10 Best Online Furniture Stores & Websites in 2025

Online furniture stores offer endless options you’d never find in a single showroom. However, with online furniture shopping, you can’t do the all-important sit-test to see if the cushions feel good, or give it a wobble test to check how sturdy it really is. This is why it’s important to shop from reputable retailers. 

Choosing the right store can be the difference between buying a piece you’ll love for years and one that’ll end up being a costly disappointment.

But with virtually every online furniture store claiming to be the best, how do you know the ones that actually offer high-quality furniture and service you can trust? 

To save you hours of research, this guide brings you the best online furniture stores in 2025. 

Our top picks of the best places to buy furniture online combine high-quality materials and craftsmanship, honest descriptions, and customer-friendly policies to ensure that the piece that shows up at your doorstep looks and feels just as good as it did online.

1. DreamSofa: Best for elegant sofas and sectionals

DreamSofa is recognized as a leading sofa brand in the U.S., combining timeless design and unmatched customization. 

First, there is a commitment to high-quality materials. Every piece of furniture from DreamSofa features kiln-dried solid hardwood frames with sturdy joinery, backed by a lifetime warranty. Couches feature premium 2.5-lb high-resilient innerspring cushions with good bounce, and these sit on 8-gauge sinuous spring suspension for support. 

And pieces are available in a range of upholstery materials, including real-life-friendly performance fabrics that resist mess, wear, and spills.

Gold standard materials are paired with expert craftsmanship, ensuring that DreamSofa pieces aren’t just built to last but are built for life.

But lasting durability is not at the expense of style. DreamSofa serves some of the most stylish and elegant furniture pieces, including sleek modern, mid-century, classic, and contemporary designs. 

For example, the antique flair of the Bordeaux sofa will make a bold statement and bring a sense of grandeur to any room, while the Antalya sofa combines Mid-century design with present-day levels of comfort in a way that’ll transform your home into a Pinterest-worthy space.

The best part is that DreamSofa offers endless customization. You chose everything, such as size, seat depth, seat height, arm height, cushion comfort level, legs, and upholstery fabric. 

You can customize to the inch so your sofa actually fits your home and lifestyle.

You can even build a sleeper into any DreamSofa sofa or sectional, allowing the piece to serve as a couch during the day and a bed at night. 

And we’re talking about super comfortable beds with plush memory foam or cloud-like innerspring mattress choices available in Twin, Full, or Queen sizes. Plus, every DreamSofa sleeper sofa and sleeper sectional features a smooth and noiseless pull-out mechanism. You can transition from couch to bed and back in mere seconds, and enjoy cozy lounging and sleeping without annoying creaks.

And if you want a real bed for your bedroom, DreamSofa has an amazing collection of beds. They’re also available in different designs, from classic mid-century styles to modern silhouettes. And they’re fully customizable. You can play with your design, customizing the mattress size, headboard height, and finish, ensuring your bed fits your room and style.

If you want the beauty of designer furniture, the durability of real American craftsmanship, and the freedom to personalize every detail, without paying a fortune or sweating over delivery, DreamSofa is the way to go.

Key features

• A product range that includes accent chairs, sofas, sectionals, and beds.
• Elegant designs for all aesthetic tastes (Modern, Mid-Century, Classic, and Contemporary).
• Designed and handcrafted in California
• Uses high-quality materials and craftsmanship (solid hardwood frame, sinuous spring suspension, and durable upholstery)
• Lifetime frame warranty
• Offers free fabric swatches for you to check the color and feel before you buy
• Transparent product specs
• Extensive customization options
• Sleepers can be included in all sofas and sectionals
• Direct-to-consumer model (no middleman markup or warehouse costs)

Shipping & return policies

• DreamSofa ships to the contiguous United States, and this usually takes 4 weeks (which is the industry-leading delivery time for fully custom furniture). Most luxury furniture websites in the USA will have you waiting for up to 12 weeks to receive custom goods.
• White glove delivery is included free for items exceeding $2,500 (but costs $149 for all other items). 
• You have up to 100 days to try the couch in your home before returning it, giving you enough time to decide if it’s right for you. Many stores do not accept returns for custom furniture, but DreamSofa not only accepts returns but also gives an industry-high 100-day return window.
• While a restocking fee applies, it is 15%, which is less than the 20% or 25% charged by many other online furniture stores.

Pros	Cons
✅ There’s a stylish design for you, no matter your aesthetic taste ✅ Every piece shows strong build quality ✅ Helpful transparency that allows you to know exactly what you’re getting ✅ You can personalize virtually every aspect of your DreamSofa furniture ✅ Optional sleeper enhances functionality, transforming couches into cozy beds for overnight guests  ✅ Reasonable prices	❌Because each DreamSofa piece is made to order, you’ll need to wait a few weeks for delivery, but the short lead time (around 4 weeks) is still faster than most custom furniture brands.

