Retail therapy is one of the little pleasures in life, and the epitome of great, lasting retail therapy is the purchase of furniture. You have to look at it and use it every day, so it needs to last. Before you go out and spend a huge chunk of your savings to refurnish your room and home, a little research goes a long way and may determine your future furniture happiness. Buying furniture is a large commitment emotionally and financially, so pay attention to these simple tips and find some pieces that speak to your style and will make you happy for a very long time.

" Size Matters: Choosing furniture that is not scaled to the size of the room is one of the biggest mistakes people make when buying new pieces. Just because it looks pretty in the store does not mean it will look pretty in your room. Oversized furniture cramps a room and removes any chance at something stylish, and yet people purchase it all the time. Measure the room before you shop, and bring a tape measure with you to measure the furniture. Don't be fooled by room size, however. Even if the room in question is large, the furniture will still look out of place and oversized if your ceiling is low and the furniture is tall.

" Price vs. Longevity vs. Design: Before your outing, decide which characteristics are the most important to you. Do you just want something cheap and functional? Do you plan to use it for a long time, and perhaps pass it down to other generations? Is your only concern whether it fits your d'cor? These are some important questions to ask yourself before you start to look. By setting some boundaries, you narrow down your choices and make the decision easier. If you're looking for children's furniture, usefulness and design might take precedence over longevity because the child will most likely outgrow it in 3-5 years. However, if you are buying new furniture for the first time, you might be interested in longevity. Take these things into consideration so that you won't overspend on low quality pieces. Also, it is crucial to understand the material of the furniture.

" Hard Wood vs. Soft Wood: there are so many different types of wood to choose from, and each has its own special qualities and beautiful colors. Research the types of wood furniture available before looking to narrow down your options. Some common types of wood are birch, pine, ash, mahogany, maple, beech, walnut, cherry, and oak. "Hard" and "soft" do not refer to the strength of the wood, but the type of tree. However, hardwood is generally more dense than softwood and has distinctive pores, making it harder to cut but much sturdier. Hardwood comes from trees that lose their leaves in the winter, whereas softwoods bear pine needles or keep their leaves year-round. Common hardwoods include ash, walnut, cherry, mahogany, oak, birch, and maple, and some familiar soft woods are pine, spruce, beech, and redwood. Hardwood is commonly used in the construction of houses and buildings, so purchasing furniture made from this hearty material can practically guarantee that it will last. Generally, furniture made from hardwood is considered to be of the highest quality.

" How is the Wood Constructed?: The design of the furniture itself is almost as important as the wood. Many companies are now using a process called veneering, which involves bonding a thin strip of wood to the face of the furniture surface. While the exterior of the furniture looks solid, the inside may be made from materials like plywood that do not last as long. Opt for furniture constructed from solid pieces of wood bonded together. Some companies are now crafting furniture made from sustainable sources, which often ensures a quality piece of solid wood furniture. Some of these sustainable sources include hard woods like ash, birch, oak, cherry, maple, and walnut. Look for furniture made from these sources, and you will buy a better piece of furniture at a lower cost to the environment.

" The Choice: Once you have narrowed down your options, it's time to choose. Fine, handcrafted furniture usually has the best quality and is often made of one type of solid wood (depending on the maker). In addition, your piece will truly be custom and original, and the quality is often unbeatable. It's a bit pricey, but it definitely pays off in the end. For a piece of handcrafted furniture to withstand the test of time, go with a hardwood like the ones listed above (maple, walnut, oak, ash, birch, and cherry). Take great care of it, and that furniture will make it through generations.

" Changing your Furniture: Focus on the style, rather than the color. Find furniture that fits a style you have appreciated over time to ensure that you will appreciate this furniture over time. Trends cost a lot and never last. If you like the style of your furniture, you can always update and refurbish it down the road. Simply sand off the lacquer, stain, or paint and re-stain or -paint it for an updated color combination. However, keep in mind that refurbishing veneer is usually a fruitless task, so if you see yourself doing this in the future, opt for the more expensive but timeless solid or handcrafted furniture.

Finding new furniture is always fun, but it is important to shop smart to ensure that your money is spent on lasting items that you love.