It’s hard to remember a time when we didn’t buy everything online and expect it to arrive at our doorstep in a few days. But there’s a case for abstaining from checkout, at least where big-ticket décor items are concerned. For one, it can be a hassle to return these pieces once they’ve been delivered, unboxed, and set up in your space; for two, you may end up paying extra in shipping fees.
If you know the brand and have a good idea of what to expect, it’s much less of an issue. But we spoke to interior designers to get their recommendations on when they prefer to buy in person. Here’s their list, from wallpaper and paint to sofas and mirrors.