Once upon a time, buying furniture online was a bit of a gamble. After all, would that so-called “cozy” couch actually feel more like a lumpy boulder? Would that “spacious” shelf look more like the size of a kitchen cabinet? Words can be tricky in product descriptions, and when you’re buying something like dining chairs, you don’t want to take any chances.
The good news is that in 2025, shopping for furniture online is a whole different ball game. We’ve got better tech, smarter shopping tools and past delivery. 2025 presents us with an opportunity to deck out your space from the comfort of your phone without even having to leave the house. Before you hit add to cart, here are some essential things you’ll need to know about buying furniture online this year.
Take Advantage of AR Features
Many websites allow you to use augmented reality to see the piece of furniture you’re looking to buy in your actual living room. That means no more having to squint at dimensions and try to figure out whether something will fit into your living room or not. Now you can put that sectional straight into a photo of your living room, and see exactly what it would look like. Think of it as a free trial for furniture, without having to worry about assemblage or sending it back.
Consider Sustainability
Eco-friendly furniture is no longer an option or a trend— it’s a must. In 2025, it’s the standard for online brands to be transparent about where their materials come from. If a brand isn’t talking about using sustainable materials, then it’s a red flag that you should probably buy somewhere else. If everyone does their part to be eco-responsible, then we can make the earth last just a little bit longer, which means you’ll get even more value out of the furniture you buy.
Don’t Forget Secondhand
All too often we’re so focused on buying things new, that we forget that we can find great deals second hand. For a fraction of the price, you can buy something in mint condition, simply because it’s considered “used.” This isn’t just a great way to save money, but it’s also a great way to find signature pieces that not everyone else has. Not to mention, you’re (once again) doing your part to reduce waste, preserve the planet, and ultimately live a greener lifestyle, all while saving money!
Just make sure that you look at seller’s ratings, as not everyone is always honest about the state of the used goods they’re selling. Read all of the reviews from buyers before you comment and get a feel for whether it’s a reputable seller.
Modular and Multi-Use Furniture Is Everywhere
With more people living in smaller spaces because of astronomical housing prices (hello, tiny apartments, and home offices), modular furniture is a big trend in 2025. Think sofas that transform into beds, coffee tables with hidden storage, or stackable seating.
The more you can fit multiple purposes into one single item, the better bargain it is. The best part about buying multi-functional furniture is that they’re often designed to be more durable. If you have kids or you’re a little heavy-handed yourself, then this can be a big advantage. Not to mention, you won’t have any problems reselling this kind of furniture because it’s extremely in demand
