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Do you and your spouse find yourselves up all night? Do your sheets end up all rumpled and in piles at the end of the bed from all the moving around the two of you are doing? If so...you may need a new mattress (but if you're up all night for another reason, our congratulations). Many couples find themselves experiencing a Princess-and-the-Pea-type situation with their marriage bed, especially if they're using a mattress that's over nine years old.

Does this sound like you? Don't worry, we've got a helpful guide to help you navigate all the pitfalls of buying a new mattress -- from pillowtops to memory foam, we'll help you figure out how to get a bed that will allow the two of you to get a good night's sleep.

Photo: iStockphoto

Step 1: Consider your space.

• For room-size rugs (the best choices for bedrooms), the general rule is that at least 12 to 18 inches of flooring should frame the rug. But keep in mind that these numbers aren't hard and fast: The rug should look in scale with the room and furnishings.
  

• For rugs placed under dining tables, measure the diameter of the table. Add 24 to 30 inches on each side for side chairs, and 30 to 34 inches for armchairs. When seated at the table, the chair's back legs should still be on the rug.
  
• For rugs in hallways, the length is optional. But try to place yours so it doesn't end in the middle of a doorway. In very long halls, several smaller runners can work. They don't have to be matching, but colors should coordinate.
  [Nest Note] Multiple rugs used in adjacent spaces should complement one another in color and style, but can have different patterns.

Step 2: Decide on a budget.

• Your mind probably wants to dream about color and texture, but your bank account is snapping you back to reality. Good news: There are area rugs at virtually every price point -- from $59 to $10,000 and up. The average cost for a 6-foot-by-9-foot today is between $100 and $2,000.
  
• A lot of factors go into pricing: raw materials (rugs made of luxury fibers, like 100 percent premium worsted New Zealand wool, or silk, will be more expensive than rugs made of lesser-quality wool or synthetic-fiber jute and sisal), dyes (natural vegetable dyes are pricey, and the cost rises when more colors are used), and the time spent on labor and craftsmanship.
  
• If you're looking to give the room a quick or seasonal makeover, then you might not want to invest in a high-end rug that you'll tire of in a year. On the other hand, when you want to create a room that will stand the test of time, a well-made rug will look and feel great for years -- and will end up being worth it.

  [Nest Note] Why pay more for wool? Chances are it will hold up (and look good) long after a rug made of synthetic fibers has come apart. A good-quality rug is also more forgiving of spills and wear and tear, and feels better underfoot. But make sure your wool rug doesn't shed (rub your hand back and forth on the fabric. If a clump comes off, it will forever be a mess. You might think it won't be a bother, but take it from one Nest editor -- it's worse than wearing black pants around ten thick-coated dogs!

Step 3: Think about color and style.

• You can't go wrong with a style or color if it makes you happy (MIL doesn't have to like your selection, after all). But be open to more practical factors that will help you whittle down the myriad choices.
  
• Neutrals like beiges and earth tones allow you to use your floor as a canvas on which to create a colorful room. A bright-colored rug will be the focal point or anchor of any room (and it will make the room look larger).
  
• To minimize maintenance, light colors should be restricted to low-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, formal living rooms, and guest bedrooms. Multicolored and dark carpets are great for minimizing the effects of everyday dirt and soil.
  
• With a busy rug, you'll want to avoid too many visual distractions on walls, on windows, and in furniture textures. When an area rug is solid, you can get more creative elsewhere in the space.
  [Nest Note] Green is the hot neutral of the moment. It will help yellow or blue colors in the room pop.

Step 4: Visit many showrooms.

• You'll probably want to look around before making the final choice. All of those rugs can start to get confusing, so to make the hunt more efficient, bring along the room dimensions (including door openings and furniture placement), paint chips, fabric swatches, and tear sheets of your favorite looks from magazines. Digital photos of the room are also great -- or bring the camera itself if you want.
  
• Ask lots of questions, or at least make sure the sales associate is well informed about your lifestyle and needs. Here's what to bring up:
  
  • Do you have an active home? If so, you need a rug that will hold up to traffic.
  • Do you have kids or pets? You'll need a sturdy rug
  • What about maintenance? What kind of care does the rug need and how often?
  • Is there a warranty to cover stains or odors?
  • Will sun and UV rays cause the rug to fade?
  • What's the lifespan of the rug? Are there better fiber alternatives?
  • Is there a return policy? What if you don't like the rug after you get it into your room?
  
