I'm about to buy some new furniture... anyone have any advice?

I'm about to buy new furniture for the first time and was wondering if there was anything i should look for or avoid. My budget is up to about $1500 for a sectional or a Couch / loveseat combo.

I know this isn't top of the line but judging from what i've seen at the furniture stores I can get something of decent quality (as well as a lot of junk).