2. Lovesac: Best for plush bean bags

Lovesac, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, became popular in the late 1990s for its bean bags called “Sacs.”  The brand was founded with a vision to transform the humble bean bag into something extraordinary. And it is fair to say that Lovesac has achieved that, as it is easily the best online furniture store for bean bags.

Unlike regular bean bags that use beads or pellets, Lovesac’s Sacs are filled with a proprietary Durafoam™ blend, which is a mix of high-grade foam densities that balance softness and structural support. 

Thus, you have a cloud-like seat that gives you that enveloping sink-in feel. When you drop into the Sac, you sink into it, and it’ll envelop you with softness. It’s the cozy comfort you need after a stressful day or when you need to really relax.

Amazingly, despite its cloud-like softness, the Lovesac Sac retains its shape, unlike typical bean bags that flatten over time. 

And the Sacs are wrapped in removable and machine-washable performance fabrics. Thus, it’s built tough and for real life. This makes maintenance a breeze. You can just remove the covers and toss them into a washer for a deep clean. Giving the piece a new look is also as simple as changing the covers.  

Key features

• Has a great collection of bean bags (Sacs), as well as bean bag-styled chairs (PillowSac Chairs), and modular sectionals (Sactionals)
• Durafoam™ blend fill that offers sink-in comfort
• Retains its shape well despite the cloud-like softness
• Available in multiple sizes, including options that comfortably sit three people 
• Operates both online and through more than 260 retail showrooms and retail stores
• Washable, changeable covers
• Wide variety of fabrics

Shipping & return policies

• Provides 100% free shipping across the contiguous U.S.
• Shipping takes 4 – 10 weeks
• Returns are possible for in-stock items, but not for custom items
• Gives a 60-day window

Pros	Cons
✅ Clean design perfect for modern homes ✅ Soft seating ✅ Larger sizes allow you to snuggle with loved ones  ✅ Built for real life thanks to durable and easy-clean fabric ✅ Holds up well over time  ✅ Lots of fabric options for customizing looks ✅ Strong in-person presence through showrooms	❌ Setting up the Sacs is often more laborious than many people expect ❌ Does not offer white-glove delivery  ❌ Quite pricey

3. Maiden Home: Best for timeless sideboards and consoles

Maiden Home is a direct-to-consumer luxury furniture brand headquartered in New York. The company designs every piece in its New York studio, after which each item is handmade to order by skilled artisans in North Carolina, using techniques rooted in generations of craftsmanship. 

Maiden Home offers a range of furniture, with each one featuring “modern + timeless” design that tells rich stories of originality. But what really stands out are their sideboards and consoles. 

An example is the Sabine Sideboard, which comes in solid oak and features a lacquered interior, a sleek glass top, and couture-level attention to detail. It’s the kind of furniture that steals the spotlight from primary pieces like a sofa. 

Besides the designer aesthetics, each piece of Maiden Home furniture features quality materials and construction. This means they check the durability box.

Key features

• Statement designs with timeless appeal
• Elegant surfaces such as back-painted glass tops and lacquered or polished finishes
• Soft-close doors and drawers with smooth operation
• Several size options are available, allowing you to choose one that fits your space
• Generous space for keeping things away
• Uses quality materials and precision construction methods
• Lifetime warranty on frames in many cases
• Has a trade program for professional interior designers.

Shipping & return policies

• Ships to the US in 4 – 10 weeks
• Cancellations are allowed if done within one day of ordering, but a 10% cancellation fee applies
• White glove delivery is available at an extra charge of $225
• Returns are allowed, but not for custom items
• Return window is 30 days from the delivery date
• A 25% restocking fee applies when making returns  

Pros	Cons
✅ Different categories of furniture  ✅ Excellent craftsmanship ✅ Stylish, timeless aesthetics  ✅ Built to last  ✅ Exclusive trade program perks for interior designers	❌ Limited customization options ❌ Custom items are non-returnable ❌ Short return window and high restocking fee ❌ Long delivery time ❌ Relatively expensive

4. Joybird: Best for mid-century modern outdoor chairs 

Joybird is a Los Angeles-based furniture brand that has become popular among design-forward shoppers for its mid-century modern designs, which feature clean lines, geometric form, tapered legs, subtle elegance, and material mixes that feel nostalgic and contemporary.

Joybird brings the mid-century charm to its outdoor collections, creating pieces that not only withstand the elements but also elevate outdoor spaces. You’ll find Joybird’s Hughes outdoor chair featuring a powder-coated steel frame paired with an elegant all-weather wicker weave for a high-end feel. 

