With everyone staying in and wanting to update their spaces online shopping is definitely heating up! There seems to be no category untouched by this surge in online purchases. With many setting up home offices, school spaces for kids, and just spending more time at home more and more people are purchasing furniture online. It can be hard when purchasing furniture online – sight unseen – to know what you are getting and how it will look in your space. These large pieces are also hard to send back if you don’t like it or it is the wrong size.
To help avoid a costly mistake we have put together our top 7 tips when buying furniture online.
Tip #1 – Furniture shopping without a space plan is like going to the grocery store without a list when you are hungry - you never know what you will come out with! Before you start online shopping for furniture make sure you have a layout suitable for the size of the space and know the dimensions of the furniture that can fit. Spend a little money to get a designer to help you with the layout - it will save you from having to buy that couch twice!
Tip #2 - Triple check those measurements both of your space and of the item you are considering. Hopefully you have a space plan so you know what dimensions will work but if not mark off how big the furniture will be on the floor with masking tape, to give you an idea of how it will fit. Check how it works within the flow of the room and with any other items you might be purchasing or already have. Leave it out for a day or two to see if it works for you.
Tip #3 – How well is it made – without being able to touch and feel the products or even speak with a sales person about the construction you will have to much of this research yourself. First start by considering the construction and materials - is it solid wood or a veneer? What type of foam is used in the cushions? Then consider how you will use the item. A couch in the family room everyone uses all the time will have to be more durable both in construction and fabric than a couch for a formal living room only used occasionally. Understand what the furniture is made of and how you will use it.
Tip #4 - Colors on a computer monitor or mobile device can be deceiving so if you are considering a new piece of furniture order a fabric sample. If you are trying to match or coordinate colors a fabric sample will allow you to check it out ahead of time. Nothing worse than being disappointed when that new chair arrives because it is the wrong shade of green.
Tip #5 - Customer photos can give you a better idea of colors and how it looks in a space so make sure you are viewing the customer images and reviews. Past customers insights can be a gold mine in how the product has performed over time in their homes. Also seeing the item in place in someone else’s home gives you a better idea on the proportion and how it will look in relation to other furniture. If it doesn’t perform well or is a lot smaller than expected now is the time to give it a swerve rather than the hassle of sending it back.
Tip #6 - Find out what the shipping charges are ahead of time as no one likes a costly surprise. If the item is coming out of country duty and taxes may apply – be sure to take a look before you click buy. Check out the retailers shipping charges to your area. Maybe there is an option to have it shipped to a local store and pick it up from there. It is worth investigating as these items can be large and bulky adding to the shipping cost.
Tip #7 - There is always a chance you won't like the item or it doesn't work in the space even after you have taken this advice to heart be sure to know the return policy. Especially on large items like furniture and area rugs.