7 Common Problems People Face When Buying Furniture Online

Buying furniture online can be convenient, but homeowners often run into common problems people face when buying furniture online right from the start. It’s easy to overlook crucial details like measurements, materials, or shipping policies when shopping from home. In this guide, we’ll explore seven typical issues – from misleading photos and sizing blunders to delivery headaches and complex returns – and explain how to handle each one. By planning ahead and following simple tips, you can avoid many of these pitfalls and enjoy the huge selection and deals that online furniture shopping offers. Read on to become a savvy buyer.

1. Can’t Physically Try or Inspect the Furniture

Problem: Online shoppers can’t sit on a sofa or feel the fabric before buying. Unlike in-store shopping, you don’t get a first-hand sense of comfort, firmness, or build quality. This inability to “try before you buy” often leads to uncertainty. As Consumer Reports points out, you may only discover comfort or quality issues after the item arrives.

Solution: Do thorough research. Read product descriptions carefully and look for multiple photos (including zoomed-in shots). Check customer reviews for comments on feel and quality. If available, order fabric or finish swatches/samples before committing. Some retailers send small material samples so you can match colors and textures at home. Measure carefully (see next section) and compare the listed dimensions to items you know. Finally, check the return policy in case the piece really doesn’t work for you.

• Tip: Look for video demos or customer-uploaded photos. These can reveal details that catalog images hide.

2. Misleading Photos, Colors, or Descriptions

Problem: Product images online can be deceiving. Bright studio lighting, image editing, or wide-angle lenses often make furniture look better than it is. The actual color, pattern, or wood grain may differ in real life. For example, one shopping blog explains that photos are “created to demonstrate the best qualities of the furniture,” so you may see the true color or size only after delivery. If you rely solely on pictures, you risk being disappointed by an item that looks cheap or wrong in your home.

Solution: Look beyond the cover photo. Read the full written description and specs (material type, fabric weave, frame details). Find “true color” photos if possible, and understand that monitor settings can distort hues. Use customer reviews – especially those with unedited photos or videos – to see how the piece appears in real settings. If exact color matching is critical (e.g. matching your decor), consider buying smaller accent pieces first or requesting paint/fabric samples. Always remember that slight color shifts are normal; focus on finding an item whose overall style and finish you’ll like.

• Tip: Compare images from multiple angles. If only one view is given, be extra cautious.

3. Wrong Size or Fit (Measurement Mistakes)

Problem: Furniture that looks perfect on screen may not actually fit your space. A very common mistake is ignoring exact measurements. Designers warn that “by far the most common mistake… is failing to measure either your existing space or the piece of furniture”. Even if product dimensions are listed, shoppers sometimes forget to measure doorways, stairwells or clearance needs. The result: a beautiful couch that won’t fit through the door, or a table that overhangs the wall. One guide flatly states “one of the biggest mistakes… is neglecting to take accurate measurements”.

Solution: Measure carefully! Use a tape measure to record the length, width, and height of the area where the furniture will go, including room dimensions and entryways. Compare these to the item’s specs. Sketch a simple floorplan or use painter’s tape on the floor to outline the furniture’s footprint. Account for clearance – e.g. allow space to walk around the piece. If the furniture is modular or disassemblable, make sure it can be broken down small enough to pass through doors. When in doubt, contact the seller’s customer service to double-check dimensions. Visualizing the layout in your room will save you from an ill-fitting purchase.

• Tip: Remember “measure twice, click once.” Many online retailers emphasize checking dimensions before buying.

4. Delivery Delays, Damage, or Missing Items

Problem: Shipping large furniture is complex. Delays, incomplete orders, or damage during transit are common headaches. For instance, “free delivery” offers often exclude services like bringing the item upstairs or unwrapping it. An empty box or scratched surface on arrival is not unheard of. Online shopping also means you can’t check the item until after it ships, so any defects are a surprise. Even promised shipping dates can slip. The Federal Trade Commission reminds shoppers that sellers must ship items “within 30 days” if no specific time was promised, but delays beyond that do happen.

Solution: Plan ahead for delivery. Choose a reliable shipping option (often paid) that includes White Glove service if available – this pays professionals to carry and unpack your furniture. Always track the shipment and open the package immediately in front of the delivery person to inspect for damage. If something’s wrong, take photos of any damage and report it right away. Keep all packaging until you’re sure the piece is fine. Consider purchasing delivery insurance or protection plans for expensive items (some retailers or third-party services offer this). In short, know exactly what the delivery service includes (inside delivery, assembly, etc.) and budget extra time in case of delays.

