Consider your needs carefully. Whether you are furnishing a room, an entire home or simply buying a single item of furniture, decide just what you need and how long you will need it. For example, do you need "short term" furniture such as a baby crib that will soon be outgrown, or do you need "long term" furniture such as a table or chest of drawers to be used for many years? Keeping your needs in mind will help you save time and money when you begin to shop.