5 Common Furniture Shopping Errors You Must Avoid, According to Designers

We've all had the experience of buying clothes that didn't fit right or live up to expectations, but returning them is usually a simple hassle. However, when it comes to buying furniture, the stakes are much higher. You're typically investing a significant amount of money and planning to keep the item for several years.

Unlike returning an ill-fitting dress, sending back a large item like a sofa requires much more effort than just a visit to the Post Office. We spoke to designers to gather their top advice on how to prevent this from happening. Here are five common mistakes to steer clear of when purchasing new furniture.

Overlooking the Importance of Measurements

Chelsea Marks, the owner of Paynes Gray, an elegant online furniture shop, explains that one of the main reasons people return items is due to improper measurements. She states, 'Customers either fail to measure properly or don’t account for how the item’s size relates to their space. We've had many instances where customers wish to return items because they didn't realize it wouldn't fit through their front door.'

It's crucial to measure everything precisely, including the height. Marks shares, 'We've had clients purchase 8-foot-tall cabinets, only to find that they’re so tall they hit the molding. Always double-check the furniture's measurements to ensure it fits in your home and compare it with other items so the scale feels right.'

Measuring also involves figuring out how the item will actually get inside your home. Just because something fits through the front door doesn't guarantee it will work. 'I had a client who measured the height, width, and depth of the sofa she was ordering, along with the doorways. She even arranged for white glove delivery,' says interior designer and HGTV star Shay Holland.

Holland eventually hired a team to lift the sofa up the outside of the house and over the rooftop railing. “We also needed to hire a painter who specialized in textured finishes to fix the damaged walls. With the extra labor and wasted delivery charges, the total cost for just one piece of furniture came to around $2,000.”

Failing to Account for Delivery Times

Marks emphasizes that considering delivery timing is essential if you have a specific date in mind. “A lot of customers shop for furniture thinking it will arrive within a couple of weeks for an event or holiday.” She explains that high-quality furniture often requires special freight delivery, which can take anywhere from three to five weeks, not counting the time needed for order processing.

While it can be frustrating, the long wait times are necessary to ensure your furniture arrives safely without damage. Therefore, it’s important to have realistic delivery expectations. Marks advises, “If you're hoping for new, quality dining chairs by Thanksgiving, and it's already November 2nd, you’re probably not going to make it.”

Not Realizing That Social Media Can Be Misleading

There’s something captivating about spotting a stunning piece of furniture on a retailer’s website or in their social media posts. However, what seems perfect online can look completely different in person. “When the pieces arrive and turn out to be uncomfortable, impractical, or the wrong color, exchanging or returning them becomes an expensive headache,” says Holland.

To make matters worse, she notes that many stores charge hefty restocking fees and additional return charges. Therefore, the designer suggests testing large items like sofas, chairs, and mattresses in person whenever possible.

If seeing the item in person isn’t an option, ordering a swatch or two before committing to the purchase is the best route. Most major retailers provide free or low-cost swatches to help you assess the fabric and choose the right color more accurately.

Not Considering Lifestyle Factors

While looks matter, sometimes your lifestyle needs should come first. That pristine white linen sofa may seem perfect, but if you have young kids, pets, or love a nightly glass of red wine, it’s probably best to resist that ‘add to cart’ button. Maintenance is another key factor! “There’s a popular sofa out there that ends up being a nightmare for many buyers who realize they spend more time fluffing the cushions than sitting on them,” says Holland.

Not Considering How Long You Plan To Use Something

If you're living in an apartment or condo and don't expect to stay for long, the quality of your dining table may not matter as much as it would when you’re settling into a home you plan to stay in for the next fifteen years. So, if you’re drawn to a trendy item or something that may not be an heirloom, it’s okay to go for it. However, if you’re purchasing furniture for the long haul, investing in a higher-quality piece with a more timeless design can be a smart splurge.