Under the Radar in Furniture Shopping

Furniture Shopping is a big purchase that will be used and enjoyed for years. Purchasing and owning furniture is extremely satisfying as it’s an expression of your own personal style and a reflection of your lifestyle.

In this digital age, furniture buying has become easier than ever before. Online shopping offers a wide range of options at competitive prices.

Online Shopping

Online shopping is a great option if you want to browse a wide selection of home furnishings from multiple brands. Plus, you can save money on shipping by opting for curbside pickup at certain stores. Some of our favorite furniture websites include Wayfair, which offers a ton of options for all rooms in your home, from beds to sofas to office chairs, with many items arriving within two days.

Another option is a retailer like AllModern, which has a curated aesthetic and a ton of home goods, from minimalist and industrial pieces to dining tables, storage cabinets and even sofas. You can shop by room or by style, like mid-century modern, and the site also has handy sorting features to help you narrow down your options.

If you love the look of AllModern but are a bit more price-conscious, you can check out the sister company Birch Lane, which has similar styles and a huge inventory with free shipping on orders over $35. The site also has a clearance section where you can snag a deal on a stylish chair or ottoman.

For more affordable home essentials, IKEA is a tried-and-true option. You can pick up everything from closet systems to desks for your home office at the Swedish retailer, and they offer plenty of customizable options as well.

Brick-and-Mortar Stores

While it’s great to have access to online retailers like Wayfair, there are some more traditional furniture shops out there that deserve your attention. We asked designers and Insider Reviews editors for their recommendations on under-the-radar furniture stores to check out, from ones that offer custom pieces to more budget-friendly choices.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or just something to spruce up your entryway, this website offers an impressive selection of modern designs—including tufted chaise sofas and gorgeous media stands—at an affordable price. You can also find items to furnish other rooms, from a home office to a dining room table and chairs.

This sister site to Crate & Barrel features decor that’s modern but balanced out with surprising vintage elements. Plus, their frequent sales and promotions make it easy to snag a one-of-a-kind finds at a lower cost.

Another great option for sourcing hard furniture is secondhand, which can be done via Craigslist, Freecycle, Nextdoor and your local Buy Nothing group (or its equivalent). You can also hit up thrift stores and garage/moving/estate sales. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to be flexible when it comes to color and style, but it can be a fun way to find something unique for your space. Alternatively, try a secondhand store that specializes in antiques and vintage pieces for some truly unique finds.

Customization

Product customization is a big trend in the furniture world, and it gives customers a chance to feel more connected with their purchases. Customization options can include features, colors and functionalities.

For example, Joybird is a furniture company with over 18,000 customizable pieces. They offer sofas, sectionals and dining chairs with the option to choose a fabric, leg finish and lumbar pillow style. The brand also offers a 100-day trial and flexible payment plans through Klarna.

Another furniture company with customization is Pfeifer Studio, which specializes in unique carved pieces. The retailer uses Ponderosa Pine to create their furniture and allows shoppers to customize the stain and paint color of each piece.

Inside Weather is another zero-inventory furniture company that specializes in modern, boho and mid-century styles. The furniture is made-to-order and ships to your door. They use FSC certified wood and upcycled materials for each piece while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Supporting Local Businesses

While many consumers rely on online shopping and the large national chains they always see commercials for, there are also advantages to shopping locally. Local furniture stores often work with customers to create customized pieces that meet their specific needs and style preferences. They may also offer a range of financing options, including store credit cards with low annual percentage rates.

Moreover, shopping locally can reduce shipping costs and the associated carbon footprint. Purchasing locally made furniture also supports environmentally sustainable production methods. Keeping purchases local eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, which can produce a significant amount of greenhouse gases and require dangerous chemicals in manufacturing.

Additionally, local furniture shops often employ their own employees. By providing jobs in the community, they can contribute to economic growth and prosperity. This can also boost morale, resulting in better customer service and more attentive staff.

Under the Radar in Furniture Shopping

Online Shopping

Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Customization

Supporting Local Businesses

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