Have you ever walked into someone's house and cringed at how horrible their furniture was? If so, this is very common. Many people purchase furniture that is not only ugly, but also unpractical. You can avoid this mistake by doing some research. The follo

If you're purchasing an older piece of furniture, check the underneath to ensure that it's stable. Many times, furniture will appear to be in good condition and it is really not. Rust and dry rot are common problems that tend to plague older furniture.

When you buy a couch, look for a durable one that will last for years and determine how comfortable it is. Cushions are the most comfortable when they have springs supporting them. Serpentine springs can work if durably constructed, but the hand-tied, eight-way springs are best. Test the springs by touching them through the furniture's upholstery. The good ones will be placed close together and should be firm.

If you want to be absolutely sure that you are getting a piece of furniture made with forest management practices in mind, look for the FSC certification. There are a number of certifications around, many of which are good. However, the FSC certification in particular is respected internationally for forest management.

Don't ever purchase any large piece of furniture without first measuring it. Knowing where you will show it means making sure it will fit there! Bring a tape measure when you shop for furniture and know in advance the spacial limitations you are working with. If you're ever in a pinch, phone home and have someone there give you the specs.

Plan out your furniture shopping at the right time every year. Furniture tends to go on major sales during certain holidays. Some of the more popular times are Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and President's Day. You'll also see cheaper prices near the winter holidays. If you can hold off until these time periods, you'll get much more for your money.

Take the time to keep furniture polished and clean regularly. This bit of maintenance helps keeps your furniture looking like new and also helps to get rid of allergens like dust and pet dander. Letting dust and other allergens collect, especially on finished furniture, can damage it over time, so you need to maintain it on a regular basis.

Think about the color schemes of the room you want to put furniture in. For example, you may be in love with that cherry red leather couch, but is it really the best choice for your all pink living room? Consider the colors involved to make a really pleasant match.

You should find pieces that offer multiple uses for a home office. For example, you can use an armoire to store a printer and additional supplies. When the printer is not in use, you can simply shut the armoire giving your room an uncluttered look.

Pick up seat cushions when buying furniture. Quality cushions should be heavy. A sofa with heavy cushions should be more expensive but you will not have to replace the cushions anytime soon. If you choose a sofa with some light cushions, expect to spend money again within two years to replace them.

Consider getting maintenance products for both your indoor and outdoor furniture. Indoor and outdoor furniture experience different conditions and are susceptible to different kinds of damage. For instance, you may need special finishes to protect your outdoor furniture from rain or upholstery cleaner for your indoor pieces. By keeping the proper products around, your furniture can look great for a long time, no matter if they're inside or outside.

Always speak to  treat sinusitis at home  to find out what the springing system is like when looking to buy a sofa. If the salesman does not have the information you need, ask to speak to the supervisor. Apply weight to the couch. Can you feel whether springs are embedded from the back of the couch to the front?

As the beginning of this article discussed, nothing is worse than stepping into a home and being greeted by tacky furniture. A little research on your part can prevent this from being a problem for you. Put the tips above to good use and the furniture in your home will look great and function properly.