Furniture is a big investment, one that can last years if you shop smart. Whether you're on the hunt for a larger statement piece or adding final details to complete your space, the right retailer can make a huge difference. We've shopped at our fair share of places to buy furniture here at The Spruce, and our team knows exactly which retailers are worth visiting and purchasing from.
When shopping in a store or online, you want to feel confident that you’ll be getting a good-quality product for a fair price—and that you’ll have a service-oriented team helping you along the way.
In-store, that means a friendly and knowledgeable staff, plenty of samples to test or sit on, and clear delivery and return policies that make you confident in your purchase. Online, more is more in terms of information: A company that offers measuring or shopping guides, free swatches, easy, affordable delivery, and free returns will earn our loyalty!
Burrow
Easy to move
Stylish, functional, and modern pieces
Excellent variety
Free shipping
Limited styles
For comfortable modular furniture, consider Burrow. This company focuses on creating stylish and functional sofas, shelving units, and coffee tables and is rapidly expanding into rugs, lighting, and accessories as well.
The modular seating options are superior when it comes to selection and versatility of pieces, as you can rearrange as your needs change. You will need to purchase an additional set of arms or a corner piece to make conversions possible, but the flexibility of changing the use or configuration of your current furniture is well worth the cost.
If you’re an apartment dweller or frequent mover, you’ll also appreciate how easy it is to move Burrow sofas and sectionals. Each modular piece connects with hidden, heavy-duty clasps—so moving is as easy as unlatching each piece and transporting the individual sections. Our only complaint? We wish Burrow offered an even more extensive selection of pieces in various styles, going beyond the simple and modern.
Return Policy: Return fee of up to 20% of the item | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 1 to 4 weeks
Wayfair
Free shipping on orders over $35
Budget-friendly
A one-stop furniture shop
Limited selection of kids' furniture
Wayfair is a one-stop shop for furnishing any room in your house. The online retail giant offers everything from sectionals to dining sets, and it stands out for its free shipping options. The mix leans heavily into budget-friendly furniture options, so it’s a good pick if you need to furnish a space for cheap and want to save costly shipping fees on large item deliveries.
While there are plenty of ready-to-ship items to choose from, you can also have more customized pieces built. Check out Wayfair’s custom furniture options in categories like armchairs, sofas, beds, dining tables, and more. Find the silhouette that fits your style, then make selections on details like finish, fabric, and dimensions.
Just note that if you're shopping for kids' furniture, it's a limited selection. However, we find Wayfair's affordable options and variety of decor styles hard to top.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2-day shipping on many items
Article
Emphasis on quality materials and construction
Offers furniture bundles
Simple and modern aesthetic
Free delivery only if your order is over $999
$49 pick-up fee if you return an item
If you’re shopping for modern furniture, head straight for the stylish options available from Article. This online-only furniture business caters to those looking for a simple, modern aesthetic for their home or apartment.
We love Article's Sven Sofa, which is a breeze to assemble, sleek in its styling, and wonderfully comfortable. Whether you're shopping for pieces large or small, all of Article's pieces offer a mix of go-anywhere style, durability, and comfort across the board.
While shopping Article's furniture selection, you'll notice a neutral-heavy color palette prevails. These pieces are versatile and easy to fit into any room, but you’ll also find options for accent color, especially in fabric upholstery options for items like armchairs and ottomans.
An emphasis on quality of materials and construction is evident, with solid wood construction for the majority of pieces or full-aniline leather upholstery designed to patina with age. Article offers discounted furniture bundles when purchasing multiple items.
Return Policy: $49 pick-up fee with original packaging | Return Window: 30 days Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Amazon
Arrives quickly
Most items ship free
Many budget-friendly options
Less likely to find premium materials
You can find lots of furniture quickly on Amazon to meet your needs. With a seemingly endless supply of different pieces, from office chairs and standing desks to couches, accent chairs, and bed frames, you'll be able to browse and shop just about every type of furniture here.
Although you’re less likely to find premium materials like leather or solid hardwoods, most items ship for free and arrive quickly. Considering the extensive catalog, You may also have to do some digging to find the best pieces.