Joybird does not skimp on quality, as they craft every piece with meticulous attention to detail and marine-grade hardware, ensuring the outdoor chairs maintain structural integrity through sun, rain, and humidity.

The company says its mission is to give customers a chance to create pieces that reflect their personality without breaking the bank. 

Thus, you’ll be able to put your personal spin on the chair by choosing from a good range of fabrics, colors, and finishes. Albeit, personalization beyond upholstery material is limited.

Key features

• A strong outdoor furniture collection
• Pieces show mid-century modern aesthetics (with sleek lines, tapered legs, tufted cushions, and retro-inspired details)
• Handcrafted construction with kiln-dried hardwood frames, strong joinery, and eco-friendly sourcing practices
• Stain-resistant fabrics and performance materials are available across most upholstery styles
• Free fabric swatches 
• Good offline presence, with showrooms in select major U.S. cities

Shipping & returns policies

• Ships to the contiguous U.S
• Ships in 8 – 10 weeks
• White-glove delivery is available for an additional fee, which depends on your location
• Returns are allowed with a window of 90 days from the delivery date
• A 10% restocking fee applies when making returns

Pros	Cons
✅ Stylish, timeless outdoor chairs for making outdoor spaces an extension of the living room  ✅ Its mid-century modern designs appear both trendy and timeless  ✅ Well built  ✅ Generous return policy (90-day window and 10% restocking fee) ✅ Offers several categories of durable, fabric materials that withstand the elements	❌ Limited customization options beyond fabric options ❌ Long delivery time

5. Interior Define: Best for full custom transitional and modern tables and nightstands

Interior Define is a Chicago-based online-first furniture brand that specializes in fully custom, made-to-order furniture pieces. 

The company really shines when it comes to bespoke tables and nightstands. Pieces come in clean-lined shapes (round, square, rectangular) and multiple sizes and finishes, allowing you to find a table that’s perfectly proportioned for your space and suits your style. 

And many come with drawer hardware choices, enhancing functionality. 

Many popular silhouettes will fit well in contemporary, minimalist, and updated traditional homes. You’ll find that they are design accents that elevate the space.

One of the selling points of Interior Define is that it gives customers the power to tailor pieces down to the smallest details. You’ll have control over length, height, and finish.

Beyond style and customization, Interior Define pieces are well-made. And while it is an online-first brand, interior Defne has a number of small showroom-style spaces in select cities across the U.S. for in-person exploration.

Key features

• Offers a host of modern and transitional design styles 
• Available in multiple shapes and sizes
• Tables and nightstands that can be styled to match upholstery, bed frames, and lighting for a harmonious look
• Features quality materials (solid wood or premium veneers, well-finished surfaces, and quality drawer slides)
• Full customization 
• Online design specialist for design support
• Has a number of “guideshops” across the U.S.

Shipping & return policies

• Made-to-order furniture ships in 10-12 weeks
• White glove delivery is included in standard delivery, which costs $99-$299, depending on the item and location 
• Returns are available even for customized items with a 60-day window
• Returns of made-to-order pieces incur a 50% processing fee

Pros	Cons
✅ Various options for tweaking your piece to reflect your style  ✅ Great designs that seamlessly slot into contemporary interior styles ✅ Quality construction ✅ Excellent design support to help you design your own piece	❌ Returns are expensive wth its 50% processing fee ❌ Long delivery time

6. Burrow: Best for chair and ottoman lounge duo 

Burrow is one of the most recognizable brands in the direct-to-consumer furniture business. The New York-based brand offers a range of products, including dining furniture, storage solutions, and outdoor essentials. 

The lounge chair and matching ottoman make a pairing that gives you a full “kick back and relax” experience without committing to a full recliner or bulky lounge sofa. 

They are sleek and modern, yet offer superior comfort and function. And every time, the matching ottoman is nearby to be a footstool or a handy surface for books, snacks, or anything else.

Key features

• Offers a wide product line, but stands out for its lounge sets, which include an accent chair with an ottoman designed to complement its proportions
• Mid-century modern design influences
• The chairs feature several ergonomic touches
• Certain options are modular, allowing you to add modules later to expand seating
• Tool-free assembly with a patented latch and lock system for easy detachment and assembly
• Uses high-quality materials like solid wood frames and stain-resistant performance fabrics

Shipping & return policies

• Ships to the contiguous U.S. for $0-$49, depending on the price of the item
• Mostly in-stock items, allowing fast 1-2 week delivery
• No white glove delivery
• Returns are accepted within a 30-day window  

Pros	Cons
✅ Stylish mid-century designs that never go out of style  ✅ The lounge duo offers versatility as you can sit upright or lounge and stretch out your legs ✅ Modular options let you expand seating over time  ✅ Quality construction ✅ Fast delivery compared to custom brands	❌ Limited customization ❌ Return window is very small ❌ No white glove delivery, and assembling the modular couch may be complicated for some

7. Apt2B: Best for budget-friendly dining room sets

Apt2B was founded in 2010, promising to make furniture with high-end design and quality accessible. And the Los Angeles-based store has grown into one of the most popular online furniture retailers for stylish and affordable American-made furniture.

