Once you’ve determined your decorating style, picked your colors, and drawn up a budget, it’s time to start filling your home with some furniture. Whatever your stage in life, it’s probable that you’ve accumulated some pieces along the way. But should you keep what you have or start from scratch? Where are the best places to buy furniture? And how do you know that you’re buying it the right way?

Take inventory of what you already have

Before you start making purchases, take inventory of what you currently have in your home. If it’s dated, falling apart, or looks cheap, then let it go. If it has sentimental value, however, then consider reviving it with new upholstery or a new finish. If you still aren’t sure what to do, you could enlist the help of a professional. An interior decorator will have a different perspective, so hiring one, even if it’s just for a few hours, can be a huge benefit to you.

Have a vision of what you’re looking for before you start

The next step to complete before you start shopping is to work out the entire room. It’s very important to have a good idea of how you want everything to look. This includes more than pieces of furniture. It also includes items like window treatments, lighting, and rugs. Put together a visual if you can. The last thing you need is to be stuck with decorating an entire space around a single piece of furniture. Having a handle on the space as a whole will make it much easier to furnish appropriately.

Know your fabrics (quality, color, comfort)

When it comes to large pieces of furniture, keep them understated by sticking with neutral fabrics. Color can then be brought in by way of smaller furnishings (accent chairs, entryway tables, etc), walls, and decorating accessories. And don’t be timid about spending more for comfort. A quality piece will not only be more comfortable, it will last longer too. Skimp on items that don’t matter quite so much.

Always check for quality. If that upholstered piece feels too light or wobbly, pass on it. If you’re shopping for a mattress, pay attention to the coil count. If you want a cabinet that will last longer, check for drawers with dovetail joints in the corners.

Measure your space before you start looking

One last crucial mistake to avoid is not measuring. Misjudging the size of the furniture in relation to the room can be a costly mistake. Showroom furniture won’t necessarily look the same in your home, so measure and pay attention to proportions. And don’t forget to measure every opening between the curb and the interior of your home to ensure that the piece will fit through doorways, around corners, or in elevators and stairwells.

Make the process fun!

To get a sense of what you want, spend some time browsing online and visiting stores, including thrift and antique stores. Look for consignment shops or, if you have one, visit the local to-the-trade design center. Think of it as window shopping. It’ll allow you to see current styles, what’s available, and what you can afford.

If you can’t find the perfect piece for your space, then it’s probably time to consider custom furniture. There is just something grand about being able to choose your exact style, pattern, color, and fabric for your newest addition to your home!

Stop by our custom furniture store near Houston, TX. You will find interior (and exterior) upholstery fabrics that will be perfect for your custom furniture, no matter what color or style you need.