  [Nest Note] A rug pad or underlay will help keep rugs from slipping and will add cushioning and, in some cases, insulation. Any way you put it, the pad will extend the life of an area rug.

  [Nest Expert] Anne Carley of Mohawk Select, a carpeting and flooring company.
  

Is your mattress destined for the dumpster? You definitely need to buy a new bed if yours is more than nine years old, if you wake up feeling like you haven't even slept (and it's been nine hours!), if the surface is covered with bumps and lumps, or if you need to be pried from the sinking sag in the middle. Even if your bed is a dream, it's worth checking out the latest offerings for the newest mattress features.

Step 1: Obviously, your space will determine how big a bed you can buy. Be on the lookout for manufacturer-specific sizes -- some companies now offer a slightly larger queen size marketed as a "European Queen." Arm yourself with a tape measure and jot down the exact size of the mattress, then compare it with standard bed dimensions.

Step 2: Comparison-shopping can be tricky when it comes to mattresses; models vary tremendously between retail stores. Your best smart-shopping strategy is to find a sleep set that feels just right, then shop around for similar comfort and support levels. Expect to drop $1,000 for a reputable queen-size mattress with a box spring -- essential to prolonging the life of your bed. Top-of-the line British VI-Spring Company handmade mattresses can reach a whopping $20,000.

Step 3: "When it comes to sleeping surfaces, what might feel wonderful to one person might feel like a concrete floor to someone else," says Nancy Blatt, executive director of The Better Sleep Council. In order to find the perfect fit, grab your mate and head to a trustworthy mattress store. You'll both need to lie down in your favorite sleeping positions and try out mattress comfort levels, from plush to firm. But don't let a cashmere covering sweep you off your feet. Pay special attention to how the mattress supports your shoulders, hips, and lower back -- too little support can lead to back pain and too much can add unnecessary pressure.

Step 4: Next, look inside the box. It's the quality of the materials used and how they're put together that determine how long a mattress and foundation will provide comfort and support. The best mattresses have more springs that are intricately arranged and hand-tied with loving precision. But delicate craftsmanship is going to cost you. Bottom line: Look for details like a complex coil shape (it'll provide better weight distribution) and a thicker wire diameter (for greater resiliency). Each spring system suggests a different feel, so let your body be the judge. Sweet dreams.

Mattress Size Chart
California King: 72" x 84"
King: 76" x 80"
Queen: 60" x 80"
Full ("double"): 53" x 75"
Twin: 38" x 75"

(All dimensions may vary by +/- one-half inch)
From: The Better Sleep Council

It's the focal point of your living room, the place you curl up together for movie nights, and - most likely - your pet's domain. Learn how to find the perfect couch that will last for years to come -- and complement your couple style.

Anatomy of a Couch

Filler: You can’t go wrong with a down-and-feather combo, but high-density foam is also comfy, budget-friendly, and long-wearing.

Fabric: If the piece is wrapped in rich leather, thick twill, or a durable microsuede, you can count on its longevity.

Joints: You might not see them, but the joints should be double- or triple-doweled, corner blocked, glued, and high-pressure stapled for support.

Frame: Look for a couch built with a kiln-dried hardwood (better because less moisture is left in the wood) such as beach, maple, or ash.

Sofa Basics

• Expect to pay between $700 to $2,000 for a couch, but designer ones can go for over $10,000.
  
• A love seat averages in at 58-60 inches. And an “apartment-sizeâ€� couch is somewhere in between a love seat and standard three-seater.
  
• A quality couch should last about 10 years with normal wear and tear (keep the klutzy drunks at bay, and you’ll get even more time).

Know Your Style

• Have a budget and give yourself a 10 percent cushion if you just have to have a certain piece.
  
• Think about your lifestyle. A small space requires a smaller couch. Lots of guests requires a pull-out.
  
• Visualize your dream living space. Want to be traditional? Lush, dark solids create a warm look. Thinking more modern classic? Less fancy leg- or arm-work in neutral colors stands the test of time. Or is your taste more modern? New fabrics, bright colors or patterns, and retro-modern shapes are hot now.

