Choosing Furniture for Him and Her
Have you ever experienced picking out furniture with your partner? Chances are, you've had quite a few disagreements about the style, the design, and even the material of every piece of furniture in the store. I've seen a lot of couples fighting for every bit of furniture that they want. Times like these, I often think that bachelors really have it easy compared to married men. Why would I say this? Bachelors get to pick anything they want and put it anywhere they want it. Meanwhile, married men have to undergo a series of obstacle courses just to get that couch they've always wanted. Whether it's a couch for the living room or a corner table for the bedroom, buying furniture is never easy task for couples.
Men and women are worlds apart when it comes to their tastes and likes in furniture. When men think of furnishings for the home, they think of straight, clean lines, uncluttered designs, muted colors like tan, brown, and black, and large-scale builds with leather or plain fabrics. Contemporary, functional pieces with a casual theme go well for men, whether they are for wooden or upholstered furniture.
Women, however, go for pastel colors and floral designs, because for them, it gives the furniture style and elegance. They like floral, chintz, silk, smooth and satiny fabrics for upholstery. With regards to the architecture, women prefer curved backs, rolled arms, and extra details like skirting, pillows and cording. The overall themes that women go for involves English, French, Italian or country flavors.
Considering these factors, it's no wonder that couples rarely agree on what to buy or build for their homes. These two entirely different views will collide every chance they get. Men will see the women's tastes as fussy and uncomfortable, while the women begin to think that men have no sense of style whatsoever.
The best way to solve this dilemma is to recognize both partners' preferences. Instead of looking for the obvious differences in taste and style, why not look for the common factors that you both have? Find some common ground and work from there. Perhaps you'd find that you both like laminates and stripes. Or maybe it's that armoire you got for your 1st anniversary. You'll find out that you both have something in common, so try to see if the other details can fall into place around that common theme.
You can also try compromising. Try to see if you can merge what you both like in furniture and find a theme that works. For example, buy a large, sturdy sofa for him, and add some floral cushions for her. You can have a color scheme that she likes, and incorporate a leather chair for him. Or the family room might have a plain background and straight lines for him, but it can also have floral fabrics and accessories that would appeal to her.
Finding a common ground can work very well in resolving the differences that can crop up. Each one should have a chance to express opinions, likes and dislikes. This way, serious disagreements can be avoided and you will have a home that is both functional and beautiful.
About the author:
Azlan Irda is the co-founder of Acura Furniture which provides a great selection of quality furniture at affordable price. Visit our website for the best bedroom furniture you can find online.
Published March 15th, 2007
Filed in Home


