Keep an open mind about furniture arrangements.

Depending on the space you’re furnishing, you will likely have multiple options in terms of size and shape. For example, if you’re looking for living room furniture, consider using a combination of love seats and chairs, instead of the big sectional sofa you were planning to replace. A set of nesting side tables can easily serve the same function as your current bulky coffee table. Get creative — draw a few sketches of possible arrangements and see where using smaller, bigger or multipurpose pieces might come in handy.

Invest in good-quality furniture that will last.

Most of the items you purchase will experience daily wear and tear. It’s these pieces, such as chairs and couches, that you’ll be tempted to skimp on quality for style. Be cautious — while you think you might absolutely need that trendy ottoman right this second, if it’s not well made, you will find yourself searching for a new one sooner than you might like. This can be an expensive habit. Take your time and make sure you're buying things made of a good-quality material, like solid wood furniture or leather upholstery, and made with good-quality craftsmanship, which means there is more than just glue and staples holding it together.

Don’t forget about organizational and storage furniture.

Consider your storage needs when shopping for new furnishings. Bedroom furniture, for example, can easily and discreetly provide lots of extra storage. If you tend to be a very organized person, look for pieces like storage beds or dressers and armoires that have lots of compartments and drawers. Even a simple nightstand instantly becomes more useful when it has a drawer or two. Be especially conscious of your storage needs when buying home office and bathroom furniture, as lots of small trinkets typically accumulate in both rooms.