Their collection includes ready-to-ship accent chairs, storage, decor, beds, and dining sets. 

You’ll find real value in their dining set collection. Plus, you’ll find something to match your home’s vibe as they have a lot of modern and mid-century influenced styles and a few transitional and Industrial styles.

Apt2B also ticks the durability box. Every piece is handcrafted in their Los Angeles facility using high-quality materials, including kiln-dried solid wood frames, high-density foam cushions, and durable, customizable upholstery options. 

Apt2B offers a “See It in 3D” visualization tool that provides an immersive buying experience by allowing you to visualize how the product will look in your own space or in one of their demo rooms.

Key features

• Wide product range that includes dining sets built in the U.S.
• A range of design styles, including modern, mid-century inspired, and transitional designs
• Each piece features quality materials
• Some tables include extension mechanisms to accommodate larger gatherings
• Excellent transparency with detailed description and dimensions
• “See it in 3D” visualization tool 
• Offers free fabric swatches for upholstered options

Shipping & return policies

• Free entryway and in-room delivery to the continental U.S.
• White glove delivery available for an additional $249
• Custom pieces ship in 6-8 weeks
• Many items can be returned within a 60-day window
• A 25% restocking fee applies to returns

Pros	Cons
✅ A wide range of styles for different aesthetic tastes  ✅ Dining table and chairs complement each other ✅ Durable construction ✅ Detailed description helps you understand what you’re getting ✅ Immersive buying experience with its “See It in 3D” visualization tool ✅ Offers free delivery ✅ Budget-friendly as the bundled price is lower than the cost of the items bought separately	❌ Limited customization beyond fabric choices (for upholstered options) ❌ Returns are relatively expensive with its 25% restocking fee

8. Crate & Barrel: Best for full-home décor & finishing touches

Crate & Barrel was founded in 1962 and has become a household name in American home furnishings. It’s one of the most well-rounded furniture retailers, as it offers everything, from dining tables to rugs and lighting. And this is what sets it apart.

You can furnish an entire home, from living room to patio, while also finding smaller accents, décor, and entertaining essentials.

Plus, its collections effortlessly tie a home together. Their tableware and glassware pair perfectly with dining furniture, while vases, wall art, and throw pillows echo similar tones and textures, creating harmony across spaces. 

The Illinois-based brand partners with renowned designers worldwide, enabling it to offer a diverse range of upscale designs that make a statement while still feeling livable. Most pieces are rooted in modern designs but feature an elevated minimalist look that’ll stay relevant for years.

Key features

• An extensive product range
• Collaborate with well-known designers and artisans
• Known for modern yet timeless designs
• Durable craftsmanship with quality hardwood frames, performance fabrics, and premium finishes
• Provides registry services for weddings, new homes, and special events.
• Has large physical showrooms across the U.S.

Shipping & return policies 

• Ships to all locations in the U.S. and internationally
• Offers different shipping methods (express, premium, and standard)
• White glove delivery is available
• Returns are not accepted for made-to-order furniture, while other items can be returned within 30 days from the delivery date

Pros	Cons
✅ Wide decor range allowing you to shop for everything you need in one place ✅ Trusted legacy brand with decades of reputation ✅ Pieces are well-made for longevity ✅ You can avoid duplicate or unwanted gifts using its gift registry services  ✅ Rotating releases keep collections fresh	❌ Relatively expensive  ❌ Delivery fees can be pretty high for larger pieces ❌ Limited stock for popular collections or seasonal items

9. Room & Board: Best for eco-friendly beds

Founded in 1980, Room & Board is another legacy retailer on this list. The Minneapolis-based brand has built a reputation on a deep commitment to sustainability while offering modern American designs with a timeless appeal.

Nowhere is that more evident than in its bed collection. Each bed blends mid-century influences with contemporary elements to create trend-proof pieces that look stylish today but won’t look dated in a decade. 

You’ll find one that suits your style, including classic wood beds, upholstered beds, storage beds, and more.  

Room & Board also takes pride in its sustainability practices. It sources wood from domestic forests, offers responsibly made fabrics, and prioritizes eco-conscious manufacturing. 

Durability? The company is dedicated to crafting “heirloom products” that are exceptionally durable and designed to last a lifetime. Thus, you’ll find that its pieces have solid wood frames, hand-finished joinery, and premium upholstery.

