I am a designer.  But I am also a realist.  I know everyone isn’t going to use me to decorate their home.  And online shopping it usually the way most people go if they aren’t using a designer.  However, just because it looks good online doesn’t mean it will look good in your home.  Here are 3 BIG things to pay attention to when shopping online for furniture.

1. Check the dimensions of furniture and accessories. – Things aren’t always what they seem.  In a photo online, a piece of furniture may look large and comfortable only to have it arrive and be child sized.  Make sure you check the measurements and don’t rely on the photos to judge the size.  Especially how tall the furniture is.  In order to make sure it is the proper scale for your room, measure the seat height to ensure it isn’t too low.  The same goes for accessories.  A vase may look large and stuffed with a beautiful bouquet in online photos, only to arrive and be a bud vase.  Definitely check the dimensions and keep your ruler handy.
2. Know what material it is made out of. – A few weeks ago, I found a “serving bowl” online.  And it was so unique and beautiful that I just had to have it.  Well, I did not pay attention to the material and when it arrived I realized that it was paper mache’.  PAPER MACHE’!  That is not a serving bowl.  It can’t be used for food as “serving bowl” would imply.  If I had read the description down at the bottom under the drop down “description” menu, it clearly said “not food safe”.  So definitely pay attention to the material items are made out of.
3. Order a color sample if you can. – Online photos can be manipulated and distorted to make something appear brighter or deeper in tone.  Don’t trust online photos to judge color.  Order a sample of the fabric or color if you can.  Product photos are always taken in bright light in a controlled environment.  It may not look the same in your home when it arrives.

I tell you all of these tips not to talk you out of shopping online, but to save you the hassle of attempting to return items that aren’t right or having to keep something you don’t love.  And if you are worried about it but still want to do your own shopping, Brenna Morgan Interiors offers a design only package with room layouts, color boards and furniture recommendations from online retailers.  Reach out if you are interested!