May 20, 2008

8 Important Tips Buying Furniture Online

by: Timothy Rudon

The World Wide Web has changed the way people shop for furniture. Today furniture can be bought for the home or office from online stores, auction sites, as well as websites selling antiques and second hand furniture.

Furniture shopping online changes shopping and gives a wide range of choices as well as the best deals. Among the most popular online shops for furniture are: the Conran Store, Crate and Barrel, Design Within Reach, Highbrow Furniture, and Horchow. There are online websites that deal with antiques as well as designer furniture. Many retail furniture stores also have online sales channels.

1. Look through home shopping and design books and get a clear idea of the kind of furniture you want. Consider size, durability, design, as well as your personal choice and the interiors.

2. In case you are the hands on kind go to local malls and stores and view the models you are considering.

3. Visit more than three online stores that stock your models of furniture and check out the deals. Be sure to ask about return policy, shipping, transit damage insurance, and warranties.

4. Use online CAD tools to arrange the furniture you wish to purchase in the rooms and view the effect and color balance virtually. This will help you make a decision.

5. Look for online discount sales, discount coupons, special offers, and free shipping offers and so on before buying online. Very often you could get high end furniture at an affordable price.

6. Make sure the online furniture dealer is trustworthy and has been in business for considerable time. Avoid buying things like furniture from small fly by night operators.

7. When buying furniture online you need to ask whether what you see in the picture is what you are paying for. Many stores window dress the furniture and only ship the basics.

8. Be sure of what you are investing in and try and buy only reputed brands.

Buying furniture online is a convenience but only useful if you know how to protect your interests and not get fooled by advertisements and what seem like great offers. The World Wide Web is a great information highway with articles and tips written by architects, furniture designers, and interior decorators. There are websites that give tips on how to choose furniture and have a home that is stylish.