Before choosing furniture, you should always ask yourself a few questions, such as: What is your daily living like? For instance, if you regularly entertain, you’ll need space for that. Is your home small? Then you might need pieces with built-in storage to expand your space. 

“When choosing furniture, it’s important to consider the room’s decor, color scheme and spatial dynamics so they work together throughout,” said Justin Miller, co-founder/CEO of Showplace. “For example, multiple bright colors can be balanced out with neutral-toned pieces to level up the mood, or scale and proportion can be taken into account for functional flow.”

Before you start buying anything, do your research and understand your preferences.  “To do this, I recommend spending time in furniture stores (including secondhand furniture and antiques) to get familiar with the feel of materials, scale and comfort,” said Avery Carter, interior designer and stylist at Avery Carter Design. “Once you've narrowed your preferences, social media is an incredible source of inspiration …Take your time researching. If you keep coming back to the same chairs for months, it's likely they will bring you joy for many years to come.”

Photo credit: Avery Carter Design

Key Considerations in Furniture Selection

Start with function, advised Reinis Butka, CEO of Luminesy. Think about how you use the space before purchasing furniture. A room’s purpose dictates what furniture will work best in the area. “Then, I think about proportion,” said Butka. “Furniture should fit the scale of the room.”

Next, consider color and texture because they impact the room’s mood. “Neutral palates are ideal for larger furniture items, and a color contrast to add your personal flair,” said, Kerry Smith, CEO at Rustic Red Door Co. “Be mindful of mixing too many colors as it can make it messy. Make sure there's also accessible window space.”

Always measure before making decisions, added Smith, and reserve at least 2 to 3 feet of walking space in areas that have frequent traffic, such as the living room’s entrance.

A few must-do’s:

Do invest in classic, well-built pieces. Look for clean lines and quality fabric — performance fabric protects your pieces from the mess kids and pets can render. “In an age of quick-changing trends, the focus should be on classic silhouettes, heavy-duty materials and versatile colors, which first need to be able to adapt to changing tastes,” advised Miller. “For example, purchasing neutral, quality pieces can lend longevity.”

Do think about functionality and flexibility. Look for versatile pieces. Sectionals, for example, allow you to rearrange your furniture again and again as your aesthetics change over the years. “If possible, purchase pieces that you can imagine in multiple rooms in your house,” recommended Carter. “This will ensure that as your life grows and evolves; your furniture can flex with you.”

Do think about storage. A bench with a hidden section can look good while offering utility. “Choosing functional and practical items like storage ottomans can help to maximize if you have a smaller home,” said Smith.

Do use neutral colors and traditional materials for investment pieces. “For furniture items that are a higher investment, consider neutral and timeless furniture items, such as wood or neutral fabrics,” said Smith. “Think about if you’d like to add other textures to enhance styles, such as steel for a more industrial look. Avoid bold patterns in large furniture items; those can be used for decor elements like pillows, rugs and wall art.”

Photo credit: Avery Carter Design

The Best Way to Arrange Furniture

Utility is always a good way to begin. “First, define the purpose of the room,” said Carter. “Do you want to encourage socializing? If so, it's important to have many different seating options facing each other with lots of places to set a drink. Do you want to encourage rest and relaxation? Opt for larger scale items with great back and neck support, and a cozy place to put your feet” (like an upholstered ottoman).

Furniture arrangement should balance practical use with seamless movement, according to Katherine Rundell, interior design writer at Academized.com. “Designers need to account for how people navigate spaces and establish clear pathways instead of introducing obstacles,” she said. For example, in a living rooms essential furniture such as a sofa and coffee table should be arranged around key focal points like a fireplace or window to create a balanced appearance, explained Rundell. 

In such areas, you should also try to create conversation-friendly layouts.  “Ask yourself what the focal point of the room is, and arrange the furniture around it,” said Smith. “Remember to keep traffic and conversation flow in mind so that your home doesn’t feel stuffy, and you don’t have to yell at someone to chat.”

You also should ensure that each piece of furniture complements the other while limiting over-crowding, according to Miller. “Think of designing different zones in a space — conversation clusters or conversation pits, as well as solitary areas that favor relaxation.”

Photo credit: Rustic Red Door Co.

How to Mix Unmatched Furniture

If a piece doesn't match the room but you love the furniture anyway simply make it a focal point. "I balance it with color," said Butka. "If a vintage wooden chair feels out of place, I might add a throw pillow in a coordinating shade." 

You can also try to identify why you love the piece, offered Carter. Is it the color, the material, the design? “Look for a way to mirror that detail elsewhere in the room,” she said. “Consider adding art, a lamp or side table that helps give the piece a connection. If that fails, don't force it. If it's a piece you love, but it doesn't currently have a home, store it in the basement or attic for a few months. Good designs always come back around.”

Photo credit: Rustic Red Door Co.

Furniture Quality Checklist

When shopping for furniture that will last, you should look for the following criteria:

1. Solid Frame Construction

“High-quality furniture is typically made from solid hardwood (e.g., oak, walnut, or maple) rather than particle board or MDF, which tends to warp over time,” said Butka. “[You should also] look for dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints rather than staples or glue, as they provide greater durability and structural integrity.

2. Upholstery and Fabric Durability

Consider finding pieces that use performance fabrics like Sunbrella, Crypton, or high-quality leather resist stains, fading and wear. “Natural fibers (linen, wool) offer breathability but require more maintenance,” said Butka. “Check that seams are reinforced to prevent fraying or splitting over time.”

3. Weight, Stability, and Finishing

A sturdy piece will feel heavy and balanced — lightweight furniture often indicates cheaper materials, according to Butka, who also recommended testing furniture for wobbling by gently shaking the piece to see if construction is solid. Finishing should look even.

Purchasing quality furniture is sometimes expensive. Carter recommended prioritizing functional pieces and then layering on accessories and art as you find them. “Building a home with a thoughtful, curated furniture collection takes time,” she said.

Try using the ancient art of furniture placement. Learn more with our blog post on feng shui.

Did you know that Fabric and Home does custom design? You can create bedding, table runners, window treatments and more - perfect for you space.

Photo credit: Rustic Red Door Co.