Key features

• Wide product range that includes beds for every aesthetic taste
• Furniture designs combine mid-century and contemporary styles
• Over 90% of products are manufactured in the U.S. with high-quality craftsmanship
• Uses premium materials
• Free fabric swatches are available for upholstered options
• Focuses on sustainable practices
• Offer free design help online  

Shipping & return policies

• Ships to all locations in the U.S.
• White glove delivery is included in its “full service” shipping, which costs $159
• Accepts returns with a 90-day window
• Does not charge return shipping within the 48 contiguous U.S. states 

Pros	Cons
✅ Offers a wide selection of beds ✅ Options are stylish and trend-proof  ✅ Trusted legacy brand with decades of reputation ✅ High-quality, American-made craftsmanship ✅ Strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing ✅ Friendly return policy, with no return shipping	❌ Limited customization options ❌ Relatively expensive  ❌ No free delivery fee, and shipping can be expensive depending on your location

10. 7th Avenue: Best for stylish outdoor daybeds and pits

7th Avenue is a modern direct-to-consumer furniture company based in Los Angeles. The brand manufactures outdoor daybeds and pit sectionals.     

These pieces feel more like luxury living room furniture than patio furniture, making them perfect for anyone who wants their outdoor space to feel as refined as their indoor. 

Plus, with a wide, flat surface to stretch out, combined with soft, cloud-like comfort, these daybeds and pits take outdoor lounging to new levels. 

They are also super durable, as they are made with weather-resistant wood, quick-dry foam, and upholstered fabric that’s water-repellent, UV-resistant, and machine-washable. 

Key features

• Boasts a modern and relaxed aesthetic 
• Built with all-weather materials (waterproof inner liners, UV- and mildew-resistant fabrics, weather-proof frames, and quick-dry cushions)
• Removable and machine-washable covers
• Offer free fabric swatches

Shipping & return policies

• Ships to all locations in the U.S. and internationally
• White glove delivery attracts an additional charge based on order size
• Returns are accepted on select items
• Offers a 10-day return window, but allows 30 days for fabric exchange (to change the removable covers to another color).

Pros	Cons
✅ Stylish aesthetic for modern homes  ✅ Solid construction ✅ Very durable piece thanks to weather-resistant materials ✅ Easier to clean, thanks to removable covers ✅ Friendly return policy, with no return shipping	❌ Limited customization options ❌ Restrictive return policy  ❌ Limited style options

How to safely shop for furniture online

Everyone loves the convenience of clicking a few buttons on their devices to buy furniture online. However, it’s smart to take a few precautions if you don’t want to end up with regrets. 

Here’s how to make sure your online furniture shopping experience is smooth and safe:

Avoid impulse buys

Because online furniture purchase is as easy as clicking a button, many people make the mistake of falling in love with a piece at first sight and ordering it on the spot. 

However, such impulse buys result in more misses than hits. If you don’t want to regret your purchase later, it’s important to avoid rushed purchases. Instead, bookmark the item and revisit it the next day with fresh eyes. If you still love it, it’s probably a purchase you won’t regret.

Be careful with deals that look too good

Everyone loves a good deal. But if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. 

If you don’t want to make a payment for furniture that’ll never arrive, run away from deals that look too good. Before you click the buy button, pause and compare prices across multiple retailers to get a sense of what’s realistic. 

You may also want to do a quick Google image search. If you find the same product image on dozens of unknown sites at wildly different prices, steer clear of the cheapest options. 

They are not the “affordable furniture” you dreamt of. They’re probably either cheap knockoffs or complete scams.

Stick with reputable brands

Do not trust every brand displaying stunning furniture photos online. Some of that furniture may be downright disappointing when it arrives. And some may even be scams, with the brand collecting your money for orders but failing to deliver.

For this reason, you should stick to reputable furniture stores when shopping for furniture online. These brands have built a reputation over many years of delivering high-quality furniture and service, and are therefore less likely to vanish the day after you order.

However, this does not mean that all lesser-known brands are dealbreakers. But with them, you need to tread carefully. Research the company well. 

Check their domain age and whether they have a physical address and working phone number. You may want to avoid new sites (as they are riskier) and sites without a verifiable physical address (because if there’s nowhere the furniture is coming from, then it probably isn’t coming).

Study photos carefully

Shopping for furniture online does not equate to shopping blindly. You should get to see what you are buying. If an online store does not provide product photos (or only posts one glossy image), you should run.

Trustworthy brands typically display featured furniture from multiple angles (such as the front, side, and back) to give you a sense of how it looks from every perspective. They also provide close-up shots to allow you to see specific areas (such as joints, seams) or features in detail. 

