Buying home décor goods online can be quite the challenge, considering you aren’t seeing the piece in real-life dimensions. It may not match your current home décor like you’d hoped, or the piece may look “off” in the spot you had designated for it.
Nowadays, almost all stores have websites that accept credit cards so you can buy online. Buying online has some advantages over buying from the store. The item may be extra discounted if you buy online, it may be sold-out in stores, or you may just not want to transport the item yourself. That being said, if you’re going to purchase home décor goods online, here are a few tips to help along the way so you don’t waste any money:
Comparison Shop
When buying home goods online, browse at least a few different websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Overstock.com, eBay, and Art.com are all great sites to browse when looking for the best deal. Some sites also offer free shipping, so make sure to take that into consideration as well.
Read Reviews
Whether you’re buying artwork, furniture, or decorative knick-knacks, read the reviews that others have written. You’ll want to know if a product is made poorly or looks cheap before buying. We also suggest reading reviews of the same product on multiple different sites.
Know the Return Policy
Before buying any type of home good online, be aware of the return policy. If you’re not able to return an item, think very carefully about buying it, especially if it costs a decent amount of money. Larger items, such as furniture, will typically charge a restocking fee if the item is returned. Know what this is – as it can be well over a hundred dollars – before buying the item.
If Possible, See it Live
If the item you wish to purchase is sold in stores, it could very well be worth your time to drive down and take a look at it in person. You’ll probably save money by buying the item online (discounts, free shipping, etc.), but you’ll save yourself the trouble of having to return the item if you already know you love it.
Be Mindful of Colors
When buying home décor online, make sure to take into account that the color may be slightly off in reality than what you’re picturing. This includes artwork, rugs, lamps and lampshades, curtains, and furniture. Things that affect colors are your screen settings, the camera, and the light the picture was taken in.
Always Test Furniture in Person
Furniture should never be purchased online unless you’ve seen and tested it in person. When buying furniture, be it a bed or a couch, comfort is always a main deciding factor. Don’t go through the trouble of having to ship it back if it’s not comfortable.
Stay Safe
Finally, when buying home goods online, only shop at safe and secure websites. Secure websites begin with https:// instead of just http://. They also will have a tiny padlock icon on the top right corner of the page. Never give your credit card number if you’re weary about whether or not it’s safe. Also, no site will ever ask for your social security number when making a purchase.
Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer who covers a wide variety of topics ranging from personal finance to beauty and décor.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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Great tips definitely apply this to all my online purchases
These are all great tips. I love shopping online, but buying some things makes me nervous. I love when an item I’m looking at has at least a couple reviews.
I have bought very few things without ‘seeing it in person’. If it is online, what I do is weigh the savings against the security of buying it in town. I have never bought furniture or appliances online ever, I cant imagine not having the experience of seeing them and finding out if they are what I want.