Important step in house improvement is your choice of appropriate furniture. Furniture, without a doubt, has a strong influence on your satisfaction and comfort on the functionality and the prospect of your home interior. Shopping online can be amazing solution if you want to make an informed decision, but only if you follow some general guidelines:

1. Use Secure Websites

Always choose credible sites. For example, you can be pretty certain that buying furniture online is a safe choice. But if you saw and liked some furniture on an unfamiliar web site, you can check whether it is secure: by looking if its URL starts with https instead of http; By double clicking on lock icon at the bottom of the page and reading about their security measures; by looking for a company with the physical address and phone number (and with return and shipping policy).

2. Descriptions and Photos

You have to do your due diligence if you want to be satisfied. If you have the brand name and type search for the same piece of furniture on multiple websites to see pictures from different angles and in various settings so that you are sure this item is what you need. Don’t be lazy with descriptions! To fully understand the product you are buying, and the price you are paying, you need to understand the materials the product is made of, its durability, cleaning instructions and so on. You may need to learn the distinction between different types of wood or leather and decide between the real deal and synthetic materials.

3. Measurements, measurements, measurements!

After having to return a piece of furniture three times, I have learned (the hard way) how important it is to take proper measures and to double check those listed online. It is not only about how big of a space for the furniture you have in your room, but how wide are your doors and hallways. If you are buying pre-assembled furniture think of all the obstacles like stairs, or heating installation, anything that can block the way of your perfect new bed on its way to your bedroom.

4. Prices

One of the benefits of online shopping is that you can easily compare prices and look for the discounts. Use this advantage of online shopping to find the best price. An overpriced item can easily be much cheaper in the holiday season so make sure to check web sites regularly or set up sales alerts.

5. Shipping and Delivery

FAQ or Shipping policy can be of a big help here. Sometimes when you see free shipping, it can mean that shipping price is included in product price, so make sure to compare prices like previously mentioned. As for the delivery, I would always suggest „White glove“ type, which means that the product will be delivered to your house, inside the room you intended, and it will be fully installed, ready for use. This option, of course, costs extra so consider your preferences and your budget.

Best of luck!

Article Credit: Urban Sales