10 Things to Consider When Buying a Sofa Online
If you’re moving into a new home or your current sofa is no longer cutting it, it might be time for an upgrade. You might not immediately think of a sofa as an online purchase, but with a few simple checks, it can be a stress-free experience. Instead of traipsing between showrooms and hiring a van, you’ll be lounging in your new favourite spot without leaving the house.
Here’s our essential checklist to help you confidently shop online for a sofa that works in your space.
Free fabric samples
It can be hard to tell the exact shade or texture of material through a screen, so choose a sofa company offering free fabric samples. Having a swatch in your hand lets you feel the fabric and check the quality. You can see the colour in the room where your new sofa will be. How does it look in daylight and artificial light, and does it work well with your existing decor? This is helpful if you're trying to pick between multiple options and want to be sure before committing.
Fabric swatches also come in handy later if you’re out and about looking for cushions, other soft furnishings, or artwork and want to see what they’ll look like with the colour and material of your sofa.
Quality of materials and design
Before buying a sofa, head to the company’s website to find out how it’s constructed. Check what the frame, fabric, and cushion filling are made from. Are these materials durable, or will they begin to sag and wear after several afternoon naps? Look for sturdy materials like hardwood frames, solid wood or metal legs, and strong springs or high-density foam-filled cushions for long-lasting support. Fabrics that are easy to care for and clean will be a lifesaver when the inevitable drink gets knocked over.
Check the guarantee
What guarantee does the sofa come with? A solid guarantee shows a brand has confidence in its product and gives you peace of mind if issues arise. If you want extra assurance, consider covering for accidental damage, especially if you have pets, children, or are prone to spilling things.
Measure your space
Grab your tape measure or measuring app and write down the dimensions of the place where you plan to put the sofa. Think about which route the sofa will be carried through your home and measure any doorways, hallways, and corners you’ll need to manoeuvre. Make sure the size of the sofa will work with these dimensions, and check the sofa's height won’t block any windows if you’re planning to put it in front of one.
If you’re going for a flat-pack design, you won’t have to worry about fitting the sofa through tight spaces or stairways as it’ll come in pivot-free-sized boxes.
How easy is it to assemble?
Not all flat-pack sofas are created equal. Some sofas require hours of interpreting instructions, a full tool kit, and a whole day to build. Thankfully, some furniture makers like Swyft offer sofas that are easy to assemble. With a no-tools-needed approach, you can slot Swyft sofas together in minutes.
Check what's required beforehand to know if you'll need tools, a hand from friends, or if it's a hassle-free job. If you want it all taken care of, some companies will offer to assemble your sofa for you.
Delivery service
When you move into a new home or are mid-renovation, you don’t want to wait months for a sofa. Look up the availability of the sofa you want and how soon it can be delivered. Some companies provide next-day delivery on certain models, so you won’t have to turn a moving box into a makeshift seat.
Find out what the delivery service involves. Being allocated a short delivery time frame on your preferred day makes it straightforward to fit around your schedule instead of staying home all day, hoping it arrives when you're not showering or on a work call. Don’t forget to check whether the sofa will be delivered to your room of choice or just to the curb or front door.
If you don’t want to deal with any packaging or have an old sofa to be removed, go with a company offering a white glove service.
What’s the returns and exchanges policy?
By following these checks, you should get the sofa you've dreamed of. But sometimes, it's not quite right for the space when it arrives. Stay one step ahead by reading the returns policy before you purchase to know if there’s the flexibility to exchange or return the sofa for a refund. Certain online furniture retailers offer a long trial period, so you don’t have to make your mind up immediately and can ensure you’re fully happy.
How simple is it to contact customer service?
A generous return policy or guarantee is one thing, but for it to be useful in practice, you need to be able to contact the customer service team. Ensure the brand has clear customer service options, like live chat, a responsive social media team, or support via email or phone, so you can easily reach them if needed.
Read reviews
Customer reviews are a godsend when buying anything online, and even more so when it’s a significant purchase like a sofa. Look for reviews by verified buyers on the brand’s or stockists’ websites or independent websites like Trustpilot. You can read feedback about real people’s experiences with the product and the company, like how comfortable the sofa is, whether the fabric holds up, how responsive the customer service team is, and whether the company honours its policies. Note any recurring themes (good or bad).
Sustainability
Many buyers want to make eco-conscious decisions when it comes to buying furniture. This can include whether a company uses sustainably sourced materials, recyclable packaging, or offsets its carbon footprint. Look at the brand's website to read about its sustainability policy and check if it meets your expectations.
