Both strategies can work, but in many cases it’s easier to choose flooring first and then match furniture to it. Flooring is a big, continuous surface that’s expensive and messy to change. Furniture, rugs and decor are more flexible and can be swapped over time.

If you pick a neutral, versatile floor – something in the mid-tone range, not too red, too grey or too yellow – you can comfortably pair it with many different furniture styles over the years. Your taste might shift from modern to more classic, but the floor can still work.

However, if you already own a lot of furniture you love and don’t plan to replace, take those pieces into account. Bring photos or a cushion/wood sample when choosing flooring. You want them to complement each other, not fight.

Think of flooring as the “background” and furniture as the “characters”. It’s easier to change the characters than rebuild the stage, so choose the stage wisely.