You can start your quality checks from the photos. Zoom in and inspect the stitching. Look for signs of good craftsmanship, like tight and straight seams or cushions that sit neatly against the frame. If seams are uneven or gaps exist between the cushions and frame, you may want to pass.

Look out for clear product descriptions

While photos are important, don’t let them seal the deal for you. Read the product description carefully, as it is what tells you what you’re really getting. This is why clear and detailed product descriptions are very important when shopping for furniture online.

The description should not just be an overview of the furniture or how it’ll benefit you. It should also include materials, construction, upholstery type, cushion fill, and care instructions. 

Reputable manufacturers do not tell you that they provide quality furniture. They include the specifics so you can see for yourself that the piece is of the highest quality. 

Thus, consider only brands that spell things out clearly. If a manufacturer, in its product description, extols its product as a quality piece without any specific information about material or craftsmanship, you should ask yourself why they are hiding these specifics.

Pay attention to the build quality

When buying sofas online, you definitely won’t want a piece that breaks down after a few months or weeks. This is why you should pay attention to the build quality.

For example, when shopping for couches, start with the frame. Ensure the piece features hardwood frames that have been kiln-dried to prevent warping. Unlike other frames, kiln-dried hardwood frames are sturdy and last very long. 

You should also look at how the frames are joined together. Avoid options using only glue or staples. Instead, opt for high-quality joinery, such as corner blocks or dowel joints. 

For the cushions, consider hybrid options that feature a high-resilience foam core, wrapped in feather or down blends. These options offer the perfect balance of firmness and coziness, as the foam core provides structure and support, while the down wraps provide sink-in comfort.  

Additionally, consider the suspension system that the cushions sit on. Avoid webbing-only systems, as they are more likely to give in and make the cushions sag. Instead, opt for 8-gauge sinuous springs suspension, as this gives your cushions a comfy bounce.

DreamSofa excels in terms of construction quality. All sofas and sectionals feature kiln-dried solid hardwood frames held firmly with quality joinery, and premium 2.5lb high-resilience foam cushions on 8-gauge sinuous spring suspension. 

Meaning? You’re getting heirloom-quality furniture that will remain sturdy and comfortable for many, many years.

Choose upholstery material carefully

Avoid furniture stores that provide vague descriptions of their upholstery material. For example, “premium fabric” may sound fancy, but it tells you nothing about the fabric. 

Is it polyester? Cotton? A blend? If a brand won’t tell you the actual material, it’s a sign that they don’t want you to know. And if you don’t know what you’re getting, then you shouldn’t get it.

Look for specifics. And let how you will use the furniture guide your choice. If your couch will be in a low-use area less prone to stains and spills, you can opt for linen, cotton, and velvet. While gorgeous, these materials tend to show stains more easily and are more difficult to clean.

If you have kids, pets, or plan to place the sofa in a high-traffic space (such as an office waiting room), you need durable materials that are resistant to stains and wear. In that case, consider microfiber or performance fabrics, such as Crypton. 

Leather is also incredibly durable and can be a good choice in high-use areas, but it scratches more easily than fabric.

Read reviews

When you’ve not been to a brick-and-mortar store or showroom to test how a sofa feels, you should rely on the next best thing: what others who have bought and experienced the piece of furniture have to say about it. This is why customer reviews are so important when shopping for furniture online.

Look beyond the star rating, as these are just the surface. Look at the reviews, especially the detailed ones, where customers spill the tea. Check for what they are saying about specific aspects of the furniture (such as its style/looks, comfort, durability, etc.). Also, check what they say about the service of the furniture brand (shipping times, furniture delivery services, customer service, etc.).

Note that a few negative reviews are okay, but patterns signal a red flag. 

You should also pay attention to reviews with photos, as they help you visualize what the furniture looks like in real homes, rather than the perfect studio lighting of photos.

Check dimensions carefully 

Furniture photos (and even descriptions) can be sneaky. A sofa photographed in a giant loft with 12-foot ceilings could look well-proportioned, but when you bring it into your compact one-bedroom apartment, it could swallow the entire room. 

And for product descriptions, many popular terms are merely marketing terms and do not describe a universal category. 

For example, “oversized chair” doesn’t mean the same thing across retailers. One retailer may slap the term on a 38-inch-wide, roomy armchair, while another would restrict it to chairs 50 inches or wider, which are big enough to curl up on with your dog.

This is why you should take the listed product dimensions seriously and not be carried away by the product photos or descriptions. This will save you from the disappointment of buying a piece that looks nothing like what you imagined.

Measure your space carefully

The last thing you want is a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit your living space. For example, you don’t want a couch for your living room that blocks your walkway or a dining table for your dining space that makes it impossible to pull out a chair without banging into the wall.

Thus, after taking note of the furniture dimensions, you should grab a tape measure and measure your space carefully.

