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Things to Remember When Shopping for Furniture Online
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Casey Howard, Principal, Casey Howard Designs, Inc.
As an Interior Design professional with many years of experience I‘ve watched this industry go through changes. The biggest change I’ve seen to date is the shift in shopping habits from brick and mortar furniture showrooms to online retailing. Like most changes, online retailing has both positive and negative aspects. For example, the web has given us access to artists, designers, and aesthetics that we may have never discovered, but it has also made it practically impossible for us to interact with and judge the quality of our furniture before we purchase it. Although purchasing furniture online can sometimes feel like taking a shot in the dark, here are a few things to consider before going all in on a piece of online furniture that can protect you from having an “Instagram vs. reality” moment. Always check your measurements. This might sound like common sense but there is another layer here. Of course, you want to make sure the overall dimensions of the piece fit into the space (and through the doorway!) but there are other aspects you will want to double check. Measurements like seat and arm height are easily overlooked and can lead to costly mistakes! Many times these measurements aren’t shown online, but if you reach out to the vendor, you’ll typically receive a quick response.
Consider requesting a fabric or finish sample from the vendor for the piece of furniture you’re looking to purchase. A lot of consumers are unaware of the fact that many online furniture retailers provide this service! Most of the time the image that is shown online varies greatly from the actual piece. The ability to compare finishes and fabrics to the other pieces within the space can eliminate surprises.
Be aware of the vendor’s return policy! There may be restocking or freight fees involved and some furniture pieces may be final sale items. Always remember to open your packages immediately, if there is damage a lot of these companies require you report it right away.
These are just a few of the things we are constantly considering in the design industry!
In conclusion, don’t be afraid to reach out to the online furniture vendor and ask questions! Most of these websites want you to be satisfied with your furniture purchase and make it easy to connect with a representative.