Amazon is a great resource if you’re searching for complementary furniture pieces to finish a guest room or outfit your home office. Plenty of choices exist for items like futons, desks, headboards, and coffee tables. Larger furnishings, like sectional sofas or entertainment centers, are more limited but can be found when perusing the site’s selections.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: Varies by retailer | Payment Options: No financing | Shipping Time: Next-day shipping on many items
Pottery Barn
Complimentary fabric and leather swatches available
Offers eco-friendly furniture
Free design assistance
Items can't be returned without a receipt
Shipping fees are common
Consider Pottery Barn, both in-store and online, for traditional furniture. With everything from sleeper and sectional sofas to beds, chairs, dining tables, and even sheet sets and bath towels, Pottery Barn is one of our editors' favorite retailers for all things home goods. Whether you're hoping to purchase a complete furniture set or mix and match individual pieces, the customization and high-quality pieces sold here are all standout options.
We love the sheer number of helpful services offered by Pottery Barn. You can take advantage of free design assistance, which helps you find solutions for spaces large and small. Or, make an appointment with the Pottery Barn Design Crew in-store or at your home, or chat with a designer online, and you can get personalized help. A virtual room planner lets you visualize and rearrange furniture pieces to find an ideal combination.
If you'd like to try out upholstery materials before investing in customized furniture, we also love that Pottery Barn offers complimentary fabric and leather swatches. Plus, keep an eye out for designations like Fair Trade-certified or Greenguard Gold-certified items if you’re shopping for eco-friendly options. This retailer is home to quite a few eco-minded and sustainably-sourced pieces.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: Next day for many items
Rove Concepts
High-quality, long-lasting materials
Company has a hands-on approach to the making of their furniture
Contemporary design style
Must be a member to get the best price
Shipping fees
The contemporary looks of Rove Concepts will turn heads, but the quality of the materials means comfort and longevity for years to come. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the company owns an artisan workshop where it oversees the production of the majority of its furniture. This hands-on approach to the quality of materials and construction gives real staying power to this brand's sofas, beds, dining tables, and more.
Best described as a luxury for every day, furniture from Rove Concepts represents an investment. However, members gain access to better pricing and early sales, and they also receive a voucher with every purchase equal to 10 percent of the value of the item.
These vouchers can be applied to any future purchase. At just $150 (and with the potential to save this sum many times over), it's worth enrolling as a member if you plan to purchase even one piece from this furniture retailer.
Even if you are a member, keep shipping costs in mind. Like many furniture retailers, Rove Concepts does charge shipping and delivery fees. However, we've found that the fees are generally a bit high compared to the other retailers on our list, which can increase your investment.
Return Policy: Free with original packaging | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Ikea
Innovative ready to assemble pieces
Quality, space-saving furniture
Variety of price points
Delivery only available in select areas
$49 large item shipping fee
While wandering through the supersized blue-and-yellow warehouses is one way to shop IKEA's selections, you can also check out big items like futons and folding dining tables online. Shop the Swedish home retailer for innovative, affordable, and ready-to-assemble products. IKEA is a top place to buy furniture on a budget, and it's much-loved by college students, first-time renters, and Scandinavian style enthusiasts.
While IKEA has made a name for itself with its affordable and space-saving furniture, there’s no shortage of variety in the retailer’s offerings. Shop the basics or splurge on premium materials and finishes.
Professionally designed and carefully engineered features mean the dressers, beds, tables, desks, and other items from IKEA can withstand daily use for years.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: 180 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Poly & Bark
High-quality, yet budget-friendly
Solid customer-first approach
Great for first-time homeowners
$99 repackaging fee if returning an item without packaging
Aimed at providing quality furniture for an affordable price, Poly & Bark is a direct-to-consumer furniture brand. Outfit every room in your home with options for sofas, armchairs, dining sets, desks, beds, dressers, accent lights, décor, and more. This is a great place to buy furniture for first-time homeowners or anyone looking to furnish a home with quality pieces that won’t break the bank.
