6 Furniture Buying Mistakes Every Fort Lauderdale Homeowner Should Avoid (2025 Guide)
6 Furniture Buying Mistakes Every Fort Lauderdale Homeowner Should Avoid (2025 Guide)
May 10, 2025
Scott Lehr, PA
Licensed Realtor & Home Design Specialist
The Listing Team at RESF
Phone: 954-342-6180 | Email: scott@reallistingagent.com
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After helping over 200 clients furnish their new South Florida homes last year, I’ve seen the same expensive mistakes pop up in Fort Lauderdale, Weston, and Pembroke Pines. Here’s what NOT to do when outfitting your space in 2025.
2025 South Florida Furniture Trends
The average homeowner spends $18,750 furnishing their space here. But 63% regret at least one major purchase. Let’s change that for you.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Our Humidity
The Oops Moment:
“My beautiful solid wood dresser warped within 3 months of moving to Oakland Park!”
The Fix:
Choose climate-smart materials:
- Teak or acacia wood (naturally humidity-resistant)
- Powder-coated metal frames
- UV-resistant outdoor fabrics (yes, even for indoors)
Pro Tip: Check out our luxury listings to see how high-end homes handle Florida’s climate.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Doorways
The Oops Moment:
“My dream sectional wouldn’t fit through the front door of my new Weston condo”
The Fix:
Measure everything twice:
- Door widths (including elevator dimensions if applicable)
- Staircase clearances
- Room sizes with tape measure (not just eyeballing)
Want to know your exact room dimensions? Request a free home measurement from our team.
Mistake #3: Buying Everything at Once
The Oops Moment:
“I spent my entire budget immediately and realized the layout doesn’t work”
The Fix:
Follow this phased approach:
| Phase | What to Buy | Budget % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bed, sofa, dining table | 50% |
| 2 | Storage solutions | 20% |
| 3 | Decorative pieces | 30% |
Mistake #4: Overlooking Function
The Oops Moment:
“This white velvet sofa looked amazing… until my kids found it”
The Fix:
Prioritize durability:
- Performance fabrics (look for Crypton or Sunbrella)
- Removable/washable covers
- Dark patterns that hide stains
See our home selling resources for more family-friendly design tips.
Mistake #5: Not Checking Delivery Terms
The Oops Moment:
“The $400 delivery fee wasn’t mentioned until checkout”
The Fix:
Always ask:
- Is delivery included?
- Are there stair/elevator fees?
- What’s the exact delivery window?
- Is assembly included?
Local Tip: Pembroke Pines Furniture Gallery offers free local delivery on orders over $2,000.
Mistake #6: Forgetting About Resale
The Oops Moment:
“I bought custom pieces that won’t fit anywhere else”
The Fix:
Think ahead:
- Avoid super-sized pieces
- Choose modular furniture
- Keep receipts for warranty claims
Remember: The average Fort Lauderdale homeowner moves every 7 years. Plan accordingly.
Local Furniture Resources We Trust
After helping clients furnish hundreds of homes, here’s where we send people:
- Budget: Nadeau Fort Lauderdale (unique imported pieces)
- Mid-range: City Furniture Outlet (Weston location)
- High-end: Design Within Reach Studio (Pembroke Pines)
Need Help Furnishing Your New Place?
We’ve got connections with local designers who offer free consultations to our clients. Whether you’re moving to Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Weston, or Pembroke Pines, we can help make your space perfect. Call me directly at 954-342-6180 or schedule a design consultation.
– Scott Lehr, PA
The Listing Team at RESF
