The Dos and Don’ts of Buying Furniture Online

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Jan 4, 2025, 5:20:35 AMJan 4

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Shopping for furniture online has become more popular than ever, offering convenience, a wide variety of options, and the ability to compare prices easily. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, including not being able to physically inspect the furniture before purchasing. To ensure you make the best decision and get the most out of your online shopping experience, it’s important to follow some key guidelines.

This article outlines the dos and don’ts of buying furniture online, helping you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

The Dos of Buying Furniture Online1. Do Your Research on Brands and Sellers

Before making a purchase, spend some time researching the brands and sellers. Look for trusted, well-reviewed retailers, and check customer feedback on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the store’s own website. Established brands often provide better customer service, quality assurance, and return policies.

2. Do Measure Your Space Carefully

One of the most crucial aspects of buying furniture online is ensuring that it will fit perfectly in your home. Measure the space where the furniture will go, paying attention to height, width, and depth.

Tips for Measuring:

Use a tape measure to get accurate measurements.
Consider doorways and hallways to ensure the furniture can be delivered and placed without issues.
Think about how the furniture will fit with the rest of your room’s layout.

3. Do Check Product Details Thoroughly

Online listings typically provide a lot of information about the product, such as dimensions, materials, and care instructions. Make sure to carefully review these details to avoid surprises later on.

Key Details to Check:

Materials: Is it made from solid wood, particleboard, or metal? Know the quality of the materials used.
Color: Colors can appear differently depending on lighting and screen settings, so read the descriptions carefully.
Assembly Instructions: Understand whether the furniture requires assembly and if tools are included.

4. Do Take Advantage of Customer Reviews and Photos

Customer reviews are an invaluable resource when shopping online. Look at both the positive and negative reviews to get a balanced understanding of the product.

Look for:

Quality concerns: Any complaints about durability, sturdiness, or finishes.
Assembly issues: Pay attention to feedback about how difficult it was to assemble.
Customer photos: They can give you a better sense of how the furniture will actually look in a real home.

5. Do Consider the Return Policy

Before you make a purchase, familiarize yourself with the return and exchange policy. You want to ensure that if the furniture doesn’t meet your expectations, you can easily return or exchange it.

Important Return Aspects:

Timeframe: Make sure the store offers a reasonable return window, such as 30 days.
Return shipping costs: Find out if you’ll be responsible for return shipping fees.
Restocking fees: Some retailers charge a restocking fee, so be aware of that potential extra cost.

The Don’ts of Buying Furniture Online1. Don’t Skip the Fine Print

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of purchasing new furniture, but don’t overlook the fine print. Terms and conditions, warranty information, and delivery charges are often hidden in small text. Make sure you understand all the costs and details before finalizing your order.

2. Don’t Rely Solely on Photos

Although images are helpful, they can be misleading. Furniture may appear differently in person than it does on your screen due to lighting, angles, and editing. To avoid disappointment, always read the product description thoroughly, and use customer reviews and size guides to cross-check.

Why Photos Can Be Misleading:

Lighting: The lighting in the photo might make the furniture look brighter or darker than it actually is.
Proportions: The furniture may look smaller or larger than it appears in the photo.
Detailing: Close-up shots can be retouched to mask flaws or inconsistencies.

3. Don’t Forget About Shipping Costs and Delivery Times

Shipping costs can vary depending on the retailer, the size of the furniture, and your location. Large furniture items like sofas, beds, or dining tables may come with significant shipping fees, so always check the shipping policy before purchasing.

Other Shipping Considerations:

Delivery timeframes: Check the estimated delivery time and whether the store offers expedited shipping.
Delivery service: Make sure you understand whether the delivery service includes assembly or just drops off the item at your door.

4. Don’t Be Impulsive: Take Your Time

When purchasing furniture, it’s tempting to buy quickly, especially if there’s a sale or limited-time offer. However, impulse buying can lead to regret. Take your time to think about the pieces, ensuring they align with your style, needs, and budget.

5. Don’t Forget to Factor in Maintenance and Care

Some furniture items, especially those made from certain materials (like leather, velvet, or certain woods), require special care. Always check the care instructions and consider whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maintain your purchase.

Bonus Tips for Shopping Furniture Online1. Look for Sales and Discounts

Holiday Sales: Many retailers offer substantial discounts during major holidays like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Email Subscriptions: Sign up for newsletters from furniture stores to get alerts on special offers, flash sales, or new arrivals.

2. Consider Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

If environmental impact is important to you, check if the furniture is made from sustainable materials or if the company has eco-friendly initiatives. Some brands offer eco-conscious products, including those made from reclaimed wood or recyclable materials.

3. Try Virtual Tools or Augmented Reality (AR)

Some online furniture stores offer virtual room planners or AR apps that let you visualize how a piece will look in your space. This can help you make more informed decisions and avoid mismatches.

Conclusion

Buying furniture online is convenient and offers a vast selection, but to make the best purchase, it’s essential to follow some key dos and don’ts. By doing thorough research, checking measurements, reading reviews, and understanding return policies, you can confidently make informed decisions. Avoiding impulsive purchases, skipping important details, and ensuring you understand the full cost of delivery and maintenance will save you time, money, and potential frustration.

Happy furniture shopping!