A guide to buying homewares and furniture online

With a click of a button any time during the day or night, shopping for dream decor and furniture has never been easier. But that doesn’t mean your new item is always a perfect fit. With help from some of Australia’s leading stylists, we’ve provided a how-to guide for buying the right decor or piece of furniture online.

Browse and prepare

Before pressing “purchase” it’s imperative to do your research. “Have a plan for how you want your space to feel, its practical needs and your lifestyle to ensure it will work for you,” says Lauren Li from Sisalla Interior Design. “Collecting reference images of the type of space you want to create helps define the look and feel. Then make a list of the items you need, including the small details and decor items.”

Browsing first is inspiring and helps refine your choices while providing good design direction. “Think before you click,” agrees stylist Jason Grant. “There’s nothing worse than being disappointed when your item arrives. Do all the investigation before you commit, read the fine print, and double check colours, materials and size.” 

Whether it’s a coffee table or a painting, measuring up is an important first step. “If you struggle visually, try laying newspaper out on the floor or on the wall and use it as a scale template,” says Suzanne Gorman from Studio Gorman. “If you are in an apartment or have trouble with access to your home, consider how you will move your purchase in. Is there a lift or stairs and will it fit through your doors?”

Consider the environment where your new purchase will live. “Take into account the colour scheme, style, era and texture of the product and if that will work with everything else in the space,” says Miriam McWilliam from Studio Mimi Moon.

Look for quality

Assessing quality can be challenging when the product is not tangible.

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“Read the product description carefully and ask lots of questions,” says McWilliam. “Ask for more photos so you can see the product in different settings, lighting, and in-situ as well as on it’s own. Check where the product was made as this often has an effect on the quality. Remember that good quality items often have a price tag to match. If it’s super-cheap ask yourself why.”

Gorman suggests ordering samples and swatches to check for material quality and colour accuracy. “If they can supply them it is a good indicator you are purchasing from a trusted company,” she says. “Look for reviews online. Customers often upload images of their product, which gives you a good indication of it set in a non-professional and styled setting. Check the supplier’s Instagram for additional images and search for tagged Instagram posts too. It is helpful seeing your item in different lighting and interiors, and will help you gauge the tone and finish of the product.”

Your item is on its way

The most disappointing aspect of online shopping is when it becomes an inconvenient way to shop. “Instead of saving time, there are missed deliveries and time spent at the post office or depot,” says Li. “It can end up taking a lot more time than simply walking into a shop and purchasing on the spot.”

If buying large heavy objects, find out the extent of the supplier’s shipping service. “It is common that couriers will deliver to your street front and no further,” says Gorman. “Ask the supplier if they can deliver to your desired area. Ask for a clear time frame so you can arrange to be there for delivery.”

Avoid nasty surprises in the form of hidden shipping costs by asking the supplier the right questions. “If the shipping costs seem too good to be true, ask the supplier to double check the freight costs,” says Belinda Nihill from Nest Design Studio. “There will sometimes be an additional invoice for shipping after you have put through the payment for the items.”

It’s here!

On delivery, check your item immediately as damage can occur during freight. “To avoid having to contact the supplier to pick up your item to have it returned, let the courier return it,” says Gorman. “It saves a lot of time and headaches down the track.”

Five stylist-approved online stores 

West Elm: US retailer stocking modern furniture and accessories at great prices.

Space Furniture: Beautiful contemporary furniture and collectibles by artists including Philippe Starck, Marc Newson and Marcel Wanders.

Apartment by Sisalla: An elegant, shoppable apartment of curated Danish and Australian designers and makers.

World of Empire: Custom-made contemporary furniture and Australian homeware designers, including Bonnie & Neil, Lightly, Salus and Armadillo & Co.

Manon bis: Oak frames, furniture, and homewares including international designers Maison Levy, Tse & Tse and Gubi.