and actual living. Can you do a video tackling rug choices for our spaces?

Thanks for practical advice. My challenge with sofas is that many don't have a leg in the middle of the front and back. Long sofas can break if someone plops down instead of sitting down. That was a very expensive mistake I made....but only once. Now, I only buy sofas that have a third leg. I also require solid hardwood, not plywood made of hardwood. I look for sofas that have a zipper on the bottom cambric so I can inspect the frame. If I'm unable to see the frame, I have the store guarantee in writing that it's solid hardwood. BTW, my mattress is about 3 feet high so we have bed steps on each side. It's a 1840s tester that is 10 feet high (we have 12 ft ceilings). While a pain to get into/out of, the proportions would be off if I used a bunkie board.

Yes! Yes! Sofa buying guide. That would be great!!

Garrett we need to talk about accent chairs! in small places I need them to be as comfy as a sofa and it is a challenge :/

Yes to the sofa buying guide.

I bought an entire bedroom set of a traditional design in 1977. I have these beautiful pieces all over our home now. Dresser in one room chest in mine, night stands upstairs. Queen size bed stead in the garage, when we changed to King size. Our family swaps furniture pieces all the time! Such a helpful video Garrett. Love your channel.

I've had too many sofas in my day and have decided I don't like loose back cushions. They just get mushed down and out of whack. I prefer a tight back. They tend to look less messy to me.

I would love a sofa-buying guide. I'm not in the US (I'm in Europe) so generic tips on what to look out for would be perfect. Especially in terms of buying a quality product. Some YT designers only talk to a US or North American audience (which is fine) but we don't have Restoration Hardware and all those shops here. We have other shops. So, whilst listening to a RU-vidr tell us about the great stuff one can get at Crate and Barrel is entertaining, it doesn't help us buy a sofa. You're a cut above though, Garrett. I know you'll give us good info. Thanks for your excellent content.

Yes, a sofa buying guide. I'm planning to purchase soon.

I just discovered your videos a couple of days ago and I binge watched almost all of them. I want you to know that I have watched many designer youtube videos in the past and feel like I didn't learn a thing. I have learned so much from yours. Thank you.

I can’t even start with how much helpful info is in this video! 👍🏼👏🏼✨

I wish I had watched this video before I bought a new bed. It's an expensive disaster. I need a ladder to get into it!!

Really great advice. Thank you.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!!! I love the statue and cup. You know I had to watch twice I couldn’t concentrate with the pretty lady beside you. Very informative video as usual. Kudos

I love your videos because they challenge me to think differently about my space. They point out design elements I haven’t considered.before. Quick questions. What do you think about 4 chairs around a coffee table vs. sofa and 2 chairs? Should the chairs all be in the same upholstery? I would love to know what you think.

Would love to see a sofa buying guide! Any advise on the proportions of a coffee table to the sofa? Thanks!

YAY, practical doesn't have to be plain! I really appreciate the tips on adapting looks to smaller rooms, something I'm now having to learn. Conventional "wisdom" says to use smaller pieces but would require replacing favorite things and feel like living in a doll house.

Garrett I love that little statue on the table next to you. What an amazing regal little moment.

This is very helpful ... Thank you very much

Love your bedroom!♥️

The detailsssss This is your superpower ha! The double sided cushion segment took me by surprise. :D

I subscribed to your channel several months ago and I always learn so much from your videos. You are not only a gifted designer but you are also an exceptional teacher. Thank you for your clear, compassionate and well informed advice.

Sofa buying guide? Yes, please! I’ll be purchasing a new sofa in the next year or two…after my 2 young children grow up a little more and can be trusted around furniture…and I can use any help I can find. My living room is small and awful, & I’ll be making several improvements over the next few years, culminating in the sofa purchase. So, yes, I’d love to see a purchase guide if you care to make one.

Great information. Thank you!

Thank you! Very informative !❤❤❤

Yes! Guide us Garrett

Regarding whether the nightstand ought to be lower or higher than the mattress for accessibility, it all depends on how you sleep - I sleep face down or vaguely on the side, which makes it easier to reach down. 🙃

Another great video, thx.

Sofa buying guide. Yes, Please!! I love your videos. Thank you.

I really like your info on coffee tables! My pet peeve is having to cut off your airway to sit down or pick up a drink🤯 Oh, I hate when things are hung too high, throws the look off! Good solid info👍🏼

YES! A sofa guide would be fantastic.

Pls do a sofa buying guide. Awesome video and so happy to see you have doubled the following in a few months!

100% want more furniture do's and don't s, We need to know what to look for in construction, quality and timeless styles before investing in expensive pieces.

i love this video. I learned so much!.

Yes, please do a sofa buying guide!

Yes! Sofa buying guide please!

Great video and excellent tips! Love your channel!

Such a great video! The bedroom set idea is great!

You always have really great content!

Fantastic post!

Such good information!!! Thank you again 🤗🤗

Totally agree with you all the time. Love your show!

great tips Garrett, loved watching as always x

Thank you for sharing this video

Excellent!

Amother great video thank you 🙌🏾

So happy you talked about bedrooms your ideas really helped me out 😊

Yes please, I would LOVE a sofa buying guide!

I literally gasped when you showed your bed. That is a masterpiece.

Thank you. We just purchased our first home. We have no furniture and limited budget. I appreciate your tips. Especially about sofas.

Your so on point! Thanks your advice is always the best. 🥰

Yes pretty please do a dedicated video on sofas ! I fell in love with one in the store just yesterday and I'm afraid to rush things and be sorry later

Yes I think a sofa buying guide would be great!

I always learn so much from your videos, Garrett! Thank you!

Yes Garrett a sofa buying guide would be so helpful. Love your videos. Thank you ☺️

Yes, Sofa buying guide please!!!!!!!

I love your Art Deco collection!

I would love a sofa buying guide!

I can listen to you all day long, you are full of knowledge and also, love your sense of humor!!

I’d love to see a sofa buying guide from you! One thing I regret not considering when buying my current sofa is the seat depth. I really wish I had gotten one with a deeper seat, since I wanted to use the couch for lounging and napping. Unfortunately, while beautiful and comfortable for sitting, it’s too shallow for people with broader shoulders to comfortably lay down on (For example, when I lay on my back, both arms have to be tucked at my sides). However, because my space is on the small side, a deeper sofa may have thrown off the balance of the room, so it may be a case of the room looking proportional and “correct” vs. being as cozy as I wanted. I’d love to get some insight as to balancing form and function, especially with a big purchase like a sofa.

Yes! Sofa-buying guide for small spaces!