In the recent past, buying furniture online has been risky, so it has its fair share of naysayers. It’s understandable, there’s an uncertainty in buying your sofa before you can experience it in person like you would in a traditional furniture store. 

But the game is changing with online stores offering product trials, fast delivery to your door and customer service which stops at invading your personal space (unlike a few furniture salespeople we know). More and more people are buying their sofas online, and preferring it. 

So let us help you. Without further ado, here is a guide to the Dos and Don’ts of buying the perfect sofa online: 

• Do: Try before you commit. 

We don’t just mean sitting on it for a brief and awkward moment in the showroom on a manic Saturday. We mean really try your sofa. Drink too much coffee on a Sunday, binge Bridgerton in your PJs, host pre-drinks, collapse on your sofa at the end of a long day. Most online furniture companies offer a trial of around three months, but Eva’s goes that extra mile. And by mile we mean 245 days. We offer a 100 day trial to be sure your sofa is the perfect fit.

• Do: Check the warranty.

Make sure your couch comes with a guarantee of quality for the years to come. A sofa is something you want to live through plenty of action, so a warranty is the best thing for peace of mind that it can do just that. Check out Eva’s warranties here. Our All Day Sofa, for example, comes with a 10-year warranty to guarantee its durability and high quality.

• Do: Order fabric swatches.

Speaking of durability, be sure to know that your sofa’s fabric will stand the test of time. Our sofa fabrics are tested using the Martindale test (you can read all about it here) and are also tested by users so we find the best combination of texture, durability and softness. 

But, don’t take our word for it, order a free fabric swatch and see for yourself if the colour and feel are exactly to your liking. Many companies that sell furniture online offer this, so don’t be afraid to order as many as it takes you to find the ultimate fabric. You can always use them as colourful coasters!

• Do: Read reviews. 

The internet is huge. A decision as big as choosing your sofa can be overwhelming when there’s so much out there. So reading a wide range of reviews across different websites can help guide your decision. They’re also a very easy way to discover how trustworthy an online company is. If the reviews are glowing and they seem genuine, you’re onto a winner. 

• Do: Measure your space.

This one is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a great favour to your future self if you make sure your sofa will properly fit in your space. And through the front door…

• Do: Check for extras.

 Sofas with a little extra are our favourite kind of sofa. Look out for extra features like complimentary cushions, spacious armrests to fit your dog, fabric made from recycled plastic or a side pocket for your books. We love those little things that make your furniture experience more delightful.

The All Day sofa has extra storage pockets on the side and is upholstered in recycled plastic fabric.

• Don't: Settle for waiting months for your delivery.

Thanks for your purchase. Average wait time: 16 weeks. 

This should never be what your inbox looks like. Any great online furniture store will deliver your sofa quickly, because comfort isn’t something you should have to wait for. Eva offers next-day metro delivery. Plus, it’s free. Check and check. 

The beauty of buying online is also that it’s delivered straight to your doorstep. No more borrowing your mate’s friend’s brother’s ute. So much simpler.

• Don't: Feel like you have to pay in full. 

Is payday a while away? No worries! Buy now pay later plans are your best friend if you need a good sofa now, but you don’t want to pay in full. Check out our flexible finance options. 

• Don't: Take reviews at face value. 

Although reviews are a great guide, be sure to take them with a grain of salt. Sometimes, what one reviewer thinks is a con, might actually be a pro for you.

• Don't: Miss out on discounts.

Okay, this one is straight up just about Eva. We have living room bundles so you can get a coffee table and a side table to go with your sofa, and save money in the process! We have the same for our bedroom furniture, too.

So next time you’re wondering whether you should buy a sofa online, go ahead and use this guide to answer any problems you may have with online sofa shopping. Trust us, you won’t look back!