Premium materials, like full-grain, pure-aniline leather on the bestselling Napa sofa, are key to the Poly & Bark collection. However, these spendier items are complemented by more budget-friendly options—like dining tables with rubberwood legs that feature medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and veneer tops.
Poly & Bark also stands out for its customer-first approach to doing business. For customers on the fence about colors or materials, Poly & Bark offers unlimited complimentary swatches. Order the colors and fabrics you’re most interested in and check them out in your space so you buy with confidence.
Everything ships free to your door, and there is a generous 100-day return window. If you don’t love what you bought, take advantage of the company’s no-cost return shipping (which applies to all purchases other than sale or clearance items). Just keep the original packaging or you'll face a $99 repackaging fee.
Return Policy: Free with original packaging | Return Window: 100 days | Payment Options: Accrue | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Urban Outfitters
Emphasis on rich textiles
Unique and eclectic options
Majority of furniture is only sold online
$99.95 shipping fee
For unique options to outfit your space, shop the eclectic selection at Urban Outfitters. This retailer is a great place to buy furniture if you want decor that isn’t boring or basic. Instead, you’ll find an emphasis on unique forms and shapes and rich textiles.
While the selections for large furnishings (like couches, beds, and armchairs) are more limited compared to other retailers, Urban Outfitters is worth a look for unique options you won’t find elsewhere.
The selection always features surprises, whether that's in the form of patterned rugs, gilded floor mirrors, or even modern sofas. Statement bed frames and chairs with a twist will stand out in any home.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Anthropologie
Playful, stylish, and trendy aesthetic
Customizable, made-to-order pieces
Complimentary styling consultations
Not the widest selection of basics
For shoppers on the hunt for eye-catching furniture full of personality, check out Anthropologie’s wide selection of high-end pieces. The design-forward retailer offers unique and modern furniture made with quality materials sure to make a statement in any room.
While this may not be the place to look for basic furniture pieces, Anthropologie’s bold designs are ideal for those looking to add visual interest to a space or spice up an otherwise plain room.
Anthropologie frequently releases new furniture collections and exclusive collaborations, so the retailer’s stock is always up-to-date with the latest design trends. In addition to pieces that are in stock and ready to ship, Anthropologie also offers many made-to-order items, allowing shoppers to customize specific sizes, dimensions, fabric types, colors, and finishes.
Those seeking extra guidance should look into booking a free virtual appointment straight from Anthropologie’s design services website, which is featured alongside several tips and resources sure to inspire your next home makeover.
Return Policy: Restocking fee | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 30 days or less for most items
The Home Depot
Large selection and variety of furniture
Free delivery to your home or local Home Depot
Carries furniture from other popular retailers
In-store selection is limited
You can shop a surprising selection and variety from Home Depot. Find furniture for the bedroom, dining room, home office, or living room in traditional, modern, or contemporary interior design styles and more.
Across the categories, Home Depot’s in-house brand, Home Decorator’s Collection, dominates the product picks. But you’ll also see products from home retailers like Safavieh, Noble House, Serta, and StyleCraft.
The in-store selection for anything other than patio furniture is limited, but you can shop online and arrange for free delivery to your home or a nearby Home Depot store.
Return Policy: Free | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Room & Board
Majority of items are made in America
Free virtual design services
Timeless, well-made styles
Limited style variety
Room + Board is a beloved option for high-quality furniture staples that are designed to outlive seasonal trend cycles. Online and in-store, you can find options for every room in your home, including upholstered bed frames, customizable sectionals, and patio furniture.
Before you commit to buying something, we particularly like that you can take advantage of the retailer's complimentary design services, where you'll be paired with a design expert—either virtually or in-person—for decor inspiration and help with furniture selection, floor planning, and more.
Returns are free, and they offer free leather and fabric swatches to help make your shopping decisions easier.
Many of Room + Board's offerings are on the pricier side, but if high-quality craftsmanship is a priority for you, then we'd argue it's well worth the splurge. Just note that if you're looking for styles other than modern, your options will be limited here.
