Let shape lead the room
Begin with a sofa, lounge chair or credenza whose proportions suit your space. Balance a sculptural silhouette with quieter surrounding pieces, then repeat a wood tone or metal finish in lighting and smaller accents. Mixing periods can keep the arrangement personal.
Inspect surfaces and construction
Look closely at veneer edges, table tops, joints and drawer fronts. Ask about repairs, refinishing and replacement hardware where the listing is unclear. For seating, compare seat height and depth as well as overall dimensions, and confirm the condition of upholstery and cushioning.
Check the recorded attribution
Familiar shapes appear across many makers and periods. Read the attribution carefully and look for pictured labels or construction details. A piece described as in the style of a designer is not the same as a documented example by that designer.