What You Should Know Before Purchasing Mission Furniture

With its straight, clean lines and solid construction, mission furniture can be the perfect addition to almost any space. Today, you can find this style of furnishings in everything from the traditional bookcases to an entire dinette set. However, if you are in the market for mission furniture, this large selection can make choosing the perfect piece intimidating at best. The good news is there are some basic guidelines you can follow to ensure that you are getting a high quality piece of mission furniture at the best price.

Characteristics of Quality

If you head into a furniture retailer with a list of quality characteristics to look for, you won't go wrong with your purchases. The first item on your checklist should be solid wood construction. This means that all exposed parts of the furniture piece are made of solid wood boards, without any particle board or other types of materials included. Solid wood means that your mission furniture is designed to last as long as you care for the wood properly. It will also add to the rich beauty of your piece. The wood is usually quarter sawn to make the most of the natural aesthetic quality of the grain, and the pieces are never painted. Varnish can be used to protect and bring out the natural attractiveness of the wood.

Construction is another place to inspect the quality of your mission furniture. Look for quality manufacturing in your dresser indicated by dovetailed drawers and metal ball bearing drawe

glides. Authentic mission furniture will feature cedar lining in the drawers and chests as well - you will be able to recognize it by the aromatic fragrance. Check the joints to ensure they have been put together securely and dowel joinery that will withstand the test of time. Upholstery is usually constructed of high quality canvas or leather materials in colors and patterns to coordinate with the overall look of the mission style.

Before you Buy

It may sound like a no-brainer, but make sure you measure both the space and the piece of furniture you are considering before you purchase it. You may think a wood piece will fit in a room - until you get all of that lovely wood gracing an entire wall and blocking the traffic pattern of the space! It is also important to consider the shade of the finish and the colors in the upholstery to ensure that it will fit in with your overall style. Budget is another important factor, since high quality mission furniture may cost a bit. Determine your budget before you begin shopping to ensure you purchase pieces that you can really afford.

Mission furniture is a lovely, functional addition to any home. By following these guidelines, you will purchase pieces that will work well in your home and last a lifetime.

To learn more about Mission Furniture, please visit http://www.AmishRetail.com.