* Decide what best expresses your personal style.
* Determine your budget.
* Measure your space to see what pieces you can accommodate.
* A well-equipped bedroom generally consists of a bed, a nightstand or two, a dresser or chest and a mirror. Many of today's bedrooms feature an armoire, too.
* The bed is generally the focal point of the bedroom so you'll probably want to select it first.
* When shopping for pieces that aren't upholstered, such as dressers, chests and tables (known as "casegood" in the furniture speak), find out what they are made of – is it hardwood or softwood? Quality pieces are available in both hard and soft woods.
* With any wood pieces, an examination of the construction will reveal a lot about the quality. Lift a corner. Does it feel heavy and sturdy? Check out the corners. Do they feel strong and secure?
* Open and shut the drawers. Do they open and close easily? Do they fit snugly? You want to make sure they don't sag.
* Examine the finish of the piece. The finish should be smooth, without cracks or bubbles.
* Check the hardware, e.g. handles and pulls – they should be secure and strong with no rough or sharp edges.
* And after you've made your major furniture selections, remember to add accessories, such as lamps, photo frames, rugs and wall décor.