PickGlobeOrdering a sofa, wardrobe or bed online can be far easier than trailing round showrooms. It also carries a risk a small purchase doesn't: if it won't fit through the door, or the returns process is expensive, you're stuck with a very large problem. A little measuring and some careful reading of the product page prevents most of it.
Measure the room, then measure the route
Most people measure the space where the furniture will go. Fewer measure the path it has to take to get there, and that's where deliveries go wrong.
- The space itself. Measure width, depth and height, and mark the footprint on the floor with masking tape. Leave room to walk around it and to open doors, drawers and recliners fully.
- Every doorway on the route. Measure the width and height of the front door, internal doors and any door frames. Remember that hinges, handles and door stops reduce the usable width.
- Hallways, corners and stairs. Tight turns are the usual sticking point. Check the width of the stairs, the height of any low ceilings or beams above them, and whether a landing allows a sofa to be turned.
- Lifts (elevators). In flats and apartment buildings, measure the lift door and the inside of the car, including the diagonal.
For sofas, look for the diagonal depth on the product page. It's the measurement that tells you whether a sofa can be tilted through a doorway. If it isn't listed, ask the seller before you order.
Understand what it's made of
Product pages use a lot of terms that sound similar but last very differently.
| Material | What it is | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Made from whole pieces of timber | Heavier and usually more durable; can move slightly with humidity |
| Veneer | A thin layer of real wood over a board | Looks like solid wood; deep scratches can show the core |
| Engineered wood (MDF, particleboard, chipboard) | Wood fibres or chips bonded into boards | Lighter and cheaper; can weaken if it gets wet or is reassembled often |
| Metal frames | Steel or aluminium (aluminum in the US) | Strong; check the finish for outdoor or damp rooms |
For upholstery, look for the fabric's abrasion rating if one is given. In the UK this is usually a Martindale rub count; in the US you're more likely to see double rubs (the Wyzenbeek test). Higher numbers mean the fabric withstood more rubbing in testing. Removable, washable covers are worth a lot if you have children or pets.
Upholstered furniture sold in the UK should carry a permanent fire-safety label. In the US, you may see a label referring to California's flammability standard. If a listing for upholstered furniture says nothing about this, it's a reasonable question to ask the seller.
Check how much assembly is involved
Furniture arrives in one of three ways: fully assembled, partly assembled (legs or back cushions to attach) or flat-pack. The product page should say which. Check:
- Estimated assembly time and number of people needed.
- Whether tools are included, or whether you'll need your own drill.
- Whether the instructions are available to view before you buy. They tell you a lot about how complex the job is.
- Whether assembly can be added to the delivery, and what it costs.
Flat-pack has one hidden advantage: boxes are much easier to get up narrow stairs than a finished piece.
Know which delivery service you're paying for
Bulky items rarely come by standard parcel post. Delivery levels typically include:
- Kerbside (curbside in the US): left outside your property or at the entrance to the building. You move it inside.
- Threshold or doorstep: brought just inside the front door.
- Room of choice: carried to the room you want, often with packaging removed.
- Full service (sometimes called "white glove"): room of choice plus assembly and packaging taken away.
Confirm whether delivery is booked to a time slot, whether you need to be home, and what happens if a delivery fails because the item won't fit. Some sellers charge for a second attempt or for return transport.
Read the returns policy before you order
Returns for large items are rarely as simple as dropping a parcel off. Look for:
- Collection charges or restocking fees. Some sellers deduct a fee from your refund.
- Packaging requirements. You may need the original boxes, so don't throw them out straight away.
- Exclusions. Made-to-order, custom-fabric and clearance items are often non-returnable.
- The time limit, and whether it starts at order or delivery.
When it arrives, inspect it before the delivery team leaves if you can, and note any visible damage on the delivery paperwork or in the driver's app. Photograph damage and contact the seller promptly. If things go wrong, our guide to refunds and chargebacks explains your options.
Compare the full cost, not the headline price
Delivery, assembly and return costs can add a lot to a big purchase. When you compare prices across stores, add them in. And for a purchase this size, it's worth checking the store is legit before you pay.
The short version
Measure the room and every doorway, stair and lift on the way in, and check the diagonal depth for sofas. Know what the piece is made of and how much assembly it needs, choose the delivery level you actually want, and read the returns policy closely, because sending back something large is rarely free.