It's time to redecorate — or just plain decorate — and your eyes always seem to wander to sumptuous couches and chairs with price tags that aren't nearly as pleasing to behold.

WHAT TO CONSIDER: Furniture is a big-ticket item, so there's almost always room for some negotiation, whether you're at a chain store or a high-end boutique. "Everyone wants to feel like they're getting a deal, like they've been treated like a VIP," says Mary Watts, the manager of Diva, a Los Angeles store that specializes in modern European designs. A satisfied furniture customer, according to Watts, is more likely to become a repeat customer who will recommend the store to friends with similar taste, and price breaks are part of their satisfaction.

WHAT TO SAY: At a high-end store, try asking for a markdown comparable to the trade discount that designers get, which is around 15 percent. At a less fancy store, you could do as well, or better, with some old-fashioned haggling, and it wouldn't hurt to mention how you'd rather support the local store than a discount chain.