Furniture Delivery, Assembly and Returns: Your Online Buying FAQ

Quick answer

Check the dimensions option before you order, confirm who carries the piece upstairs, and keep the packaging until you know it works in the room. For most online furniture shopping, the biggest surprises come from size and access, not from the product itself.

Buying furniture online is mostly a logistics decision. The product photos tell you how a piece looks; the measurements, delivery route and return window decide whether it actually works in your home.

Below are the questions customers ask most often, with short answers you can act on before you click buy.

How do I know if a piece will fit before it arrives?

Measure the space, then measure the path to it: doorway width, stair turns, lift size and any tight corner. Compare those numbers with the dimensions listed on the product page, not with the photo. If a piece is available in several sizes, choose the dimensions option that matches your measured space rather than the one that looks best in the image.

For seating and tables, leave breathing room around the piece. A stool or side table that fits exactly against a wall can feel cramped once you use it daily.

• Write down doorway, hallway and lift dimensions before ordering.
• Check whether the item ships assembled or flat-packed, since that changes the box size.

What should I expect from furniture delivery?

Delivery method varies by item and size. Small accessories often arrive by standard parcel service, while larger furniture may need a two-person delivery or a scheduled slot. The product page and checkout will state what applies to your order, so read that line carefully rather than assuming.

If you live in a building with stairs or a small lift, mention it when you order. Access limits are the most common reason a delivery has to be rescheduled.

• Keep the delivery confirmation handy on the day.
• Clear the route inside your home before the driver arrives.

Does furniture arrive assembled?

It depends on the piece. Some items, like a ceramic candle holder or a teapot, arrive ready to use. Others, such as a stool with a metal frame, may require attaching legs or a footrest. The product page usually indicates whether assembly is needed and what tools you will need.

If assembly is required, do it on a soft surface to avoid scratching floors or finishes, and keep the hardware bag until the piece is stable.

• Check the product page for an assembly note before buying.
• Tighten screws by hand first, then finish with a tool.

What is the return policy for furniture?

Return windows and conditions are set by the retailer and can differ for large furniture versus small accessories. Before ordering, find the returns section and note the time limit, who pays return shipping and whether the item must be in original packaging.

For bulky pieces, return shipping can be costly, so it is worth confirming the measurements and color first. If you are unsure about a finish, ask customer service for a real-life photo or a sample where available.

• Save the original box and inserts until you are sure you are keeping the piece.
• Photograph the item before returning it, in case of transit damage.

How do I handle a damaged or missing part?

Report damage as soon as you notice it, ideally with photos of the packaging and the piece. Most retailers can send a replacement part faster than they can arrange a full return.

Do not assemble a damaged item if you plan to return it, as assembly can affect whether the return is accepted.

• Note any visible box damage when signing for delivery.
• Keep the original packaging until the issue is resolved.

Can I change or cancel an order after placing it?

That depends on how far the order has progressed. If it has not shipped, cancellation is often possible; once it is with the carrier, you may need to follow the returns process instead. Contact customer service as early as possible and have your order number ready.

For made-to-order or limited-edition items, cancellation rules can be stricter, so check the product page notes before buying.

• Act quickly: the window to cancel shrinks once an order ships.
• Ask for written confirmation of any cancellation or change.

Online furniture buying checklist

Measure the route, not just the room

Doorways, stairs and lift size decide whether a piece can reach the room you have in mind. If the route is tight, look for a smaller dimensions option or a flat-packed design.

Confirm assembly and tools

Check the product page for an assembly note and gather any tools before delivery day. Unbox on a soft surface to protect floors and finishes.

Read the return terms before you buy

Note the time limit, condition requirements and who pays return shipping for large items. Keep the original packaging until you are certain you are keeping the piece.

Product details that affect delivery and setup

• Tabouret Ilot Tokyo - Vert: Its metal frame includes a small shelf under the seat and a footrest, and it is available in multiple dimensions. Check the dimensions option against your counter or island height, and expect a slightly larger box than a simple stool because of the shelf and footrest.
• Lampe à poser Tokyo - Noir: It is offered in a GM15X53.5 dimensions option and is designed for a bedside table, desk or sideboard. Measure your surface depth and ceiling clearance before ordering, since the shade and height affect where it can sit.
• Theière Sicilia - Bleu sarah: It is part of the Sicilia collection and pairs with matching mugs and tableware. If you plan to build a set, order the pieces together so the Bleu Sarah tone matches and you avoid a second delivery.

Most online furniture problems are solved before checkout: measure the route, check the dimensions option, and read the delivery and return notes. Do that, and the piece you order is the piece that works in your home.