Do Not Let the Furnishings Fool You

Looking around rental properties can be a bit of a whistlestop tour but if you find somewhere you like don’t just give it a ten minute once over. Check everything carefully. Does it have central heating, a washing machine, dishwasher, decent fridge and freezer? What are the showers like? Are the windows in good condition? These can all be forgotten in the heat of the moment.

Tenants who are viewing flat complexes are frequently led to furnished models which have been tastefully decorated. Though the furnishings in these model flats are normally very aesthetically appealing they also normally serve another aim as well. This other purpose is to make the room appear larger than it’s. There are decorator and furnishing techniques which may make a room in a flat appear considerably larger than it actually is. The size of the bed, the amount of furniture and the layout of the furniture are all items which should be carefully considered when viewing model flats. This article will cover these three items and will provide useful info for tenants who are trying to evaluate furnished flats.

The Size of the Bed

Determining the size of the bed in a model flat is important for the aims of evaluating the flat. If you’re unsure of the size of the bed used in the model, ask the leasing agent for illumination. This is important as if the bed used in the model is a full size bed and your own bed is a king size bed, it will be difficult to make assumptions about the size of the bedroom. The differences in a full size bed and a queen size bed may not be as noticeable but tenants should be aware a queen bed will result in less free space in the room. If the bed used in the model isn’t the same size as your own bed, take measurements to determine how well your own bed will fit in the room.

Is There Enough Furniture?

When viewing a furnished, model important it’s important to note whether or not there’s enough furniture in the room. E.g. there possibly a kitchen table and only two chairs rather than four. This may make the room appear larger to those who are viewing the flat but they’re likely going to be disappointed when they move in.

Consider the furniture in other rooms as well. E.g. a bedroom which only has a bed and a nightstand will be decidedly less crowded than a bedroom which has a bed, two nightstands and a dresser. Your furniture may not be exactly the same size as the model furniture but there should be comparable items in each room.

Does the Layout Make Sense?

Tenants should also carefully consider the layout of the furniture when visiting a furnished apartment. A flat may feature all of the pieces of furniture the tenant expects to see in the room but may position these pieces of furniture in a way that’s not logical. Consider the family room as an example. There possibly a couch, an entertainment center, a television set, a coffee table and two end tables but if these items are positioned strangely it may be deceiving. Most tenants arrange their living room furniture in a manner which makes the area conducive to conversations as well as viewing of the television. If the television is positioned where it’s not viewable from any of the seating alternatives, the layout of the room is somewhat unnatural. It’s not likely to be similar to the layout used by the tenant and therefore doesn’t offer an accurate representation of how the space will likely be used.