How to Buy Sofa Online: A Practical Guide

Selecting sofas in a brick-and-mortar store is undeniably satisfying. You get to sit on it and feel the fabric to figure out if the couch fits your space or is comfortable to sit on for a long period. However, if you want to browse a range of styles, shopping online offers more options than the physical experience.

With online shops, your choices aren’t limited to the inventory of onsite stores because you can buy furniture from businesses beyond your vicinity. At the comfort of your home, you get to visit different shops with just a few clicks, which also opens up a more diverse catalog.

Buying a sofa online may be out of some people’s comfort zone as you don’t get to try it before purchasing. It’s understandable. To ease your worries, you should check out these best practices on how you can make your online experience as fulfilling as buying in person.

When Buying a Sofa Online

The online sofa marketplace contains multitudes of options, so it can easily get overwhelming. Here are some tips on how you can narrow down your choices so that you can add the perfect couch to your cart.

1. Determine the kind of sofa that you want

There is more than one kind of couch— sectionals, loveseats, daybeds, and sleeper sofas, among others. Research the different types of sofas and figure out which type you want or need. You don’t necessarily have to see the couch physically to determine its comfort.

If you want to slouch on the couch, you need to look for a sofa with greater seat depth. Is leaning back on the sofa’s armrest something you often do? Pay attention to the couch’s armrest shape and height. Think about your usual positions on your couch and check if you can do them comfortably with your preferred choices.

2. Set a budget

When you shop for modern furniture online, you can filter your options to your desired price range. Because the internet holds a wide selection when it comes to couch choices, you’ll likely get the sofa style you want within your budget. During this process, don’t forget to consider delivery fees.

3. Measure your space and visualize it

Before purchasing a sofa, you need to set your expectations. How big or tall will the couch be? Will the color match your space? Visualizing furniture isn’t enough; you must measure it to place furniture accurately. You can use a measuring tape, paper, or string to outline your sofa’s layout.

It’s also equally important to measure passageways, elevators, or stairwells. You don’t want to deal with oversized furniture and realize you can’t squeeze your couch into your preferred area.

4. Research online

The fun part of sofa shopping is looking up furniture stores and browsing through their catalogs. In this step, you get to create a shortlist of your potential furniture. Does the shop you like have the sofa style you want? You found the ideal couch, but does the company deliver to your area? Explore different shops and compare offers, services, and furniture qualities.

5. Ask for fabric samples

Don’t be shy to ask or order fabric swatches. Some stores give them out for free or for a small fee. A sofa is a relatively huge purchase, so seeing and feeling its material in person is very important. Test them out for everyday wear and tear when you have the fabric samples on hand. Spill some wine on it or rub it on your pets. Doing this gives you a better grasp of how your sofa will hold up in daily use.

6. Check for discounts and sales

If you can, buy a couch when the site is on sale. You can contact the company and ask if any sales or discounts are available soon. Furniture stores will usually offer them around major holidays or during their anniversary. Sometimes, they even give out discounts when you subscribe to their newsletter. Take advantage of these offers so that you can save up on costs.

7. Check the reviews

Reviews are an online shopper’s best friend, and what better way to check the quality of the sofa than by hearing from someone who has actually sat on it. Don’t just check for the product’s overall score; read the reviews. Some people may think that greater seat depth is a con when it’s a feature you may be looking for.

Additionally, browse through consumer photos to see what the couch looks like without good studio lighting and styling.

8. Review the return and exchange policies

What happens when the sofa you picked isn’t as perfect as you thought? A return and exchange policy can save you from settling on the wrong couch. During your research process, read through the company policies and fine print regarding returns.

There are a lot of companies that are generous with returns. As long as the couch isn’t damaged or soiled, they can accept it back within 30 days. However, some stores can be strict with only a week or three days on their return policy.

When Your Sofa Arrives

Check for faults and issues upon delivery. Are the legs wobbly? Are there any tears or stains? If you’re happy with the state of your sofa, keep the receipt and original packaging so that if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase within a given period, you can easily return it.

If there are damages, document them. Take photos and send them to the company as soon as possible. Communicate your dilemma nicely and ask if you can do anything to remedy the situation. They will either suggest you send it back or offer you a discount.

Choose Your Sofa Like A Pro

Shopping for furniture online isn’t as daunting as others frame it. When you apply these tried-and-true tips on your next sofa hunt, you’ll likely end up sitting on the couch of your dreams. Choosing a reliable and reputable online furniture store would be best to ensure that you don’t stumble upon any issues during your shopping experience. Check out Direct Marketplaces’ wide selection of sofa and couches today!