Test It

• Sit all the way back in the corner of every prospective couch. See how it feels. Your feet should touch the floor, and you shouldn’t sink so far that you need a hand getting out.
  
• Stretch out like you do at home to get a sense of how the two of you will fit on the couch.
  
• Test the height of the arms and check for ample padding on the arm rests. If the back is finished as well as the front, a good craftsman has been at work.
  
• Removable cushions are a plus for chowing on since you can flip them over if you spill.

Take it from bargain-shopping gurus Lauren and Derek, owners of the Curiosity Shoppe in San Francisco (curiosityshoppeonline.com): “Unless you’re hunting for [furniture] that’s widely and obsessively collected, get there at a healthy hour, around 9, heavily fortified with pastries and caffeine.�

As you shop, don’t be afraid to ask if a price is negotiable and don't be afraid to walk away. “If something is still nagging at you after walking around for a while, swing by and check in again. If the vendor hasn't sold it, he may not want to pack it up and haul it away -- maybe he'll be open to giving you a good deal.� For even more savvy furniture-buying tips, keep reading!

Buy high-end seasonal items off-season
Purchase winter or summer items at the end of the season. Restoration Hardware’s Christmas wreaths for roughly 80% off in January!

Ask stores: “What can you do for me on this?�
That’s the magic phrase, says Travis George, interior designer and design consultant for Space Modern in Atlanta, Georgia. “Someone can always do something for a price, believe it or not -- even in a mall, even at Crate and Barrel,� says George. “If they say no, ask, ‘Why not?’ Don’t be afraid. The sales associates are there to work for you as well. Just say, ‘I like this, but it’s a little much. Is there anything you can do?’� George says the manager may be able to extend their discount to you or may tell you the item is going on sale in a few weeks. “If you don’t ask,� says George, “you won’t get anything.�

Buy large furniture items on Craigslist
If you’re talking about tables, chairs, and bookshelves, it’s all just a piece of wood (or glass or aluminum), so who really cares if someone touched it before you? Some cities are better than others -- New York and Los Angeles have endless ads from people having “Moving out of town!� sales -- but wherever it is, shopping locally means you won’t have to pay for shipping.

Visit thrift stores when they’re making room for new merchandise
"Check with your local thrift stores to see if they have any special ‘sale days.’ They've only got so many square feet and are often anxious to make room for new merchandise,� explain Derek and Lauren. “One of our favorite stores has a ‘Half Off Everything’ day the first Monday of every month, which is always a bonanza for us.� While you’re there, look for diamonds in the rough,� they say. “You’d be amazed at how many wonderful things don't get bought at thrift stores because of slight imperfections or a little wear and tear.�

Seek out alternate uses for items
“Target always has really great bedding, which makes good curtains or table napkins,â€� says Grace Bonney of online design blog Design Sponge. Similarly, if you can’t find a tablecloth in a pattern you like, buy a set of inexpensive, patterned curtains and throw one over the table before dinner. The switch works for bigger ticket items as well: Small dining tables can be used as desks; coffee tables can be used to hold the television; and ceramic planters can be placed upside down for a unique side table.

Turn someone else’s garbage into gems
The next time a home in your neighborhood is razed for a new building, don’t groan -- be there when the junk hits the curb. New York photographer and art installation artist Phillip Graybill is always on the hunt for “big chunks of wood ceiling rafters to turn into shelving as well as tabletops for desks or coffee tables. You can’t really buy that wood anymore -- or at least without paying an arm and a leg for it.� Graybill also picks up old window frames that you can use as frames for photographs or turn into mirrors. “They’re naturally distressed, which adds character without having to pay for it. I bring mine to a glass place and have them put a mirror in an old frame for $40 or $50.� If the buildings in your neighborhood aren’t budging, see if your town -- or one nearby -- has a bulk pickup day. “Our town has one twice a year,� says New Jersey resident Jennifer. “So my sister and I drive around the night before and pick up items they may not want, but we do!�

Inquire about special sales
This final tip may seem obvious, but really, how often have you actually done it? If you have a favorite store, ask when their sales are, suggests George. “I let my clients know when I’m having something that benefits them, and other stores will happily do the same.� Go ahead and be brave -- it works.

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