Furnishing a home may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually become more complicated than you might think. Whether you’re moving for the first time or looking to replace old and worn out items, you have a lot to consider even before you begin furniture shopping. The best way to go about furnishing a home, however, is go room by room: think about what each room of the house needs and make a list.

If you’re not sure about what you might need, add these items to a checklist before you hit up your local furniture stores:

Living Room and/or Family Room

The items that you’ll need for these rooms depend upon how much entertaining you’ll be doing. For instance, seating should be determined by the number of people living in your home, plus any frequent guests you may have over. The size of your space is also important: some rooms just can’t accommodate large items like sectional sofas or bulky entertainment centers. Couches, love seats, arm chairs, settees, coffee tables, end tables, accent chairs, TV stands or cabinets and entertainment centers are all common items for these rooms.

Dining Room and Kitchen

Whether you have a formal dining room or an eat-in kitchen, you’ll need a table that the whole family can sit around. As with the furniture in the other spaces of the house, make sure to measure tables to ensure that they will fit in a particular space. You can choose from a variety of styles in order to give the room a unique look. Just make sure to select quality materials like hardwoods, so that table withstand the test of time.

Bedrooms

How you decorate a bedroom depends a lot upon who is using it. Adult bedrooms benefit from being quiet, tranquil spaces. For a child’s room, find something that matches your kid’s personality. Also important is selecting the right mattress. Ask your interior design experts for mattress tips to determine what will help you and your family members get the best night’s sleep. Don’t forget to add dressers, desks, and bedside tables to your list, too.

Bathrooms

The bathroom may not sound like an ideal space to decorate, but it’s a simple part of the house to put some finishing touches on. You can get some good quality bath mats and towels for your guest bathroom. Small decorative items are also perfect for a bathroom. For instance, if you like the coastal or beach look, try using accents like seashells, starfish, light houses, or other nautical accessories.

Have more questions about furnishing a home? Seek some interior design advice at your local furniture store. You can also leave us a comment with questions or suggestions.