How do I measure my room before shopping for furniture online?

Measure the room length, width, and main entrance width. Check doorways, lifts, and stairways to ensure furniture will fit, and consider packaged dimensions for delivery.

What delivery and assembly costs should I expect for online furniture in South Africa?

Delivery can range from R300 to R1,200, and assembly from R200 to R1,500, depending on item size and complexity. Some retailers include these costs, so check before ordering.

What product details should I check before buying furniture online?

Look at dimensions (including packaged), materials, construction details, warranty length and coverage, and read reviews for real-world fit and durability.

What types of online furniture sellers are there, and how do they differ?

We see dedicated marketplaces (wide selection, variable delivery), brand stores (direct warranty, narrower selection), and local retailers with click-and-collect. Return policies and delivery reach vary.

How can I prioritise my furniture purchases to stay within budget?

List what you need now (e.g., sleeping, seating, dining) and what can wait. Set a budget for product cost plus ownership costs like delivery, assembly, and protective extras.

Home furniture online shopping guide: safe ordering

Why a step-by-step plan matters for online furniture shopping

Shopping for furniture online saves time and gives more choice, but it also creates new risks: wrong sizes, unclear delivery terms, hidden fees, and quality that differs from photos. We wrote this guide as a sequenced, practical checklist you can follow on any device. Use each step in order and adapt for your home - whether you're furnishing a studio or upgrading a family livingroom.

Step 1 - Confirm the space and access

Before you click Buy, measure doorway widths, lift dimensions, stair turns and the clear space where the furniture will sit. Measure doorway widths, lift dimensions, stair turns and the clear space where the furniture will sit. Note any tight corridors, low-ceiling landings or narrow gates. If a couch is 2.1 m wide but your lift doorway is 1.9 m, it won't fit - even if it looks compact online.

Measure: piece width, depth and height in centimetres.
Door and lift checks: measure widths and heights; allow 5-10 cm margin for wrapping and handles.
Visual test: tape the footprint on the floor to confirm fit and traffic flow.

Step 2 - Read the product dimensions and materials carefully

Product pages list dimensions, but they can be inconsistent. Look for skirt/base height, overall height, cushion depth and seat height for sofas and chairs. For beds, confirm mattress compatibility (e.g. 3/4, Queen, King) and whether the frame includes slats or a base. We also check material descriptions: solid timber, particle board, metal frame, upholstery fabric composition and cleaning instructions.

Where possible, choose pieces with removable covers or clearly stated upholstery rub counts for higher-wear areas. If a page lacks a key measurement, treat that as a red flag and ask the seller before purchase.

Step 3 - Verify delivery, assembly and return terms

Delivery can change the total cost or the success of your order. Check whether delivery and assembly is curbside, into-the-room, or includes assembly. Note the delivery window (day or time slot), fees, and if you must be present to sign. We favour sellers who list clear return windows (e.g. 14 days) and state restocking or return shipping costs.

If assembly is included, confirm whether the installer will remove packaging and old furniture. For bulky items, ask whether stair or lift fees apply.

How we check product trustworthiness online

Photos can be staged - so we triangulate: close-up images, multiple angles, customer photos in reviews, and video demos. Reviews that describe dimensions, how the piece was delivered, or how durable the fabric is are the most useful. Prioritise listings that include real customer photos and response from the seller to negative reviews.

Where a certified standard matters (for example electrical items or specific timber treatments), look for references to standards bodies in the product details. When in doubt, reach out via the seller's contact method and ask for clearer photos or a short video of the item in normal home light.

Step 4 - Use payment and order protections

We prefer payment methods that offer buyer protection - card payments, secure payment gateways, or trusted platforms that hold funds until delivery. Keep records of order confirmations, payment receipts and any chat or email exchanges about special delivery requests. This makes disputes simpler if something goes wrong.

For higher-value purchases (for example R6 000 and above), confirm the seller's formal invoice and warranty terms before the item ships.

Looking for furniture categories? Browse our curated Furniture selection at Furniture to compare styles and delivery options.

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Receiving the delivery: step-by-step checks

When the day arrives, be ready to inspect. We follow a simple arrival routine so nothing is missed:

Confirm the item matches the order number and SKU noted on your invoice.
Open packaging in front of the delivery team if possible and photograph any damage to the outer carton before signing.
Confirm parts: check that all legs, bolts, and cushions are present if assembly is required.
Test basic functions: drawers open smoothly, reclining mechanisms move freely, and upholstery has no stains or snags.

If anything is damaged, note it on the delivery note and take photos. Refuse delivery only if the seller's policy permits collection returns - otherwise accept with a clear damage note and follow up immediately with the seller's support channel.

Sizing tricks that save returns

Along with measurements, consider human scale: seat height relative to household members, table overhang for legroom, and the proportion of a couch to the room. For example, a three-seater couch between 1.8 m and 2.2 m often suits a small lounge; for taller people, add 2-3 cm to seat depth. For beds, a mattress protector and mattress base can add 3-5 cm overall - factor this into height checks for storage under beds.

If you are buying bedroom furniture, see our focused choices for beds and mattresses at Beds, Mattresses & Headboards.

Budgeting and expected price ranges

Prices vary by material and brand; roughly expect these South African ranges as a starting point (estimates):

Sofa (2-3 seater): R4 000-R25 000 depending on frame and upholstery.
Dining table (4-6 seats): R2 500-R15 000 depending on timber and finish.
Queen bed frame (no mattress): R1 500-R12 000 depending on base and construction.

These are broad bands - always check whether delivery, assembly or packaging disposal is included. When comparing items, include those costs in the final price-per-use calculation.

After delivery: warranty, care and returns

Register any warranty the seller provides and save receipts. For upholstery, follow cleaning instructions and consider a mattress protector or fabric guard for high-use pieces. If you need to return an item, follow the seller's stated process promptly: authorised return number, original packaging if required, and photos showing the reason for return.

If you experience disputes that the seller will not resolve, the National Consumer Commission can assist with formal complaints - keep all evidence and dates.

Quick checklist to keep on your phone

Measurements: piece and route (door, lift, stair).
Delivery: type, fees, assembly included?
Photos: product details, customer images, warranty text.
On delivery: photograph packaging, parts, and any damage.
Keep invoice and registration details for warranty.

For more inspiration and practical articles about furnishing at different budgets, see our Home articles at Home articles and explore small-space furniture ideas under Furniture articles. We aim to make online furniture shopping feel reliable and human - measure first, ask questions, and use the checks above to reduce surprises.

Sources

National Consumer Commission - Guidance on consumer rights and online purchases
South African Bureau of Standards - Standards and product safety information
Practical tips for safe online shopping - News24 / Fin24

Home furniture online shopping guide: safe ordering, sizing and delivery tips

Measure the route

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

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Check delivery terms

Inspect on arrival

Why a step-by-step plan matters for online furniture shopping

Step 1 - Confirm the space and access

Step 2 - Read the product dimensions and materials carefully

Step 3 - Verify delivery, assembly and return terms

How we check product trustworthiness online

Step 4 - Use payment and order protections

Receiving the delivery: step-by-step checks

Sizing tricks that save returns

Budgeting and expected price ranges

After delivery: warranty, care and returns

Quick checklist to keep on your phone

Sources

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