• Tip: Document everything. Take a quick photo of the sealed box before opening it. This can help with claims.
  

5. Unexpected Costs (High Shipping and Fees)

Problem: Many buyers only look at the price tag and are shocked by additional fees. Furniture can be very heavy or bulky, so shipping often costs more. R&A Marketing reports that high shipping and hidden fees are a top complaint among online furniture shoppers. Some retailers add bulky item fees, restocking fees, or assembly charges at checkout. It’s easy to be misled by a low base price only to see a big bump at payment. The Cellini shopping guide warns you to “look at the price beyond the tag”, factoring in delivery and assembly costs.

Solution: Before you buy, check all extra costs. Look for a shipping estimator on the site, or see if the checkout reveals exact delivery charges. Some companies offer free shipping only with conditions (e.g., you haul it out of the box yourself). If it’s negotiable, see if picking up at a warehouse or store is cheaper. Factor in any assembly fees or taxes. When comparing prices across sites, make sure you compare the total price including delivery, not just the sticker price. Also ask about restocking fees (see next section). In many cases, it’s worth paying a bit more upfront for free or low-cost shipping than choosing the cheapest option with surprise fees.

• Tip: During sales events, read the fine print. Often “free shipping” still charges for oversized deliveries.
  

6. Complicated Returns and Refunds – Common Problems People Face When Buying Furniture Online

Problem: Returning furniture is a hassle. Unlike a shirt you can toss in a mailbox, oversized items are costly to ship back. Stores often have strict return policies or restocking fees. R&A Marketing notes that complex return policies can deter buyers. You might find out too late that a free return window is only 14 days, or that you have to pay for return shipping (often hundreds of dollars). The BBB advises shoppers to “look for the return policy…restocking fees,” since all merchants must post this information. Surprises here are a major downside of online buying.

Solution: Scrutinize the return policy before buying. How many days do you have to return? Who pays shipping? Is assembly reversible (some items cannot be returned once assembled)? Keep all original packaging in case you must ship it back. Ideally, pick retailers with more generous terms – for example, IKEA offers returns up to a year with proof of purchase (though IKEA was mentioned in a merchant context, it’s a useful example). If a purchase is big, consider purchasing a protection plan (some companies like Extend or the retailer itself offer them) to ease the return or repair process. In any case, understand that furniture returns often incur fees, so plan carefully.

• Tip: Use a credit card for the purchase. Credit card companies generally allow you to dispute unauthorized charges and can protect you if something goes wrong.

7. Difficult Assembly and Installation

Problem: Many online furniture pieces come as flat-pack or kit. As a result, you may face a time-consuming build. According to Business Insider, assembly can be frustrating, even with instructions. The Furniture Store blog notes that customers “may face great problems after delivery,” needing special tools or skills to put multi-part items together. Poor instructions or missing hardware can turn assembly into a headache (and one misplaced screw won’t even let you start!). This is especially true for complex items like large beds or sectionals.

Solution: Decide ahead whether you’ll assemble yourself or hire help. If you do it yourself, read the manual fully first. Lay out all parts and sort hardware to ensure nothing is missing. Watch any available assembly videos (some retailers provide them). Have the right tools on hand (usually a screwdriver set, rubber mallet, maybe an electric drill). If assembly looks too complicated, many furniture companies or local services offer paid assembly (either at delivery or afterward). Paying a modest fee for professional assembly can save you hours of frustration and prevent damage to the furniture.

• Tip: Never discard the instruction manual and extra hardware. Even if an item seems straightforward, keep spares and instructions – they’re invaluable if you need to disassemble or fix anything later.

Conclusion

Shopping for furniture online requires a bit more homework than walking into a store, but knowing these pitfalls makes it easy to avoid them. By measuring carefully, comparing prices (including shipping), checking policies, and inspecting products promptly on arrival, homeowners can sidestep the “common problems people face when buying furniture online.” Remember: these issues are common but generally avoidable. In fact, experts note that “buying furniture online has many advantages” – from a wider selection to often better prices – as long as you plan ahead. With thoughtful preparation and a reliable retailer, you can confidently furnish your home without ever leaving your door.