Tips to Buy Furniture Online With Confidence

Online furniture shopping has become an increasingly popular option for many people, offering convenience and a vast range of choices at your fingertips. However, buying big-ticket items online can feel daunting, especially when you can’t physically inspect the product before making a purchase. With the right approach, though, you can shop with confidence and find high-quality pieces that suit your home perfectly. Here are some expert tips to guide you through the process of buying furniture online, including how to assess quality materials, compare prices, and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Do Your Research

Before you hit the ‘buy’ button, it’s essential to spend some time researching the piece you're interested in. The internet is full of great deals, but not all products are created equal.

- Shop Around: Compare prices for similar furniture made from the same materials across different websites. This will give you a sense of whether the price is fair and competitive.
- Read the Product Description Carefully: Understand what you’re buying by reading about the materials used, the country of origin, and any care instructions. This will also help you spot red flags, such as cheap construction or misleading details.
-Check Multiple Images: Look at the product from all angles to ensure it looks as good in real life as it does in the photos. Many reputable furniture websites will include zoomable images and live video calls to help you visualize how the piece will look in your space.

2. Know Your Materials

Understanding the materials your furniture is made from is crucial for assessing its quality and longevity. Here are some of the most common materials you’ll encounter when shopping for furniture online:

-Solid Timber: Furniture made from solid wood, such as sustainable teak, is known for its durability and beauty. No two pieces of solid timber are exactly alike, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Solid wood furniture, such as a teak dining table, is usually more expensive but offers long-term value. All Clement Studio furniture is solid teak.

- Timber Veneer: This is a thin layer of hardwood applied over a less expensive base material, like plywood. Veneer provides the look of real wood at a lower price point and is suitable for budget-conscious shoppers. However this directly affects its longevity and will likely be problematic in the future as the veeneer lifts from the substrate. Also for repairs, the thin veneer can only be sanded so many times before it is sanded away.

-Laminate: This material mimics the appearance of wood but is made from plastic or a composite material. It’s the most affordable option but doesn’t offer the same durability or longevity as solid timber or veneer. Consider laminate for trendier, short-term furniture pieces you don’t plan on keeping forever.

- Upholstery: Pay close attention to upholstery materials when buying seating or sofas online. Is the fabric natural, such as cotton or linen, or synthetic, like polyester? Natural fabrics tend to be more breathable and comfortable, but synthetics can be more durable and easier to clean. Also, check if the covers are machine washable or dry-clean only. Full-grain leather is more durable and easier to repair than cheaper leather, vinyl or faux-leather.

3. Check the Product Specifications

One of the most important aspects of buying furniture online is ensuring that the piece will fit your space, both physically and aesthetically.

- Measure Everything: Take careful measurements of your room to ensure the furniture will fit comfortably. Don’t forget to measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to avoid any delivery issues.
- Review Dimensions in Detail: Always check the product dimensions provided by the retailer to avoid surprises. For example, a large dining table might look perfect online but may overwhelm your space if you haven’t double-checked the measurements.

4. Read Customer Reviews

One of the advantages of online shopping is access to customer reviews, which can offer valuable insights into the quality, durability, and ease of assembly of the furniture.

-Look for Patterns in Reviews: If a product has mostly positive reviews with a few negative ones, focus on the trends. Multiple reviews praising a piece for being sturdy or comfortable are more telling than one-off complaints. However, be wary if several reviews mention recurring issues, like poor construction or inaccurate product descriptions. Also be wary of companies with fake reviews that are usually a handful of short words without going into the detail.

5. Understand the Freight, Delivery, and Returns Policy

Furniture is bulky, and logistics can add complexity to online shopping. Make sure you’re aware of any potential extra costs or policies that may affect your decision:

-Freight Costs: Larger items often come with significant delivery fees. Be sure to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices. Some retailers offer free shipping or white-glove delivery (where the item is assembled upon arrival), but this isn’t always the case. Clement Studio offers free delivery to most metropolitan areas, contact us of you are outside the metropolitan area and we can give you a very competitive rate.

- Lead Time: Depending on the retailer, delivery times for furniture can vary greatly. Check the estimated delivery time before you buy, especially if you need the furniture by a specific date.

6. Be Prepared for Maintenance Requirements

Different materials require different levels of care. Before purchasing, make sure you’re prepared to maintain the furniture over time.

- Timber Care: Solid wood pieces such as oak and mahogeny, unlike like teak, often require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could mean oiling, waxing, or avoiding exposure to harsh sunlight. If you prefer low-maintenance furniture and ease of repairability consider pieces made from teak.

7. Check for Warranties

Warranties can provide peace of mind when making a significant investment in furniture. Be sure to review whether the furniture comes with a warranty and what it covers. If this information isn’t clearly available online, don’t hesitate to contact the retailer. Clement Studio offer a 12 month warranty on ALL furniture.

Conclusion

Buying furniture online can be a seamless, satisfying experience when approached with care and preparation. By doing your research, understanding materials like sustainable teak, reviewing customer feedback, and ensuring you’re comfortable with the store’s return and delivery policies, you can make confident purchases that enhance your home for years to come. Online furniture shopping offers unparalleled convenience and choice—just follow these tips to ensure you make informed decisions that you won’t regret. 

At Clement Studio we are more than happy to talk to you about any aspects of our online shopping process, we pride ourselves on incredibly high levels of clear and honest customer service.