Finding the right furniture in Calgary can be trickier than it looks. Between big-box stores, custom options, and online deals, it’s easy to make decisions you regret later. Whether you're setting up a new place or replacing old pieces, a few simple changes can help you shop smarter.
Here are common mistakes locals make—plus easy fixes to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Buying Without Measuring
It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of people skip this step. They fall in love with a sectional or table, only to find out it doesn’t fit the room—or through the door.
Fix: Measure your space and your entryways before you shop. Bring the numbers with you. Better yet, sketch a quick floor plan so you can see how pieces will fit.
Mistake #2: Choosing Style Over Comfort
A stylish chair or a Canadian-made modern sofa may look great online. However, if it’s not comfortable, you’ll likely avoid using it or replace it sooner than anticipated.
Fix: Sit on it first. Walk around. Imagine how it’ll feel after a long day. Showhome Furniture in Calgary has a 70,000 sq. ft. showroom where you can test out tons of Canadian-made sofas, chairs, and sectionals in person.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Your Lifestyle
White fabric with a toddler? Glass coffee table with a big dog? These choices might work short-term but won’t hold up in real life.
Fix: Think about how you actually use the space. Do you entertain often? Have pets? Look for furniture that works with—not against—your daily habits. Materials like leather, microfibre, or performance fabric go a long way in Calgary homes.
Mistake #4: Buying Everything at Once
It’s tempting to furnish a whole room in one go, but this can lead to mismatched styles or pieces that don’t reflect your taste.
Fix: Start with one anchor piece you love, like a custom modular sofa or dining table. Build around it over time. Take advantage of free design consultations—like the one offered at Showhome Furniture—to plan out your space with expert help.
Looking for More Furniture Shopping Tips in Calgary?
Avoiding common mistakes doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, the right materials, and a helpful local showroom, it gets a lot easier. For more furniture shopping tips Calgary homeowners can count on, visit Showhome Furniture. Their team is always ready to help you create a space that feels like home—without the guesswork.
FAQs About Furniture Shopping Mistakes Calgarians Make:
1. Why is measuring your space before furniture shopping so important?
Measuring your space helps avoid costly mistakes. Furniture that looks perfect in a store can feel oversized or awkward in your home if you skip this step. Measure your room, including doorways, hallways, and stairwells, so you know what will actually fit. Bring those dimensions when shopping, and sketch a basic layout to help you visualize where each piece will go. This simple habit saves time, prevents returns, and makes your shopping experience far less stressful.
2. What kind of furniture materials are best for Calgary homes?
Calgary’s dry climate and active lifestyle make some materials more practical than others. Leather, performance fabrics, and tightly woven textiles like microfibre are good choices. These hold up well against dust, pet hair, and daily wear. If you have kids or pets, look for easy-clean options. Showhome Furniture carries Canadian-made pieces in many of these materials and offers design help if you’re unsure what suits your space best. Good materials can mean less upkeep and longer-lasting furniture.
3. Is it a bad idea to buy all your furniture at once?
It’s not always bad, but it can lead to rushed decisions. Many people in Calgary buy everything quickly to fill a new space, then regret some of their choices later. You might find better pieces over time or want more flexibility in how your space evolves. Start with one or two key items—like a sofa or dining set—then build around them. This allows your personal style to come through more naturally and helps avoid mismatched or unnecessary purchases.
4. How can I find furniture that fits both my style and lifestyle?
Start by asking what your space needs to do daily. Do you host often? Have pets? Kids? Once you know that, narrow down fabrics and finishes that will hold up. Then, think about your style. Are you into clean lines, cozy textures, or something bold? At Showhome Furniture in Calgary, you can see how different furniture pieces and styles come together. Their free interior design consults help match your lifestyle with furniture that looks great and functions well.
5. What are the best furniture shopping tips Calgary locals should follow?
Start by measuring your space, setting a realistic budget, and thinking about how you’ll use each room. Visit a showroom like Showhome Furniture, where you can test out furniture in person. Prioritize comfort and durability over trendiness. Look for furniture that matches both your taste and lifestyle. Take your time—don’t rush to fill a room. These simple furniture shopping tips help Calgary homeowners make better choices and avoid common mistakes.
Get Expert Furniture Advice with Showhome Furniture’s Free Calgary Design Consult
Avoid common furniture shopping mistakes by booking a free interior design consultation at Showhome Furniture. Their team will guide you through size, layout, and material choices that actually work in your home. Located in Calgary’s North Hill Centre, their 70,000 sq. ft. showroom offers a wide range of Canadian-made pieces for every room. Whether you're decorating one space or your whole home, they’ll help you make confident, practical design choices without pressure or guesswork.
