Furniture Buying Guide for New Homeowners in South Africa

Buying furniture for a new home is exciting, but the choices can feel overwhelming. Between floor plans, budgets, lead times, and materials, it is easy to overspend or end up with pieces that do not fit your space or lifestyle. This step by step guide distills years of showroom and design experience into a clear plan for South African homeowners. Use it as a checklist from planning to installation day so every item you purchase is beautiful, practical, and built to last.

Step 1: Define your vision and set a practical budget

Outcome: a clear style direction and a rand based plan that keeps you in control.

Choose your style direction: modern classic, organic modern, Scandinavian, coastal, or contemporary African. Create a simple five image mood board that reflects colour, shape, and texture.
List your must haves vs nice to haves: essentials first, accents later.
Draft a room by room budget:
- Living room 30 to 35 percent
- Bedroom 25 to 30 percent
- Dining 15 to 20 percent
- Storage and entry 10 to 15 percent
- Outdoor and study the balance
Plan for hidden costs: delivery, access fees for stairs, assembly, rugs, lamps, curtains, protectors, care kits.
Decide on payment method: cash, card, or store credit. Keep a 10 percent contingency.

Pro tip: prioritise one statement piece per room, then build around it with timeless supporting items.

Step 2: Measure with precision

Outcome: furniture that fits on delivery day without returns or reorders.

Take full room measurements in centimetres: length, width, and height.
Mark doors and windows: note opening swings and sill heights.
Record access measurements: lift size, stairwell width, turning points, front door clearance, parking distance to entrance.
Create a simple scaled plan: even a phone sketch with measurements prevents expensive mistakes.
Know the comfortable clearances:
- Sofa to coffee table 40 to 50 cm
- Dining chair to wall 90 cm minimum
- Bed sides 60 cm walking space
- TV viewing distance roughly 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal of the screen

Delivery pass test: can the largest piece turn through your narrowest point. If not, choose modular or knock down construction.

Step 3: Prioritise the essentials

Outcome: the core pieces that make your home functional from week one.

Living: sofa or sectional, two accent chairs or ottomans, coffee table, side table, media unit, floor lamp.
Dining: compact table, four to six chairs, sideboard if space allows.
Bedroom: bed frame with quality base, mattress, two pedestals, chest of drawers.
Entry or hallway: console with drawers and mirror.
Study corner: compact desk and supportive chair.
Storage: sideboards, shelving, or storage bench to keep surfaces calm.

Pro tip: where space is tight, select items that provide storage or dual use such as lift top coffee tables and storage beds.

Step 4: Select the right materials for South African living

Outcome: finishes that suit climate, light, and lifestyle.

Solid wood and wood veneer: oak and ash bring warmth and strength. Veneer on quality plywood gives stability in changing humidity while keeping natural grain.
Metal accents: powder coated steel or brass tone details add structure and a modern edge.
Stone and marble: timeless luxury for tops, best with sealed surfaces.
Performance fabrics: tightly woven linen look and stain resistant blends in beige, oat, or charcoal hide everyday wear.
Leather and vegan leather: durable and easy to clean, avoid direct sun.
Outdoor grades: for covered patios use weather resistant frames and quick dry cushions.

Climate note: in coastal regions choose sealed finishes and rust resistant hardware. In high sun areas use UV stable fabrics and window treatments to protect upholstery.

Step 5: Understand construction quality

Outcome: you know what you are paying for and why it lasts.

Frames: kiln dried hardwood or engineered hardwood for sofas and chairs.
Joinery: dovetail or mortise and tenon for drawers and frames, not just staples.
Suspension: webbing plus springs or sinuous springs under sofa cushions.
Cushions: high density foam wrapped in fibre or foam with a feather blend for comfort and shape.
Drawers and doors: soft close hardware, solid runners, and back panels that are properly fitted.
Finishes: multiple coats with protective lacquer or oil.
Weight and stability: heavier often signals solid frames, but balance with your access constraints.

Step 6: Plan your colour palette and textures

Outcome: a cohesive home that feels calm and premium.

Use a base of three tones per room: one light neutral for large pieces, one mid tone wood, one accent colour in cushions or art.
Repeat wood species across rooms for flow.
Mix textures deliberately: linen weave, smooth oak, soft leather, brushed metal.

Step 7: Space planning that works

Outcome: good circulation and balanced proportions.

Sofa sizes: two to three seater 180 to 220 cm wide works well in most living rooms.
Coffee tables: 110 to 130 cm long for a standard sofa, round tables soften corners.
Dining tables: for six seats aim for 160 to 180 cm by 90 cm. For four seats 120 cm round saves space.
Beds: queen 152 by 188 cm, king 183 by 188 cm. Leave walking space both sides.
Storage depth: sideboards 45 cm, consoles 35 to 40 cm for narrow hallways.

