Tips for picking new living room furniture

Buying new living room furniture is an opportunity to refresh the room's style. Here's how to make sure you get the right pieces for your space.

The last thing you want is to buy a set that is too large or too small.

• Before you consider buying anything, it is important to know the dimensions of your room.
• It is also a good idea to measure the door opening and know your limitations before you schedule furniture delivery.

Try downloading a free app for your smart phone designed for planning a room layout, and then experiment with different floor plans using standard sofa measurements.

• If standard sizes look too crowded, try the plan using love seats or apartment-sized sofas instead.

Choosing a style is easier for some, but if you are undecided, try taking some direction from the natural features of the room.

• Is there a modern fireplace that lends itself to a contemporary sleek look, or do you have natural hardwood floors that are begging for something more simple and traditional?
• Function is important, too. If you have children, it is important to get sturdy living room furniture capable of handling usage by a family, but you also want furniture that looks good when you have company.
• Fabric samples are a great resource for choosing a colour scheme, and it is a good idea to stick to quality fabrics that are pre-treated to resist stains.

By now you should have most of the important information, and you are ready to shop. Some additional tips to consider before you go:

• Have a budget in mind, so you aren't tempted to overspend.
• Remember, you don't need big pieces in order to have a room where you can easily entertain.
• Apartment-sized sofas are perfectly suited for smaller rooms. Many have wooden legs that "lift" the sofa off the floor and create a visual effect of more space.
• Glass end tables or "floating" (wall-mounted) end tables accomplish the same thing.
• Combine a love seat or two with side chairs to create a cozy, chic and comfortable setting.
• If your room is bigger, you can be more extravagant with size, but look for pieces that will fill the room without overwhelming it.

Buying new furniture can be stressful, but also incredibly fun. Take time to enjoy crafting your new style while you shop, and look forward to the way your house will look when you've finished.