Return Policy: Full refund with receipt | Return Window: Varies | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: Varies
Etsy
Supports small, independent sellers
Unique and one-of-a-kind pieces
Usually less expensive than designer or name brands
Shipping times can be long
Quality and value can vary depending on seller
Sellers aren’t required to accept returns
Etsy offers a truly one-of-a-kind, personalized shopping experience for those willing to stray outside of the typical large furniture retailers. With an endless number of independent sellers and small businesses on the online platform, shoppers can expect to find quality products for a fraction of the cost.
Many Etsy sellers offer handmade, vintage, and artisan pieces you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for whimsical, rustic, or contemporary furniture styles, Etsy’s selection is sure to please even the pickiest of shoppers.
While Etsy offers a ton of high-quality furniture on its website, shoppers should note the importance of researching the product and storefront beforehand, as return policies are left up to the seller and quality can vary drastically between sellers.
To ensure that you’re purchasing from a reputable and high-quality seller, shoppers should look at Etsy’s editors’ picks as well as other recent customer reviews.
Return Policy: Varies by seller | Return Window: Varies by seller | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: Varies by seller
Serena & Lily
Free design service
Casual and refined styles
Quality materials
Limited color palette
The coastal and modern design influences of Serena & Lily are perfect for brightening and cozying up any space. For those looking to incorporate a casual yet refined style into their home, shop the retailer’s luxury selection of modular sectionals, coffee tables, bookshelves, nursery decor, and even outdoor lounge furniture both online and in-store.
Serena & Lily’s understated and timeless furniture is ideal for those looking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. While most of Serena & Lily’s color palette leans neutral, the retailer embraces pops of color and bohemian elements that wonderfully balance one another.
These high-end furniture pieces boast quality materials, including brass finishes, handwoven rattan, and marble. Serena & Lily might not be known for their flashy catalog, but their attention to detail and effortless look allow their furniture to ooze quiet luxury.
Return Policy: 15% restocking fee | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Apt2B
Free delivery on every order
100-day return window
Affordable yet durable options
Options are limited in terms of style
If you’re shopping for modern furniture, Apt2B is a top retailer to check out. With a focus on options that are built to last, this furniture doesn’t just look good, it's durable. Many pieces are made in the USA, and you can also customize upholstery and color options using the site’s online shopping tool.
For some items, like sofas or sectionals, you can even choose options like width and seat depth for semi-custom furniture that fits your space. Custom sofas take just 2-3 weeks to make—a welcome departure from lengthier wait times at some other popular retailers.
Keep in mind that this is an online-only option, so you won't be able to try anything out in person before buying. However, if you're dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, the retailer does offer a generous 100-day return window.
Return Policy: Shipping fee | Return Window: 100 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: Next-day shipping for many items
West Elm
High-quality materials
Wide catalog of items
Responsive customer service
Long delivery times during certain times of the year
Known for offering high-quality modern and mid-century modern pieces, West Elm is a reliably stylish retailer you’ll want to check out. They have an extensive catalog of furniture items, from big-ticket items like bedframes to smaller accessories like floor pillows. We’re also huge fans of their selection of children’s furniture, which features surprisingly stylish items that are still eclectic enough for a playroom, basement, or kid’s bedroom.
West Elm offers furniture made from premium materials, and we’re big fans of the brand’s high-end designs and attention to detail. While their furniture may come at a steep cost, we think it’s worth it considering the quality and durability of West Elm’s pieces.
In our experience, West Elm’s customer service is responsive and accommodating. The returns are easy, and they also offer a helpful in-house design service if you need some inspiration.
Just note that for some larger furniture items, delivery times can be long—especially if you’re shopping around a major holiday or sale. And if you’re purchasing a custom product, you can expect to wait even longer. That said, you can filter by in-stock and ready-to-ship items on their website if you’re in a time crunch. With many brick-and-mortar stores across the country, we also recommend checking out their items in-store if you have one nearby.
