Buying furniture online gives you a lot more options without spending a day driving from store to store. The catch is obvious: a sofa that looks perfect on a screen can still be too large for the room, too wide for the doorway or different from what you pictured.
The good news is that most online furniture mistakes are preventable. Measure first, read the product details, understand how you will get the furniture home and know what to check before you place the order.
For most shoppers, we recommend treating the measurements as the starting point, not the last thing you check before clicking Buy.
1. Measure the Room Before You Shop
Start with the usable space in the room. Measure the wall or area where the furniture will sit, then note nearby doors, windows, vents, outlets, radiators and walkways.
For a sofa or sectional, record the maximum width and depth that can comfortably fit. For a dining table, include space for chairs to pull out. For a bed, account for nightstands, dressers and walking space around the mattress.
Do not plan for furniture to fill every available inch. A piece can fit on paper and still make a room difficult to move through.
2. Measure the Delivery Path Too
This is the measurement shoppers forget most often. Your new furniture has to get from outside the home to its final spot.
Measure:
- Exterior and interior door widths and heights
- Hallway width, especially at turns
- Stairway width and ceiling clearance
- Elevators and elevator doors
- Tight corners and landings
- The final doorway into the room
If a sofa is wider than the doorway, it may still fit by turning or angling it, but do not assume that will work. Compare the product’s width, height and depth with the narrowest parts of the delivery path.
Apartment shoppers should also check building rules for delivery hours, elevator reservations and loading areas before scheduling delivery.
3. Read All Three Dimensions
Furniture dimensions are typically listed as width, depth and height. All three matter.
- Width tells you how much wall or floor space the piece spans from side to side.
- Depth tells you how far the furniture projects into the room.
- Height matters for windows, wall art, shelving and sight lines.
For seating, look for seat height and seat depth when those measurements are provided. A deep sofa can be comfortable for lounging but may feel oversized to a shorter sitter. A higher seat can be easier for some people to get in and out of.
4. Use Painter’s Tape to See the Footprint
Product photos are useful, but they do not show scale inside your room. One of the simplest ways to visualize a piece is to mark its dimensions on the floor with painter’s tape.
Tape out the width and depth of the sofa, table, bed or dresser. Then walk around it. Open nearby doors. Pull out dining chairs. Check whether the route through the room still feels natural. Ten minutes of tape can prevent a very large return problem.
5. Look Beyond the Main Product Photo
The first image is designed to show the furniture at its best. Keep scrolling. Look for side views, back views, close-ups, room scenes and images that show reclining positions, storage compartments or other features.
Then read the written description. Photos can include decorative accessories or other furniture that is not part of the item being sold. Confirm exactly what is included, especially when shopping bedroom sets, dining sets and multi-piece living room furniture.
6. Check Materials, Features and Function
A product title tells you what the furniture is. The specifications tell you how it will work in your home.
Depending on the item, check for upholstery type, reclining mechanism, power requirements, storage, charging ports, table extensions, number of included chairs, mattress size compatibility and assembly requirements.
For reclining furniture, also think about clearance. A recliner needs room to move. A power sofa needs access to an outlet unless the specific model uses another approved power setup.
Shopping for reclining furniture? Our Power vs. Manual Recliners: Which Is Right for You? guide explains the differences.
7. Check Local Availability
Furniture availability can vary by location. A product that is available in one market may not be available in another, so make sure you are shopping the correct store or location when checking inventory.
Use the American Freight Store Locator to find the store nearest you and check local shopping options.
8. Decide How You Will Get It Home
Do not wait until checkout to think about transportation. A boxed dining set and a large sectional create very different logistics.
Review Pickup & Delivery information before ordering. Availability, timing and delivery options can vary based on the item and location. If you plan to pick up furniture yourself, make sure your vehicle is large enough and that you have the help and equipment needed to load, secure and unload it safely.
9. Review the Return Policy Before You Buy
Furniture is a large purchase, and return rules can differ from the rules for smaller retail items. Read the policy before ordering, especially for mattresses, clearance merchandise, assembled furniture or other items that may have special conditions.
You can review American Freight’s current Return Policy before completing your purchase.
10. Compare the Total Cost, Not Just the Price Tag
A good furniture budget includes more than the advertised price. Depending on the purchase, you may also need to consider delivery, assembly, accessories, foundations, protection products or other items needed to complete the setup.
For example, a new mattress may also require the correct foundation or frame. A dining table may be sold as a set or may have chairs sold separately. Confirm what you are getting before comparing two prices.
If you are planning several rooms at once, our Room-by-Room Furniture Budget Guide can help you prioritize spending. Flexible payment options are available. Learn more about financing.
Our 60-Second Online Furniture Check
Before placing an order, run through this quick checklist:
- Will the furniture fit the room with space to walk around it?
- Will it fit through every doorway, hallway, stairway or elevator on the way in?
- Did you check width, depth and height?
- Do you know exactly which pieces are included?
- Did you review the materials, features and assembly requirements?
- Is the item available at the location you intend to shop?
- Do you know whether you are picking it up or having it delivered?
- Have you accounted for the total cost of the setup?
If you can answer all nine, you have eliminated most of the surprises that make online furniture shopping frustrating.
Buying Furniture Online vs. Shopping In Store
You do not have to choose one or the other. Online shopping is excellent for narrowing the field. You can compare dimensions, prices, styles and features before leaving home. A store visit is useful when you want to sit on a sofa, test a recliner, feel upholstery or see the scale of a piece in person.
For many shoppers, the best process is both: research online, build a short list, then visit a store when you want an in-person check before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measurements do I need before buying furniture online?
Measure the furniture area plus the complete delivery path. Record room width and depth, doorways, hallways, stairs, elevators and tight turns. Then compare those measurements with the product’s width, depth and height.
How do I know if a couch will fit through my door?
Compare the couch dimensions with the doorway and surrounding space. Remember that furniture may be angled during delivery, so hallway depth and ceiling clearance can matter too. If the fit is close, do not guess. Confirm the delivery path before ordering.
How much space should I leave around furniture?
It depends on the room and piece, but you should leave enough space to walk comfortably, open doors and drawers, pull out dining chairs and operate reclining furniture. Marking the footprint with painter’s tape is an easy way to test the layout.
What should I check before buying a sofa online?
Check overall dimensions, seat dimensions when available, upholstery, cushion design, reclining or power features, assembly, what is included, local availability, delivery options and the return policy.
Can I buy furniture online and pick it up in store?
Pickup options depend on the item and local inventory. Check the product and store information when ordering, and review Pickup & Delivery for current details.
Is it better to buy furniture online or in person?
Both have advantages. Online shopping makes comparison easier. In-store shopping lets you test comfort, scale and materials. Using online research before an in-store visit can give you the benefits of both.
