Online vs. In-Store: The Best Home Items to Buy and How to Source Them
It’s no secret that e-commerce has taken over shopping—especially in the home goods space. Most of my sourcing happens online, but there are certain items I refuse to buy without seeing them in person. Some things simply require that in-store experience to ensure they’re the right purchase. So, let’s dive into home items and my recommendations: should you go the old-school in-person route or stick to online shopping?
AVOID COSTLY (AND UGLY) DESIGN MISTAKES
Home Items I Refuse To Source Online
1. Cushions
Recently, I met with a client who wanted to spruce up her home just a bit. Her space had a great foundation but needed a few tweaks. One of my suggestions was to add darker cushions to her living room sofa—her all-white look was starting to feel a little flat, and a warm beige would add much-needed depth and warmth.
Excited by the idea, she decided to source the cushions herself and ordered them online. But once they arrived, she told me they didn’t look quite right in her space. This is exactly why I avoid sourcing cushions online—you simply can’t judge how the colours will look in the actual room.
Personally, my approach to sourcing cushions is very hands-on. When I reach this stage in a project, I head to the store and pick out 3-6+ options. Then, I bring them into the space and evaluate them for size, colour, and overall look and feel. This method ensures the perfect match every time, and it’s my top recommendation for anyone looking for some new cushions.
2. Sofas
Your sofa is probably one of the most important pieces you’ll buy, which is exactly why I don’t source them online. Sofas are like mattresses—some people prefer them firm, while others love a softer feel. And if you’re like Goldilocks, you’re searching for that perfect fit.
That’s why choosing a sofa online is a big gamble. You really need to get out there, sit on a few, and test them out before making a decision. Otherwise, you’re taking a huge risk with comfort, quality, and durability. I take sofa shopping very seriously!
3. Home Accessories
Home accessories—like cushions—are another category I don’t source online. The reason is simple: my decorating style is much more freestyle. The truth is, I never know exactly which accessories will work in a space or where they’ll go until I try, adjust, and refine.
That’s why I overbuy accessories (always checking the return policy first) and take an iterative approach to decorating. Sure, you could buy online and return what doesn’t work, but accessories tend to be fragile, and I wouldn’t take that risk.
4. Wallpaper
Let me correct myself—I do source wallpaper online, but I never order blindly. I always order samples before making a final decision. Wallpaper is a big commitment and can be quite expensive, so I never select one without seeing it in person first.
Home Items I Always Source Online
There are many home goods categories I shop for online simply because it’s quicker and offers more options. While shopping in person can be fun, online sourcing is just more convenient—it puts a huge selection of products right at my fingertips.
1. Tables
Coffee tables, end tables, and accent tables are all easy to source online. With filters for size, material, colour, and more, it’s simple to find the perfect match for your space. Of course, if it’s a statement piece—like a dining table—you may want to source it in person. But in most cases, I can easily find what I need online.
2. Rugs
It may be surprising, but I do all my rug shopping online. With so many rugs on the market—each available in different styles, set sizes, and designs—browsing online makes the process much easier. When I’m searching for a rug, I usually have a clear idea of what I need, so applying filters helps me narrow down the options quickly.
Plus, when it comes to large-scale rugs, shopping in person can be a real hassle. Online sourcing just makes the entire process smoother and more efficient.
3. Media Cabinets
I tend to source storage units, media cabinets, and bar cabinets online because I’m usually looking for a specific size, style, and finish. Browsing online allows me to filter by dimensions, material, and colour, making it much easier to find the perfect piece without the hassle of visiting multiple stores.
Plus, many retailers provide detailed photos, descriptions, and customer reviews, which help in making an informed decision. While I always check return policies just in case, I’ve found that online sourcing is the most efficient way to get exactly what I need.
4. Desks
Similar to media cabinets, I approach sourcing desks the same way. When searching for a desk—whether for myself or a client—I usually have a clear idea of the exact size, style, and functionality needed. Instead of wandering around stores hoping to stumble upon the perfect fit, it’s much more efficient to input the specs and filter through options online.
Read The Top 5 Best Sit-Stand Desk Brands.
My Favourite Online Furniture Shops
AllModern is a fantastic place to shop for furniture online! They always have what I’m looking for, with great options and reasonable pricing.
DWR is an incredible resource for furniture and décor. They offer a wide variety of high-quality, beautifully designed pieces, making it easy to find something that fits any style.
We all know Wayfair—and for good reason! They offer some of the most affordable options online, along with a wide selection. While it’s not my first choice for sourcing, I do source here often.
To Source Online or Offline?
Well, that’s my take on which home items to source online and which ones are better bought in person. I hope this was helpful!
Remember, if it’s a major piece you’ll interact with daily—like a sofa or an accent chair—you might want to test it out in person before committing. You know the old saying: ‘try before you buy!’
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something highly specific, online shopping is usually the way to go. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience and confidence in your purchase.
Click Here To Shop My Favourite Home Goods
Let’s design your space together, virtually.
