My top tips for shopping for furniture online

Let's face it.. we have a world where we do a TON of online shopping these days. It certainly has its benefits and its downfalls. Especially where I live in Vermont, we don't have a ton of local options for shopping for furniture. There are some great local retailers here but if you are looking for something very specific, you often come up short. So when you are searching for your next important furniture piece and more importantly anything that is upholstered, I want to share some tips that will make your experience so much better.

Let's start with my absolute number one and ideally should not be skipped.

1. Source brands that will send you samples

You have to be able to touch, feel and see what a fabric or finish looks like in your space. There is essentially no way to confirm the quality of a fabric from an online photo. unless you are buying a piece that you have seen in a show room.

2. Durability

Did you know... There is something called the rub count? This is where an upholstery fabric is tested for its durability. The higher the rub count the longer the fabric should last. For example, Interior Define, (an awesome online furniture retailer with tons of fabric options) shows this specification detail as part of their

3. Don't overlook Return Policies + Process

By now, we are all used to looking at the return policy. However, for furniture, returning is a much different beast. Ensure the store has a clear return policy in case the item doesn't meet your expectations. With large items, read the fine print and FAQs carefully to see what you are responsible for when you need to return. Often there are re-stocking fees and sometimes shipping costs if a 3rd party needs to come pick up the item from your home.

4. Check the Visual References:

Look for multiple images of the furniture from different angles to get a clear idea of its appearance. If there are limited photos of an item you are at risk of not seeing a component of the furniture like the feet of a chair or the under edge of a table that might impede a seating arrangement.

5. Consider Extended Warranty Options

Review the warranty information in case the furniture arrives damaged or with defects.

Somme brands have great policies and even allow you to add on protection of the piece.

A good extended policy coverage may include:

stains & spills

Seam separation & accidental rips & tears

Damage from liquid marks & rings

Chipped, dented & scratched surfaces

Burn & heat marks

Defects & malfunctions

Here are a few additional tips beyond my top 5 that are helpful when shopping online for furniture:

1. Measurements: Measure your space accurately to ensure the furniture will fit well.

2. Read Reviews: Check customer reviews to get an idea of quality and customer experiences.

3. Material and Construction: Look for detailed descriptions of the material and construction quality.

4. Shipping Costs and Times: Understand shipping costs and estimated delivery times before making a purchase.

5. Check Sizing: Ensure the furniture's dimensions are suitable not only for your space but also for your comfort.

6. Brand Reputation: Research the brand's reputation and history to gauge their reliability