Step 8: Compare retailers and lead times

Outcome: the right supplier mix and realistic expectations.

Stock vs made to order: stock is immediate, made to order offers custom sizes and fabrics with typical lead times of three to eight weeks.
Ask the right questions: frame material, hardware brand, care instructions, and availability of replacement parts or slipcovers.
Clarify timelines: production time, quality control time, and delivery scheduling.
Confirm access solutions: hoisting, dismantling, or split modules if doorways are tight.

Step 9: Understand warranties, returns, and consumer rights

Outcome: confidence at checkout.

Reputable retailers provide written warranties on frames, springs, foam, and workmanship. Twelve to twenty four months is common for retail furniture, with longer periods on frames for premium ranges.
South African consumer law gives important protections when goods are not of good quality. Keep invoices and delivery notes, inspect items on arrival, and report any defects promptly.
Always read the store policy on special orders, fabric variations, and handling marks.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For specific rights and remedies, consult the retailer policy and an advisor if needed.

Step 10: Delivery day checklist

Outcome: smooth installation with no surprises.

Clear pathways and protect floors.
Confirm the delivery window and have parking available.
Measure access points again and remove doors if needed.
Inspect each piece on arrival. Photograph any concerns before signing.
Verify that legs are level and that drawers and doors align.
Keep packaging until you are satisfied with the condition.
Review care instructions with the team and record contact details for after sales support.

Step 11: Aftercare that preserves value

Outcome: furniture that looks new for years.

Vacuum fabrics weekly. Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth.
Rotate seat cushions monthly for even wear.
Use felt pads under legs.
Keep wood and leather away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight.
Use gentle cleaners that match the finish and avoid harsh chemicals.
Schedule a seasonal refresh with professional cleaning for high use rooms.

Room by room quick guides

Living room

Choose one anchor sofa then add a pair of lighter chairs or a bench.
Use a coffee table with storage and a slim media console.
Layer light with a floor lamp and a table lamp rather than a single ceiling source.

Dining room

Select an extendable or drop leaf table if space is tight.
Use armless chairs to save width.
Add a sideboard for dishes and linen to keep the tabletop clear.

Bedroom

Invest in a supportive mattress and a storage bed if cupboard space is limited.
Use matching pedestals with drawers and a compact chest.
Keep colours quiet and warm to support rest.

Entry and hallway

Slim console with drawers, mirror, and a closed basket for quick tidy ups.
A small bench creates a place to sit when putting on shoes.

Sustainable choices that make a difference

Choose solid wood from responsibly managed sources or quality veneer on stable cores.
Prefer repairable construction rather than disposable fast furniture.
Select neutral bases and update with smaller accent items over time.
Donate or resell responsibly when refreshing your look.

Sample budget plans

One bedroom apartment starter plan

Sofa 12 000 to 22 000
Coffee table 3 500 to 8 500
TV unit 4 000 to 9 000
Dining set for four 10 000 to 18 000
Bed and base 10 000 to 20 000
Pedestals and chest 8 000 to 16 000
Lamps, rug, and decor 6 000 to 12 000

Three bedroom home phase plan

Phase one essentials 55 to 75 percent of total budget
Phase two dining and storage
Phase three outdoor and study

Figures are indicative and vary by range, material, and custom options.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying a sectional before measuring the turning points on your staircase.
Choosing a sofa with deep arms that steals valuable seating length.
Skipping a neutral base and then struggling to coordinate rooms.
Forgetting the cost of rugs and lighting which complete the room.
Ignoring lead times when planning a move in date.

Why Craft City Furniture

We design and curate apartment friendly and family ready furniture with thoughtful proportions, strong materials, and timeless lines. Our oak and linen inspired collections balance modern elegance with everyday durability, and our team can guide you through measurements, fabric selection, and delivery planning for homes across South Africa.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my custom order take
Typical lead time is three to eight weeks depending on material and queue. We will confirm time frames when you select your fabric and finish.

Can you help with measurements and layout
Yes. Share your floor plan or room sizes and photos. We will suggest sizes that fit and create a simple layout sketch if needed.

What happens if an item does not fit
We help you plan access in advance. For tight spaces, we can recommend modular pieces or split delivery where available.

Final checklist before you buy

Measured the room and access points in centimetres
Chosen a style direction and colour palette
Prioritised essentials and set a budget
Compared materials and construction quality
Confirmed lead time, delivery, access, and assembly
Read warranty and care instructions
Scheduled delivery and prepared the space

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