Ensure the furniture fits into the space you’ll place it, with enough clearance around it for unrestricted movement. An important tip is to use masking tape to map out the outline of the furniture on your floor. This way, you can visualize how much space the furniture will take and how it will interact with other items in the room.

You should also measure your entryways, stairways, elevators, front door, and other areas that the furniture will pass through to get into your room. This helps avoid the heartbreak of watching delivery guys struggle and fail to bring your brand-new piece into your room.

Order fabric swatches

Shopping for upholstered furniture? You shouldn’t completely trust how it appears on your screen, as colors play out differently under different lighting conditions. What is a soft ivory on your laptop can be an annoyingly bold yellow in your living room. Thus, if you don’t want to end up with a piece you’ll hate, it’s important to order fabric swatches. 

The company will send you a piece of the actual upholstery material for you to test at home. This allows you to see how the fabric actually looks in your space. 

Fabric swatches allow you to do much more, like testing texture and durability. Remember that textures are impossible to judge from a photo. 

When you receive your fabric upholstery sample, you can run the back of your hand over it to see how it feels. You can also spill-test for durability. That is, spill wine or sauce on the material to check if it holds up and wipes out easily. 

Pay attention to shipping and delivery options

Shipping and delivery options are usually a source of frustration for many online furniture shoppers. For many, the frustration comes from having to wait forever for their sofa to arrive. For others, the frustration arises when their sofa is dropped off in front of their house, and they begin wrestling with how to drag the heavy piece up the stairs and into their room.

For this reason, you should know exactly what you’re getting before you start shopping. Understand how long shipping takes and how it will be delivered. 

If you want your furniture brought into your room, opt for in-room delivery, and the delivery personnel will carry the piece to the particular room you want it. If it will come in different furniture pieces, and assembly might be an issue, opt for white-glove delivery. With this, they’ll bring the brand new furniture to your room, assemble it, and remove all packaging.

Note that many companies offering white glove delivery charge extra for it. Thus, you should also consider the cost.

Shipping and delivery options are among the factors that make DreamSofa the #1 furniture store in America. In many stores, in-stock items typically ship within a few weeks, but custom pieces may take 10-12 weeks. However, DreamSofa’s furniture ships in 4-5 weeks, which is an industry-leading time for custom furniture.

Importantly, DreamSofa delivery has white-glove delivery included. That is, while other stores charge you for white-glove delivery, DreamSofa doesn’t.

Understand return policies

Don’t wait until you have to return a couch to read the return policy. Many online shoppers who do so end up getting burned by unfriendly policies. 

For example, imagine wanting to return a $3,000 sectional sofa and finding that there’s a 20% restocking charge on top of a $350 return shipping fee. 

All of a sudden, you’ll be down $950 and still have no sofa. Therefore, when shopping for furniture online, read the fine print and ensure you understand the return policies.

Check whether returns are allowed. The last thing you want is to receive a couch that feels like a rock and be unable to return it. If returns are allowed, check how long you have to return it. Usually, the longer, the better, as that gives you enough time to test-drive the couch and see if it’s the right one.

Next, you should check the cost implications of returns. Start with who pays for return shipping (you or the brand). Then, check whether there is a restocking charge, and what it is (if there’s any). Lastly, check whether you’ll get a refund or store credits for returns. Receiving store credits means you must buy another piece from the brand, while a refund means you can walk away.

Use secure payment methods

When shopping online, the last thing you want is for your payment details to fall into the wrong hands. Make this mistake, and scammers will wipe out your account. 

And even if you don’t get scammed, you won’t want to be unable to recover your payment if something goes wrong. This is why using secure payment methods is very important when shopping for furniture online.

Shop from only online stores that use high-level encryption. Check if the web address starts with “https://”. If it does, it uses encryption to protect your information. But if it doesn’t, run because there’s no encryption. 

When it comes to payment methods, you may want to use credit/ debit cards or PayPal, as they offer fraud protection. For example, they make chargebacks easier if your order never arrives. 

You should avoid making payments with wire transfers, Venmo, or bank transfers. Note that scammers often push potential buyers to use these methods, as payments are irreversible.

Read warranties

When you spend $ 2,000 or more on furniture, you’ve made a substantial investment. And like any other investment, you should know the kind of protection you’re getting. This is where warranties come in!

A warranty is essentially the manufacturer’s assurance that they’re confident their furniture is well-built, and that they’ll repair or replace it if something goes wrong. 

If you skip this step, you may end up with a sofa that starts creaking like an old rocking chair after three months, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

When buying furniture online, go for brands that offer robust warranties on frames and cushions. If a company offers no warranty at all or a limited warranty, consider it a red flag (as it means they don’t believe their product will last). 

