At a population of some 7.3 million, millennials make up Canada’s largest age-based demographic since the boomers. As younger ones enter the workforce and older ones progress in their careers, their income and spending are only increasing. Many are already investing in residential properties, which means they’re also spending on furniture.
If you’re a millennial, you’ll be happy to know that the furniture industry is considering your needs when it comes to furniture design. Houses, condos and apartments are springing up everywhere to cater to the growing lifestyle demands of this empowered generation.
When it comes to home furnishings, there are a range of options. That means it’ll take some planning and consideration to decide what will suit your lifestyle and budget.
Furniture Buying Guide for Millennials
Millennials have an inclination towards minimalism, as well as experimentation and taking chances. They want to buy furniture that represent them not only style-wise but ethically. Here are a few tips to help millennials with their furniture shopping.
1. Space Matters
Before buying furniture, measure your space. A big sofa in a tiny apartment, for instance, doesn’t make sense. Figure out how much available space you want to dedicate to essential furniture pieces like cupboards, cabinets, dining tables and beds.
If you live in a small apartment or house, consider these space-saving tips.
- Use storage tables to store magazines, blankets and pillows to create a tidier space.
- Invest in storage beds with thinner rails. These fit more easily into tight spaces and provide storage for extra bedding, seasonal wardrobe items, decor changes, and other miscellanea.
- Use wicker baskets as bedside tables and for storing books, magazines, and throws.
- Invest in armless chairs to make rooms look spacious and calm.
2. Consider Sustainability
From refusing plastic bags to using LED lights, millennials are driving the sustainability movement with their lifestyle and behavior. They are focused on global awareness of environmental issues and are willing to do their part to keep their world safe. Years ago, it was difficult to source environmentally-friendly furniture, but today it’s readily available and affordable.
Here are some eco-friendly furniture ideas.
- Vintage pieces look great and cost much less than most new furniture, so it’s a good idea to buy upcycled hardwood furniture.
- If you’re buying new furniture, make sure the raw materials are upcycled. This will also promote local artisans who buy and resell furniture parts.
- Repaint or reupholster your old wooden sofa or chair to match your new decor.
- Repurpose mismatched chairs to create a one-of-a-kind seating bench. Just be sure all the seats are of the same height.
- Transform an old dresser into an island to increase your kitchen storage and counter space.
3. Think Versatility
Like everyone, millennials are busy and want to create a home where they can enjoy some quiet outdoor time. If you’re living in a small space and need some multi-purpose furniture that can move between the inside and the outdoors:
- Invest in round wicker stools that look good outside as well as in and can store small miscellaneous items.
- Use your outdoor furniture in the living room during winter. This includes lightweight and easy-to-use folding outdoor chairs in the living room as an extra seating arrangement.
- Use outdoor seating cushions for your indoor meditation space.
4. Go Natural
With life moving at such a fast pace and social media (allegedly) connecting us more than ever, millennials are striving to find harmony through nature. From natural fibers and textures to wood and plants, adding nature-inspired decor is a trend among younger furniture shoppers.
Here are some winning ideas to add natural furnishing elements to your home.
- Give your interiors a rustic and country look with antique wooden furniture.
- Create a nature-inspired look with floral printed chairs and sofa sets.
- Succulents, cactuses, or a fresh bouquet can instantly cheer up any room.
Millennials don’t have the same needs as boomers – and that includes their furniture. If you’re a millennial wondering what kind of furniture you should buy, we hope these tips prove useful, whether you invest in vintage pieces or get them made custom.
