With the latest Canadian E-commerce trends, it’s never been easier to buy furniture. Today, 24/7 online shopping allows you to see hundreds of options across multiple stores.
However, buying furniture online comes with risks. Many still prefer visiting brick-and-mortar stores before investing in furniture.
What should you know before buying furniture online vs. in-store furniture? Let’s talk about the pros and cons.
Advantages of Shopping In Store
While online shopping is convenient, there are still clear advantages to shopping in-store.
- See True Fabric Colors and Textures
First, shopping at local furniture stores lets you see the true colors and textures.
Online photos are often edited and touched up. Many online shops enhance their photos to make the furniture look better. Because of this, you might become disappointed once your furniture gets delivered.
Going to the store gives you the chance to see the actual material quality. Moreover, in-store visits make scale and size evaluation easier.
Instead of relying on the listed furniture dimensions, you can get a better feel of how a piece will feel in your space.
- Get Advice from Trained La-Z-Boy Staff
One of the best parts of coming to the store is the in-person consultation. Some shops, like La-Z-Boy, have specialists who can give you expert design advice.
By visiting a store, you may receive help with product selection and brand selection. This service is especially valuable if you’re looking for budget-friendly furniture.
Moreover, you can ask questions about durability, customization options, and warranties. Comparing pieces is easier when you shop for furniture in-store.
When Online Shopping Makes Sense
On the other hand, online shopping makes perfect sense if you value flexibility. Online platforms support convenient shopping, allowing you to choose products at your own pace.
Here’s why you may want to try online shopping.
- Browse a Wider Selection from Home
Through online shopping, you can visit multiple stores’ websites and compare their furniture style variety. Unlike in-person shopping, you can easily find what you need.
Online shopping lets you set a filter for design and furniture type. What’s more, a few clicks will show you the furniture’s specifications and return policies.
For many, this level of online convenience helps them save time. It’s great for narrowing your options down in the early stages of shopping.
- Compare Prices and Read Verified Reviews
The best part about online shopping is that you can quickly filter based on price.
You don’t have to physically look for a price tag. If you’re on a budget, you can proceed to the most affordable options in the store.
Online shopping makes it easier to compare prices from different furniture stores.
On top of this, you may get real-time reviews from others who have purchased the same product.
Today, most websites list verified reviews from their customers. This gives you an idea of whether an item functions properly.
Common Pitfalls of Buying Furniture Online Only
Shopping online is convenient, but it does come with a few pitfalls.
- Hard to Judge Scale and Comfort from Photos
If you can’t see the products in person, it can be difficult to imagine furniture dimensions. You won’t have an idea of the size, comfort, and fit of a product.
A sofa might look great on screen, but it could be too small or too large once it enters your space.
Furniture comfort testing can be an issue. Even if a product looks soft on screen, it could be uncomfortable in reality.
You don’t get to try before you buy, and you won’t have an idea of the furniture’s durability.
- Returns Can Take Time and Cost Extra
Buying furniture online means you skip the quality inspection. If you’re not happy with a product, it can be a challenge to return it.
Returns can take time if you’re online shopping. In some cases, you have to take the defective item to the sortation center yourself.
Additionally, you may encounter extra shipping fees and waiting periods.
The worst part about online shopping is receiving a damaged item. Proving that the furniture has a defect can be a pain, and online sellers can take a long time to review your complaint.
A Practical Approach: Use Both Options
When you’re investing in expensive furniture, the best approach is to always use both options. You should look for furniture styles online and gain an idea of your preferences. Afterward, you can visit the store to see the actual item.
Below are practical tips for when you’re shopping for furniture.
- Research Styles and Features Online
Online shopping is perfect when you want to research styles.
We recommend visiting various furniture store websites to browse multiple brands. Once you have an idea of the options, you can narrow your choices down even without leaving your home.
When you’re online shopping, always check the product’s features.
For example, when you’re buying a reclining sofa, you can compare models online. Switch to the features tab to see details like USB charging ports, built-in storage, or adjustable headrests.
This way, you can save time and focus on specific pieces during your in-store visit.
- Confirm Fit and Comfort in the Showroom
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to visit the furniture showroom.
Here, you can take the time to sit and test your chosen furniture. Knowing how your sofa, recliner, and chairs feel is vital. You’ll want to check for comfort and see if the furniture supports your back.
Furthermore, this is the time to measure the furniture’s dimensions and check the construction. Is the furniture finished up to your standards?
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff if you have any concerns. They can help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Finally, when you’re satisfied with the furniture, you can schedule home delivery.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Having a few questions is completely normal when you’re buying furniture, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
When you take the time to ask the right questions, you can feel more confident with your purchase. Plus, there are fewer chances of having issues later on.
- Will It Fit Through Your Doorways?
First, be sure to check if the furniture can fit through your doorways. If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can always ask the staff for assistance.
It’s also a good idea to ask about furniture delivery. Some items arrive pre-assembled, while others may require furniture assembly.
Our tip is to hire professionals during the delivery to avoid accidental damage.
- Does It Match How You Actually Use Your Space?
Next, think about how you actually use your space.
Most people only consider the aesthetics, thereby ending up with unsuitable furniture.
How many people will use the sofa or recliner? When you have guests over, do you need a couch that can be converted into a sleeping area?
Thinking about usage lets you choose the most practical options.
Choose Furniture That Works for Your Life
It’s easy to choose furniture based on how it looks in the showroom. Yet, furniture that works in one space may not necessarily be good for another.
Your place may have different dimensions and configurations. It’s important to recognize whether your chosen furniture will work in your life.
- Prioritize Durability and Everyday Use
When you’re buying furniture, it helps to think about how often you’ll be using it. Items like sofas and chairs see daily use, so it’s important to pick durable ones.
Opt for good-quality materials, like solid hardwood furniture or stain-free upholstery. Remember, your furniture is an investment, and you should choose options that’ll last.
- Look Beyond Trends & Focus on Long-Term Comfort
Trendy furniture isn’t always comfortable for everyday use. Instead of picking what looks nice, consider how the piece will feel over time.
If you can’t find the perfect fit, you can always have one custom-made. Custom furniture wait times are long, but the final product will definitely be worth the wait.
Visit La-Z-Boy in Vancouver
For those exploring their furniture options, visiting La-Z-Boy in Vancouver is a must. You can see a wide range of furniture, from simple sofas to beautiful accent pieces.
La-Z-Boy offers classic and modern furniture, so it’s easy to find a good fit for your home. What’s more, our friendly staff are always available to answer any of your questions.
- Explore Options Online or In Person
Whether you prefer shopping online or shopping in-store, La-Z-Boy makes the whole process stress-free. You can find great furniture through both channels.
- Recliners: Recliners are perfect for when you want to relax and watch your favorite shows after a long day. La-Z-Boy has various recliner options, including the stylish Charlotte High Leg Reclining Chair!
- Chairs: Getting a new chair is a great way to add a statement piece to your room. The Bellevue High Leg Swivel Chair is a crowd favorite for its character and comfort.
- Sofas: Sofas are functional pieces that make entertaining guests easy. You can save space and convert your living room into a guest bedroom with the Kennedy Queen Sleep Sofa.
- Sectionals: Sectionals are the best option for bonding with the whole family. Options like the Collins Sectional have enough space for entertaining a crowd!
Find Pieces That Suit Your Home and Routine
At the end of the day, the best furniture is one that fits both your home and your routine. By combining online shopping and in-store shopping, you place yourself in a better position to find great pieces.
So, if you’re ready for your next furniture discovery, be sure to explore La-Z-Boy’s website. We have a wide variety of sofas, recliners, and sectionals for you to choose from!