Online shopping is now a thing. It has been a thing for years, but since the pandemic, people now prefer buying stuff in the comfort of their homes rather than going to crowded stores. Besides, online shopping is now more accessible and reliable as online stores study and improve their products and services to keep up with rising demands.
With all the cheaper deals and the convenience, what's not to love about online shopping?
Aside from clothing or small essentials, our favourite furniture can also be found online. It sounds good because we won't have to go from store to store looking for something that catches our eye. However, the fun ends when you discover the beige sofa you're excited to have is yellowish in person. To prevent this and all the potential hassles we might face, here is a quick guide to help you shop for your furniture online without regrets.
How to Buy Furniture Online?
It only takes a few clicks and lots of considerations when buying furniture online. Here are some things you should note when starting your online purchasing journey.
Determine Your Budget
It's easy to splurge when you see a lot of choices at once. Although there are a myriad of excellent furniture choices in front of you, it's important to choose one based on what you can handle.
Before clicking the check out button, make sure you have an idea of the range of what you're willing to spend to regulate your expenses and save you from future regrets.
Calculate All Possible Costs
So you found a sofa that fits your style and budget, but when you're about to check it out, you see other expenses that are out of your expectations. This sometimes drives buyers to settle for less to fit their budget.
When purchasing furniture online, remember that the price of your furniture isn't the only price that you will be paying. You should also consider the delivery and possible assembly costs. You should also be prepared if you plan to avail disposal services for your old furniture. Some online furniture retailers offer free delivery when you reach a certain furniture price.
Measure Your Space
Nothing's more perfect than getting a piece of furniture that fits your space. The key is to get the correct measurements and proportions. First things first, create a rough layout and plot the arrangement of your furniture. The dimensions and furniture measurements must be included in the floor plan. Take your living room as an example. When planning your layout, start with the biggest piece, the sofa. Determine how many seats you will need and the measurements needed. Decide on the other furniture pieces, like the coffee table and TV console, afterwards.
When browsing online, don't only focus on the design and materials of the furniture but also note the measurements and compare them to your available space.
Choose Your Style
To create a cosy home, your choice of furniture must reflect your personality. There are various styles and materials available online, so it's not hard to find a piece that will surely complement your space. Just keep in mind that when purchasing furniture online, the colours may not exactly match what is seen in photos due to factors such as lighting. You can check customer reviews or ask the customer support team for assistance if in doubt.
Consider the Function
One of the best home designs combines style and function. Aside from getting sophisticated furniture pieces, you should also consider their purpose and value to your space. This will help you decide whether you need a certain piece or not, as you won’t need to buy furniture with the same function or splurge on an item that is not a necessity.
Read the Product Description
Again, don't be blinded by design alone. This is the biggest pitfall for online furniture buyers. A sofa might look big and neutral in photos but be small and vibrant in person. A bed frame might seem to be made of leather but is actually created with fabric. Carefully choose the materials as they determine the comfort, longevity, and maintenance of your space. You should also get the right measurements, so you know how to arrange your furniture once it arrives home.
Check Customer Reviews and Ask Questions
To make sure you're buying from a reputable furniture outlet, read the customer reviews to get an overview of the actual quality of the products and to get some idea of how they handle their deliveries. It's also imperative to ask questions through the website's online chat service or call the customer service team if you have any questions regarding the products and delivery. Always be an informed buyer to prevent regrettable decisions.
Choose the One You Love
This sounds cheesy, but when buying a piece of furniture, whether it's decorative like a sofa or a bit discreet like a cabinet, you shouldn't settle for something you kind of like; you should be really sure you'll love seeing it inside your home for years.
Any piece of home furniture is an investment, so you should treat it like one. Look for a piece that will make your HDB or BTO flat a home, will make you feel comfortable, and can last for a long time.
Additional Buying Tips
These are simple features to look for when buying major furniture pieces for your home.
Bed
When shopping for a bed, match the size of your mattress, check your available space, your desired height, the mattress base, and the headboard height. If you have a small room, you can also look for options with built-in storage. Note that bed and mattress sizes in Singapore are different from other international brands. So if you're buying your mattress and bed frame from separate shops, make sure to check the specific measurements instead of settling on the size label. Read our Beginner's Guide to Mattress Sizes in Singapore to help you choose the right size for your room.
Sofa
Before adding that sofa to your cart, rethink your lifestyle first. Do you entertain often? Do you need more seating space or a more compact piece? Online furniture shops offer various sofa sizes, from 2-seaters to 4-seaters. If you're into matching sets, there are 3+ 2-seater sofas available for you. There are also several materials to choose from, like wood, metal, upholstery, and many organic materials.
Dining Table
The dimensions and shape of your table matter a lot. Do you need a four-seater or a bigger one? What's the shape of your room? If you have a squarish space, opt for a square or circular dining table. If your room is rectangular, choose a rectangular or oval table.