Like arrangement, selection and specification of furniture and furnishings is an important job duty of interior designers. This is known as FF&E (Furniture, Fixture and Equipment) during which interior designers make furniture selections and provide a detailed written description of the selected items called specification.

In furniture selection, the users and activities are considered first. Interior designers focus on the purpose of the furniture, the need for adjustability, flexibility, finish requirements, durability, and size. They accommodate emotional, social, or cultural values of their clients, too. Furniture arrangement can be an expression of branding or personal styles as much as function-driven.

Interior designers select furniture that complements their design concept. This requires furniture to be fitted in the spatial characteristics of the project. Thus, furniture becomes an important component of the design concept and branding for the client.

In selecting and arranging furniture, interior designers integrate a vast body of knowledge. History is one of their information sources. Throughout history, furniture styles are developed with certain characteristics of form, shape, and ornamentation. Identifying furniture styles is critical for interior designers as they design for different client tastes and styles in a variety of contexts and usage.

Interior designers refer to anthropometrics (human dimensions) and ergonomics (human-product relationships) in determining the use, comfort level, and experience of furniture. The effects of furniture on human body, the distance and extent of movement, and ranges of motion are important considerations in interior design. Interior designers also recognize the special needs of different users including individuals with disabilities and apply the principles of Universal Design.

From wood to fabric, the knowledge of materials is utilized, too. Interior designers select furniture regarding the performance, maintenance, health, safety, durability standards, and environmental impacts of materials.

Furniture is evaluated for quality, safety, and sustainability issues. Not only industry standards, this evaluation involves state and federal guidelines and building codes such as accessibility (ADA), fire codes, egress, and occupancy.

It is also important for interior designers to gain knowledge about the brands, manufacturers, and products in the furniture retail industry as well as the consumer trends and preferences. Thus, they continuously analyze key trends, check what's available in the market, and compare prices as they also consider the cost and budget in furniture selection.

Deliverables include specific contract documents directly related to furniture. For instance, furniture plan/layout illustrates the arrangement of furniture, furniture specifications describe the technical nature and sourcing of furniture used for bidding and/or acquisition purposes, and furniture schedule lists items for delivery and installation.