First, you'll need to create a plan for yourself ' not just a room plan, but some basic ideas of what colors you like, what styles you absolutely can't stand, and how much money you're willing to spend on new furniture. Budgeting is extremely important, because it will help you ensure that you can afford all the pieces you need without spending too much on any one item.

When you head to the store, try to focus on choosing furniture for one room at a time. Think about the size of the room you're trying to furnish, and consider that since showrooms tend to be large, that great sofa you've just fallen in love with might not be as small as it looks. Bring a tape measure when you go, and check specific measurements for each piece of furniture as you consider it.

At the same time, do your best to bring a sketched-in floor plan of the room you're choosing furniture for, and then apply the measurements for each piece of potential furniture to the floor plan. Is the sofa small enough for a few people to fit on, while not blocking any doorways or vents? Can that coffee table actually fit in the niche next to the door? Also, don't forget to mark in where the windows are on your plan, both width and height. That recliner might fit in the floor space, but it's no good if it blocks half of your main window!

With floor plan in hand, design plan in mind, and tape measure in your pocket, you're ready to seriously consider what pieces of furniture you want to add to your home. A good rule of thumb here is: don't rush it. Often, homeowners feel pressured or rushed into making a purchase by salespeople, so it might be in your and their best interest to let the salesperson know that you want some time alone while you look around. Then, when you're ready to ask questions or talk about prices, you can approach them on your own terms.

Most salespeople are very knowledgeable and helpful, and will be able to answer your questions honestly. They can steer you in the right direction if you get stuck, but any final decision you make needs to be yours and yours alone. Of course, if they're willing to offer you a great combination deal on some pieces you like, it certainly wouldn't hurt to consider it!

When thinking about colors and patterns on furniture, think about how long you plan to keep things like sofas and matching chairs. Patterned furniture can sometimes become tiresome or look outdated a few years down the line, while solid colors tend to be more timeless and versatile. With solid colors, you can spruce up the decoration by new adding pillows or throw blankets every so often, while patterns allow for less altering in mood and ambiance of the room. However, if you're looking to tie an entire room together with a specific pattern theme, a patterned sofa and chair set may be just the thing you're looking for.

With the proliferation of furniture stores available to choose from today, you might also think about heading in the direction of bargain stores. If this is the case, consider how much use each piece of furniture will get, and try not to sacrifice quality for those pieces that will have a lot of traffic. You don't want to end up replacing things like a kitchen table and chairs every few years, as that can become quite costly. Instead, choose solid, sturdy pieces for high-use areas of the home ' it will save you money and hassle in the long run.