That said, DreamSofa is a leader in this regard. While most brands offer a 10-year frame warranty, DreamSofa offers a lifetime frame warranty that covers its frames for life.

Save all documentation

It’s hard to win a case without evidence. This is why documenting everything is very important when shopping for furniture online. 

Take screenshots of product pages before ordering. This provides evidence of what you ordered, in case the listing changes and the item arrives looking nothing like what you expected. 

Also, keep records of your receipt, order confirmation, shipping details, and any communication (chat or email) with customer service. The more relevant documentation you have, the more evidence you have to make returns, warranty claims, or chargeback requests.

Takeaway: Shop quality custom beds, sofas and sectionals online from DreamSofa

We understand if you were skeptical about purchasing furniture online, as it can feel risky to spend thousands on something you haven’t seen or sit-tested in person.

However, with the online 10 furniture stores discussed above, you can buy furniture online just as confidently as you would in a showroom. They combine high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure you receive a piece that’s stylish, comfortable, and durable. However, many offering a wide product range, the best furniture store for sofas and sectionals is DreamSofa.

In addition to offering stylish, comfortable, and durable furniture, DreamSofa is transparent about everything and offers unmatched customization options. 

You can customize every aspect of DreamSofa bed and couch until it matches your style. 

DreamSofa also offers unparalleled services, including industry-leading delivery times and free white-glove delivery, as well as responsive and effective customer support. 

Explore DreamSofa today and design the piece that reflects your style.

FAQs about the best online furniture stores 2025

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about top furniture retailers online: 

What brand makes the best quality home furniture?

DreamSofa is the #1 growing furniture brand in the US for offering furniture that ticks all the right boxes: high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and some of the most gorgeous styles you’ll find online. 

Plus, upholstery materials are home-friendly and effortlessly handle the messes of daily living. And they offer endless customization without the steep retail markup, so you can design a piece that feels tailor-made for your space without blowing your budget.

When is the best time of year to get furniture on sale?

Most furniture stores offer deep discounts during the holidays, especially Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Thus, the weekends of these holidays are among the best times of the year to find furniture on sale. Many retailers also clear their inventory in January and July, making this a great time to save big on furniture purchases.

How do I choose a trustworthy online furniture store?

To choose a trustworthy online furniture store, go for websites that offer detailed product descriptions, clear return policies, and responsive customer support. They should also be transparent about materials, shipping timelines, and warranties. You should also look up reviews on independent review platforms to see what other customers ike you are saying about the brand. 

Can I return or exchange large furniture items bought online?

Yes, you can, as furniture brands typically allow returns. However, return policies vary widely. Some brands offer free returns, while others will charge hefty restocking and return shipping fees. Return windows also differ, with some stores giving you only 30 days from the date of receipt for returns, and others allowing as much as 100 days.  

How do I ensure the furniture dimensions will fit my home?

To ensure your furniture dimensions will fit your home, measure your space carefully. Ensure the furniture will slot in with enough space around it for movement. Consider using masking tape to map out the outline of the furniture on your floor to help you visualize the floor space it’ll take and how it’ll affect the whole living room.

Can I see samples or swatches before ordering?

Yes, you can see fabric samples/ swatches before you order. Reputable online furniture stores usually send customer free fabric swatches so they can feel the texture and see how the material appears under their room’s lighting. If a retailer doesn’t offer free swatches, they may not be as customer-friendly as they want you to believe.

Do furniture online stores offer warranties or protection plans?

Yes, reputable online furniture stores offer warranties, with these usually covering structural elements (like frames and cushion support systems) for a number of years. Solid warranties are one of the key factors to look out for when shopping for furniture online, as they indicate that a piece is well-made. On the flip side, not finding warranties or finding a limited warranty tells you that the firm does not trust the quality of its furniture.

How do I evaluate product quality from photos?

Photos are not enough for evaluating product quality. You should also pay attention to the material specification in the product description.

However, you can start your quality checks from the product photos by zooming in and studying the details. Look closely at the stitching and ensure that the seams are straight and even, without any wobbly appearance. 

Look at where the cushions meet the frame. Ensure everything is tight and clean, as gaps or puckering may be signs of shortcuts in construction. 

You may also want to compare the retailer’s photos in the product page to customer-uploaded pictures in reviews, as this can help you see how the couch holds up under everyday lighting and use. 

What payment methods are safe when buying from online stores?

When buying from online stores, traceable payment methods like credit/debit cards or PayPal are the safest as they come with built-in fraud protection. For example, if your order is not delivered and the seller disappears, you can dispute the charge and often get your money back. 

However, methods like wire transfers or direct bank payments are unsafe because they leave you with no recourse if something happens. Once the money is gone, it’s gone.