How to Shop for Home Decorations

Compare prices and quality before choosing home decor.

An effective home decor shopping trip begins with careful planning beforehand. Browsing through home supply stores and design shops is a fine way to get inspiration and ideas for your own home, but when you're ready to buy, you need to be armed with swatches, lists and measurements to make sure you bring home the best items for your space.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Shopping list
• Swatches, samples and/or throw pillows
• Truck or van

Instructions

1. Measure the room you plan to decorate. Take note of the location of windows, doors and other architectural features you need to work around with your decor. When planning furniture placement, it's important to leave room for doors to swing freely and for people to comfortably walk around the space.

2. Make a list of items you need for the room, such as furniture, wall hangings, lamps and rugs. Using the room's measurements, determine how much space you have for each item. For example, a large, blank wall might need a tapestry, an oversized painting or a grouping of smaller prints. A narrow end table might not accommodate a full-size lamp. A sofa that looks small in the vast space of the store might overwhelm your much smaller living room, so keep your list of measurements with you for reference while you shop.

3. Take fabric swatches, flooring samples or a throw pillow from your existing decor to the store with you. This will help you compare colors and textures to ensure that any items you buy will fit in with things you already have. It's not necessary to match colors and patterns perfectly, and in fact it's often better not to. New decor should enhance and complement your existing design.

4. Inspect items you're interested in carefully before purchasing them. Check for good quality construction, solid frames and freedom from defects. Ask about warranties on big ticket items, and request information on caring for expensive, fragile or one-of-a-kind objects such as artwork and figurines.

5. Make a plan for getting your new purchases home. Drive a truck or van to the store if you plan to buy bulky items. For sofas, tables and other large pieces, you might need to arrange for store delivery. Many stores charge a delivery fee for these items.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek out unconventional sources for home decor items, such as craft stores, garage sales, antique shops, industrial suppliers and flea markets. You might find a hidden gem that will complete your room.

• If you prefer to shop online, read customer reviews of products you are considering buying, and check product descriptions for dimensions, construction materials and warranties.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Buy Smart: What to Look for When Buying a Couch
• Country Living; Internet & Mail-Order Living Room Makeover; Jill Kirchner Simpson