Buying furniture online is incredibly convenient—but it can also be risky if you’re not careful. Without the ability to touch, test, or view items in person, it’s easy to make choices you’ll regret. From sizing issues to material surprises, here are the top mistakes people make when buying furniture online—and how to avoid them.
Not Measuring Your Space (and the Furniture)
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming a piece will fit just because it “looks right” in photos. Always:
- Measure the space in your home—length, width, height.
- Measure doors, staircases, and hallways to ensure the item can be delivered inside.
- Compare these numbers with the product dimensions listed online.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to mark out the piece’s footprint on your floor.
Judging by Photos Alone
Online images are styled professionally with ideal lighting and staging. What you see may not be what you get.
- Look for user-uploaded photos in reviews.
- Check videos or 360° views if available.
- Be wary of items that only show one angle or no context (like size comparison).
Skipping the Product Description
Too often, shoppers rely solely on visuals. But material, fabric type, frame structure, and assembly requirements are detailed in the description.
- Is it solid wood or veneer?
- Is the fabric pet-friendly or stain-resistant?
- Is assembly required and how complex is it?
Don’t make assumptions—read everything carefully.
Ignoring Customer Reviews
Reviews are your window into the real-world quality of a product.
- Look for patterns (e.g., “legs break easily” or “color darker than shown”).
- Check return and refund experiences.
- Don’t ignore low ratings, but also don’t rely on only 5-star reviews.
Misjudging Colors and Finishes
Colors can look very different depending on lighting, screen settings, or editing.
- If possible, order fabric or wood samples.
- Be prepared for slight variations in tone and texture.
- Check if the color is described as “matte,” “glossy,” “warm,” or “cool”—these clues matter.
Overlooking Return Policies
Not all online furniture purchases are returnable—or affordable to return.
- Check for free returns, restocking fees, or return shipping charges.
- Understand the time window for returns.
- Ensure the item can be returned if damaged, not just if you change your mind.
Tip: Take photos when opening the box in case there are issues.
Going Too Cheap (or Too Trendy)
That $150 velvet chair might look great online, but how long will it last? Similarly, ultra-trendy pieces can feel outdated quickly.
- Balance price with quality and reviews.
- Consider long-term durability, not just short-term style.
- Ask: “Will I still want this in 2–3 years?”
Not Checking the Build or Materials
Looks can be deceiving. Many online pieces look “premium” but use low-cost MDF, plastic joints, or thin fabrics.
- Look for solid wood, metal frames, or high-resilience foam.
- Avoid vague terms like “wood-like” or “leatherette” without details.
Underestimating Assembly Requirements
Some furniture requires complex assembly with minimal instructions.
- Check if tools are included.
- Read reviews for mentions of difficult setup.
- Consider if you need professional help—or if you’ll spend 3 hours with a wrench.
Not Preparing for Delivery Logistics
Even when the furniture fits in your space, the delivery experience matters.
- Do they offer in-room delivery or just curbside?
- Will they assemble the piece or leave it boxed?
- Is the delivery date guaranteed or flexible?
Always confirm these details before purchase.
Final Thoughts
Buying furniture online can save time, money, and effort—but only if you go in prepared. Measure carefully, read the fine print, trust (but verify) reviews, and don’t let good looks fool you. With smart planning, your next online furniture purchase can be both stress-free and stylish.
