Moving or refreshing your existing place is always exciting, but an empty room can feel like a real challenge. You know you need a couch or a dining table, yet the huge choice online can be a lot to handle.
Making a quick purchase based on a stylish photo can mean you get a new couch that clashes with your curtains or—even worse—that won’t fit through the front door. If buying large items online feels like a gamble, put the odds firmly on your side with a bit of smart prep.
Get to Know the Measurements
Before you start, find your tape measure. It’s not just about the space where your new item will go. You need to measure every doorway, hall, and tight corner it will pass through on delivery day. It will be quite frustrating if a delivery team has to leave your new bed in the hall because it won’t fit up the stairs.
Once you’re confident that the package will make it to where it needs to go, it’s time to get a real feel for how a piece will fill the room. Use tape or old newspapers to mark its shape on the floor. This method helps you picture the space it uses, so you know you can still walk around it.
Browse In-Person First
This suggestion might sound strange, but looking in-store first can streamline your online shopping.
Sit on sofas to test how they feel. See the true color of a fabric in normal light and touch the finish of wooden items. For example, you may find that a sofa sold as “low profile” is too low for you to get out of with ease. This specification narrows your search and makes browsing endless online adverts much easier.
Check Reviews and Product Descriptions in Detail
Don’t just look at the star rating and the glossy marketing photos. Get the full picture from customer reviews. Are people saying assembly is hard? Do they say the color doesn’t match the picture? These details are very useful.
Read the product description closely and pay attention to the list of materials. A “wood-effect finish” is not the same as “solid oak” and may affect how long an item will last. Taking five extra minutes to check this can save you the hassle and feeling of being let down later.
Find the Best Deal
Don’t rush to the checkout once you’ve found an item you love. A few simple checks can often shave a good chunk off the price. Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping to see if another retailer stocks it for less. Many web browsers also have extensions that automatically search for and apply discount codes at checkout.
Some online stores even use “dynamic pricing”, meaning the price you see can be influenced by your browsing history. To counter this and see a fair price, try searching in private or incognito mode. You could also use a VPN to change location. This lets you explore furniture options in different countries or regions, where styles, prices, or even exclusive online retailers may vary. Because your IP address is masked, you’re more likely to see standard pricing and discover deals that aren’t shown to returning visitors.
Consider Buying Second Hand
You can find some great, top-quality bargains on sites like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace. Local thrift stores are also great places to look, especially large ones that sell furniture.
Not only will you save a lot of money, but you might also find a special, solid older piece with more character than a new, factory-made item. Just be ready to check items thoroughly for damage and sort out your own transport.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
