It is what holds your food as you eat. What keeps your body aloft as you sleep. What contains your favorite valuables to protect them. It holds your lamp, television and books. Furniture is all around us, in our office, at home and elsewhere. Learn how to become a smarter furniture shopper by reading the below information.

If you are looking for new furniture and you don’t have a lot of money, consider picking up some at your local thrift store. There are usually a few different sets available, and you may find one that is in fairly good condition. You can have a set that is new to you without spending a ton of money.

When you see something you like, wait to buy it for at least 24 hours. If it’s not the last item in stock, you have the time. You need to go home and see if the piece you’re considering would work in your space, and whether you really want to spend the money. Waiting will help.

Don’t be afraid to haggle. In this way, furniture is like a car. There’s typically a lot of mark up in that price. You can normally get anywhere from 10% up to 20% off when you are a confident haggler. You may feel a little weird doing it, but it could save you hundreds of dollars.

Color choice should be a huge consideration when purchasing furniture. If you select colors that are bold, you may not be able to easily match your home decor later on. For the bigger pieces, use a neutral color and reserve the bold color choices for smaller pieces.

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.

Do not let a salesperson convince you to buy a piece of furniture you are not comfortable with. As most sales people do, those who sell furniture want to make the most commission, so they will try to convince you to purchase the most expensive item. Chances are, some cheaper items are better for your needs.

If you need furniture and want to save money, consider shopping at warehouse stores. Most of these stores do charge a membership fee; however, the money you will save will pay for the fee over and over again. These stores carry quality furniture at a fraction of the price of a furniture store.

Prior to heading out to the store, think through what you need. Write down the items you have to buy and which room they are going to be in. Also make note if you think any colors or patterns would be nice. The list can help save you a lot of time and money once you actually get to the store.

Whether you are buying used antiques or brand new, doing it right is key. You don’t want to get home and realize you’ve made some sort of colossal error. These tips should keep you in line as you shop for all the furnishings you need, ensuring your home is perfect.