These days, everything is online—even furniture! Whether you’re looking to furnish your first home or you’re a more seasoned furniture shopper, buying furniture online can be overwhelming. You might not know where to even begin. But that’s okay! iNSPIRE Q is here to help. We created this miniseries to give you all the information you need on how to buy furniture online. In this first part of our Furniture 101 series, we’ll tell you all about some of the different types of furniture that may seem the most confusing at first glance.
#1: Platform Bed vs Standard Bed
If you’re looking for a bed, you might already know what size you want, but do you know what type of bed? When browsing online, you’re likely to find platform beds and standard beds. But what’s the difference?
The difference is in the slats!
Take a look at these beds:
The first image shows a bed with only 4 slats, which sit lower to the ground. This is a standard bed.
The second image shows a bed with many more slats and they are placed a bit higher than the slats in the other image. This is a platform bed.
Since a platform bed has more slats, it eliminates the need for a box spring or foundation. All you need is a mattress! As a result, you can put the money for a foundation towards a higher quality mattress. The downside is that since there is no foundation, a platform bed typically sits lower to the ground.
A standard bed, on the other hand, needs a box spring in addition to a mattress. If you’re looking for something with a little more height, then a standard bed might be the one for you!
#2: Loveseats & Sofas & Sectionals, Oh My!
This next tip on how to buy furniture online is all about seating for your living space. And when it comes to seating, it’s all about measuring your space. But the beautiful thing is that the furniture possibilities are endless! Here’s some of the basics.
Loveseats:
Larger than an accent chair, but smaller than a sofa. Loveseats typically are designed to seat 2 people comfortably. They’re perfect for those who maybe have a small space or are looking to round out a large formal space.
Sofas:
The “next size up” from a loveseat. They typically seat at least 3 people, but sofas come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space.
Sectional Sofas:
If you’re looking for something bigger than your average 3-seat sofa, then a sectional sofa might be the way to go! Sectional sofas typically come in U-shapes or L-shapes, so it all depends on how big your space is and how many guests you want to seat.
However, sectional sofas aren’t just for people with large spaces. There are sectional sofas with chaise lounges that can easily fit into a smaller space. One great example is the iNSPIRE Q Walnut Finish Fabric Sectional Sofa with Reversible Storage Chaise!
#3: The Shapeshifting Magic of a Console Table
Console table, sofa table, entryway table, TV stands, servers—what’s the difference? Not much! They’re all wide, rectangular tables designed to host your belongings. It all depends on you!
So ask yourself, where do you need some extra storage in your home? Need a place to store extra dinnerware in your dining room? A buffet server has got you covered.
Looking for some added surfaces in your living room? Try a sofa table or TV stand! And if you’re mounting the TV on the wall, you’ll have more freedom to get creative with styling your table!
Have some extra space in your foyer? A server or a sofa table rounds out the space beautifully, depending on if you need some added storage or just a spot to display your family photos.
Please keep in mind that most console tables can serve a variety of uses, but it all depends on the materials they are made with and how they are built. They’re wonderful multifunctional pieces, so use them wisely!
With the digital age we live in, it can be hard to even know how to buy furniture online. It looks like there is a piece for every want, every need, every style. We hope that this Furniture 101 guide has helped break down some of the key differences between some types of furniture so you can furnish your home with confidence.
If you liked this post, then be sure to come back for the next 2 parts of our 3-part miniseries! You can also check out our latest posts, follow our social media, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips and tricks from iNSPIRE Q!