Buying Furniture Online or In-Store

Buying new furniture is an exciting experience, but let’s be honest—it can also be a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re decorating a new home, revamping a room, or just replacing an old couch, finding the right pieces that combine style, comfort, and practicality can feel like a huge task. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and knowledge, you can avoid the most common mistakes and end up with furniture that you’ll love for years to come.

Here’s a guide to help you shop smarter, whether you’re browsing online or wandering through a furniture store. These tips will help you sidestep costly errors, like picking poor-quality items or buying the wrong size furniture, so you can feel confident in your purchases.

1. Skipping the Measurements

One of the biggest mistakes people make when shopping for furniture is not measuring their space before they start looking. It’s easy to get excited about a gorgeous sofa or dining table only to find that it doesn’t fit in your room—or worse, it leaves no space for walking around or adding other pieces.

Tip: Take the time to measure your room before you shop. Measure the length, width, and height of the space where you want to place the furniture. Don’t forget to measure any doorways, windows, and other architectural features that could impact the size or placement of your new piece.

Also, measure any other furniture in the room to see how much space you actually have to work with. When shopping online, most stores will provide the exact dimensions of each item, so be sure to check them before you get too attached.

Bonus Tip: Use masking tape to mark out the size of the piece on the floor. This gives you a visual of how much space it will take up and can help you decide if it’s the right fit.

2. Forgetting About Scale and Proportions

Even after you measure your space, it’s easy to overlook the scale and proportions of the furniture in the room. A massive sectional might fit in a large living room, but it could overwhelm a smaller space. Similarly, a tiny chair might get lost in a big, open room.

Tip: Pay attention to the overall scale of the furniture. In a small room, go for lighter, more streamlined pieces that won’t crowd the space. For larger rooms, you can afford to choose bigger furniture, but make sure you still have room to walk around comfortably.

Also, consider the height of the furniture. Low-profile pieces will make a space feel more open and airy, while taller items might make the room feel more closed in.

Bonus Tip: Many online retailers offer augmented reality (AR) features that let you virtually place furniture in your space through your smartphone. This is a great way to get a feel for how the piece will look and whether it fits your room’s scale.

3. Choosing Style Over Comfort

It’s easy to fall in love with a sofa or chair that looks stunning, but let’s not forget about comfort. After all, furniture is meant to be lived in, so sitting on a beautiful but uncomfortable couch is a recipe for disappointment.

Tip: Always test out the comfort level before buying. If you’re in-store, sit on the furniture for a few minutes to get a sense of how it feels. Check the firmness of the cushions, the back support, and how it feels when you’re seated for a while.

If you’re shopping online, read through customer reviews to see what others are saying about the comfort level. Some stores even offer trial periods, so if it’s not comfortable, you can return it.

Bonus Tip: Think about your specific needs. If you have kids or pets, consider fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Materials like microfiber or performance fabric are great for active households.

4. Ignoring Durability and Long-Term Quality

Furniture is an investment, so you want it to last. One common mistake is choosing pieces based solely on appearance, without considering how long they will hold up.

Tip: Do your homework on the materials used in the furniture. Look for sturdy frames made from hardwood (like oak or maple) and high-quality cushions and upholstery. Avoid cheap materials that might look good now but could wear out or fall apart quickly.

If you’re buying upholstered furniture, consider how easy it will be to care for. Leather, cotton, and linen tend to be durable and easy to clean, while some synthetic fabrics can wear down faster.

Bonus Tip: In-store, don’t hesitate to ask about the construction of the piece. A piece with solid craftsmanship—like a well-stitched, durable frame—is going to last much longer than one made from flimsy materials.

5. Overlooking Functionality

It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics of a piece, but furniture is meant to be functional too. Sure, that coffee table looks amazing, but does it serve your needs? Is it easy to move, does it have storage space, or does it offer seating for guests?

Tip: Think about how you’ll actually use the furniture. Do you entertain often? Consider a sectional or a larger dining table to accommodate guests. If you work from home, a comfortable, ergonomic chair is a must. For living rooms, think about whether you need extra features, like reclining seats or built-in USB ports.

Also, look for pieces that offer storage solutions, like coffee tables with hidden compartments or ottomans that double as extra seating.

Bonus Tip: If you have pets or small children, look for performance fabrics that are resistant to stains and wear. They’ll save you a lot of headaches (and cleaning) down the line.

6. Not Considering Delivery and Assembly Costs

The price on the tag might look great, but remember to factor in delivery and assembly costs. These extras can quickly add up, especially if you’re purchasing large or complicated pieces.

Tip: Check the delivery costs before finalizing your purchase. Some stores offer free delivery, while others charge depending on where you live or the size of the item. Be sure to ask about any additional fees before you make your purchase.

Also, think about whether you’ll need help with assembly. Some larger pieces, like bookshelves or sectionals, might require professional assembly. Find out if the store provides this service or if you need to hire someone separately.

Bonus Tip: If you’re buying online, check the return policy carefully. Some online stores allow free returns, while others charge restocking fees if the item doesn’t work out.

7. Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Prices

We all love a good deal, but if a price seems way too low, it might be a red flag. Extremely cheap furniture can sometimes be an indication of poor materials, low craftsmanship, or hidden costs.

Tip: Be cautious when you see prices that seem too good to be true. Take the time to read customer reviews to see if other buyers have had issues with quality or durability. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more on a well-reviewed piece made with better materials.

Bonus Tip: Research the brand or manufacturer before buying. A reputable brand with good reviews is usually a safer bet than a bargain-basement deal that could cost you more in the long run.

8. Not Thinking About Style Cohesion

It’s tempting to fall in love with individual pieces, but if they don’t work together in your home, the result can be a mismatched, chaotic space.

Tip: Consider the overall vibe and style you want to create in your room. Whether you’re going for modern, rustic, or eclectic, make sure the furniture complements each other. You don’t have to match everything exactly, but the pieces should fit together in terms of color, texture, and scale.

Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure about how a piece will look in your space, use design apps or websites that let you upload photos of your room and virtually place furniture pieces. It can help you get a sense of how everything will come together.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these common furniture shopping mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space you love—without the regret. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, remember to measure your space, prioritize comfort, check for durability, and make sure the piece fits with your lifestyle and style preferences. With these tips in mind, you can confidently invest in furniture that will stand the test of time and transform your home into a place you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Happy shopping, and enjoy your new space!