Living in Dubai, where we have the very best of world design to choose from its not that I’m fraught for variety. I just don’t have the time to go to shops looking for that ideal dining table. It takes more than one retailer to zero-in on a decent selection — and who has the patience to trek around the city for it?
Recently, while re-decorating my home, I found great solace in online shopping. Now, I must confess, I am new to it and somehow, shopping for furniture online does not scare me the way looking for a shirt does because, you know, with furniture, things can be black or white. It’s all down to room sizes and there are no unsightly lumps to worry about.
Having said that, there still are some dos and don’ts. These basic hacks will help you make the wisest decisions one can make online. Luckily, it’s just furniture.
Size it
It is important to know your space and the furniture. So start your online expedition by measuring your room. Consider it protection against giving your heart away to a piece that just wouldn’t fit. There are lots of apps, like Photomeasures, that take snaps and configure room sizes. This will help you manage your expectations and hone in on a piece that fits. When sizing the furniture, remember you need circulation space around the piece. Depending on where you finally decide to put the said item, typically 75cm around it is the minimum.
Try it
There are apps like Houzz Interior Design Ideas that allow you to place a wide selection of furniture into pictures of your room to help you get an idea if the look works. Still, there is nothing quite like (if you have the option) to make that trip to the shortlisted retailer to see the piece in person. Comfort and fit are a personal thing. Unlike a bad shirt, you can’t hide bad furniture in your closet. Besides, you have already saved valuable time sifting through furniture online, and a visit will seal the deal. It will also give you an idea, of how much, if any, savings are incurred via shopping online. It is also good to read the product reviews online — they are good measures of the quality of the piece and the retailer.
Colour correct
There are more times than I would like to remember, when dark brown seemed like black on my computer screen and grey has messed a perfect colour scheme with its 50 shades. It is worthwhile to invest in colour sensitive apps like Colour Capture that can help pair the colour in a picture to the closest paint codes. Yet it is wise to have a first-hand look at the material, because colour depth can vary based on lighting, texture and harsh reality.
Fine print
Does the furniture come with assembly? If not, it’s best you find something that is easy to assemble — nothing takes the joy away from a new chair that if you must spend an hour putting it together- product reviews can help gauge the situation before you press ‘buy’. Be aware of the retailer’s shipping costs, the type of shipping (curb-side or door-to-door) and the time it will take. Always, keep a week’s buffer in case you are planning something around the new furniture — you wouldn’t believe the times I’ve been let down by shippers. Also, do consider return policies and where possible go with vendors who wouldn’t charge.
