Collectibles add interest to a family room with layered vignettes. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Assemble a "Shopping Kit" with paint samples, fabric swatches, carpet cuttings, and a floorplan. It doesn't matter if you keep it in a notebook or a Ziplock bag, just take it with you.
2. Measure, measure, measure. Keep 3x5 cards or a small notebook with the dimensions of windows, rooms, niches, ceiling height, hallway width, etc. TAKE a TAPE MEASURE, pencil, and paper with you.
3. Make a list. Shop with a purpose in mind. If you have pictures from magazines of what you want, be sure to take them with you.
4. When a salesperson asks if they can help you, tell them specifically what you're looking for ("a small upholstered chair", "a round coffee table", "red pillows").
5. Browse the options shown to you by the salesperson. If none appeal to you, then look on your own. Move quickly so you don't get too tired.
6. Ask advice from salespeople ("Is this carpet rated?", "Do you know where I can find more brass lamps?) but be cautious if they're on commission or seem to be pushing certain items.
7. Move on to another store immediately if nothing seems perfect, and go on looking.
8. Take a lunch break if you start to feel overwhelmed.
9. When you see something that could work, bring out your tape measure and samples. Write down the store, price, finish, dimensions, and model. (This will help you find it again another day.)
10. Hold up you samples to see how they look with the piece. Do this in natural light whenever possible (near windows with daylight).
11. Ask the salesperson if they have a brochure on the product, or if they can make a copy of the spec sheet.
12. Ask if there are options in finish, style, size, color, etc., and what are the extra charges for each. Write down what you find out.
13. Ask about store policy on delivery, deposits, returns, etc. Ask about ordering timeframes and when you could expect delivery (immediately? in a week? within 3 months?)
14. If the item is "perfect" and the terms seem reasonable, purchase the item right away. If you're still not sure, write down the details, get the salesman's card, and go home and think about it.
15. To better evaluate size of a potential new piece of furniture, tape off an area in the dimensions of the piece, then fill it with boxes, pillows, or other objects. See how it feels to "walk around" it for a few days.

Tips:

1. Aim for perfection. Try not to settle for something just because it's cheap. (But if it's cheap and you love it, buy away!)
2. Add to your list of measurements as you go, getting down to smaller dimensions (the width of the wall between the window and the closet door). These may help you fit furniture or pictures.
3. Never pick out colors in artificial light. Try them in natural daylight near a window or outside first. Later try colors at home in the actual room BEFORE purchasing.
4. Always ask if you can try it out overnight. This is the best way to see if something will look right in your own home.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating