Buying new furniture is a major investment in both time and money. Most people prefer pieces that are appealing, as well as which feel comfortable and fit their space, especially those who have kids and pets.

Of course, every piece of furniture has certain features to help you determine whether it’s a good fit. But since most furniture is the focal point of your home and where friends, family and visitors gather to enjoy a meal or simply one’s company, deciding what to purchase for both small and large indoor spaces can sometimes be quite daunting.

Here are some tips about how to find furniture ideal for any room setting.

Construction

A sturdy frame, solid legs and strong springs are important elements when it comes to finding the best furniture. Most of today’s popular sofas are assembled with a kiln-dried solid hardwood frame for durability and extra support. Though expensive, it’s one of the best investments you can make. On the other hand, avoid buying a cheap sofa frame made from plastic, particleboard or metal.

Additionally, the springs that hold up and support the couch are another key aspect to consider. Eight-way hand-tied springs are the best pick when it comes to sofa springs. They tend to provide optimum comfort and are long-lasting but can be a bit expensive. Good springs should be extremely firm and spaced together to offer the right support.

You should also consider the padding of all the corners of the couch. Run your hand on all the corners to make sure you don’t feel the edges of the frame through the upholstery.

Material

What type of materials do you want for your furniture? There are few things that can help decide on this: weather (outdoor choices), aesthetics and the nature of care required.

Durable woods and metal, such as powder-coated aluminum and teak, are great choices for outdoor furniture, as they don’t require much care and are long lasting. It’s also important to make sure quality pillows and slipcovers are present to give the furniture that appealing look.

Sofas in cotton or linen fabric, as well as leather couches, are classic upholstery options that provide superior value. Synthetic fabrics such as microfiber are also perfect choices, as they tend to be durable and easy to clean. Fully upholstered sofas are also easy to clean, with a variety of colors, styles and textures from which to choose, making it easy to find your favorite choice that fits your home needs.

Available Space

How much space do you have? Is it a broad and wide deck, a long and narrow balcony, or a small or large porch? Use the area that you have to determine the size of your furniture. Additionally, make sure you leave ample space around your furniture that will allow you to get up and walk around comfortably.

The space you choose will also determine the materials that will match with the environment and surroundings for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Comfort

The goal of looking for indoor or outdoor furniture is to relax, so make sure the pieces you pick out are as comfortable as possible. Regarding couches and sofas, they should contain high-density foam, quality seat cushions (can be removable, reversible, etc.) and comfortable pillows (feather or down). For cushions, the heavier the better to ensure you get the right level of comfort.

It’s Time to Go Shopping

Now that you know the key elements and features to look for in furniture, it’s time to go shopping. One more thing: Make sure the sofa will fit through the doorway and hallways in your home. Oftentimes, many couches have legs that are removable to make delivery easier. In some cases, a door can be removed to provide enough space to squeeze in large furniture.