Return Policy: Shipping and restocking fee; made-to-order items non-refundable | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: 1 to 4 weeks
Crate & Barrel
Classic and contemporary styles
Steep outlet discounts
Wide catalog of large and small items
Free fabric swatches
High shipping costs
If you’re in the market for contemporary, modern, or coastal furniture, Crate & Barrel is a great place to start. The brand has consistently high-quality craftsmanship, with furniture items made from materials like solid and engineered wood. Many of Crate & Barrel’s products offer a timeless look that can be used in a variety of spaces, too.
With retail locations across the country, we like that you can see many of the brand’s products in person before you purchase. Crate & Barrel also offers up to five free fabric swatches and a free design service, which can be a huge help if you’re struggling to get started. Keep an eye out for steep discounts at certain brick-and-mortar stores, as clearance items may be offered at a fraction of the original price.
With such a wide catalog of items large and small, Crate & Barrel can be a one-stop shop for virtually all of your home needs, whether stocking up on kitchen essentials or decorating your bedroom. Just note that shipping costs can vary based on the size of your order, so you’ll want to pay attention to any added fees before checking out.
Return Policy: Shipping fee | Return Window: 30 days | Payment Options: Financing available | Shipping Time: Varies
When Is the Best Time to Buy Furniture on Sale?
The cost of furniture varies greatly, with smaller pieces like accent chairs and desks starting as low as $100 and larger custom pieces like sofas and beds reaching $3,000 or more. Because furniture is always an investment regardless of price, you'll find sales offered throughout the year across the retailers on our list (and anywhere else you might shop for furniture, too.)
If you want to score a great deal, John Maxim, a real estate investor and master house flipper recommends shopping after a big sale, when suppliers want to eliminate surplus inventory. More specifically, he says to look "one week after Black Friday and Father's Day sales"—that is if the piece you're eyeing is still available.
What to Look For When Buying Furniture
A Wide Product Catalog
Look for retailers with a range of product assortment, because many times, you're not buying furniture for the entire home in one go. "It can cost $20,000 to $30,000 to furnish an entire home with matching sets. So, depending on your budget, you're probably going to be buying furniture room by room," says Maxim.
We like furniture retailers that offer a wide selection of different options. That way, you have the flexibility to customize each room and each piece to your liking. You don't have to stick with a dedicated set that matches couches and chairs or bed frames and dressers; as Maxim suggests, "Mixing and matching can be fun; you don't always have to copy looks right out of the catalog."
Reasonable Return Policies
Before committing to a purchase, be sure to get an upfront understanding of the retailer's return policies. How long is the return window? Will you have to cover the shipping costs? Return policies can vary widely, so you'll want to read the fine print before adding any furniture to your cart (especially if you're shopping online without seeing products in person.)
Be extra sure to examine the item upon arrival to make sure there's no damage. "If there's a tear or missing piece when the furniture arrives, take pictures and address it right away," says Maxim. Often, if you wait more than a few weeks, it will be too late.
Fast Shipping Times
Shipping varies depending on the retailer and time of year, but it's important to factor in when you're making a purchase—especially if that purchase is time-sensitive. "If you buy something that's in stock and on the floor, expect it within the week," says Maxim. But many times that's not the case, especially due to ongoing supply chain issues.
It's also important to note how your furniture will be shipped and delivered. If the pieces you're purchasing will require assembly, shipping timeframes are often shorter and speedier. For example, items that can be flat-packed and sent via delivery couriers like UPS and FedEx will often arrive within days or weeks.
However, if your furniture is being assembled before it arrives and requires special delivery, it may take longer to both ship and reach your front door.
Additionally, don't overlook the timeframe for custom furniture. Opting for custom upholstery or an entirely custom-built piece can extend the shipping time, taking anywhere from six to eight weeks or months to ship out for home delivery.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This story was written by Erica Puisis, who has been a contributor to The Spruce since 2017. She considered dozens of online and in-store furniture retailers for this story, evaluating each on product assortment, return policy, shipping time, and payment options.
Our Experts:
- John Maxim, a real estate investor and master house flipper.
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce